Radiator Flush

   / Radiator Flush #1  

PoodlePimp

Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2004
Messages
37
Tractor
John Deere 650
What is the absolute best radiator flush to use on my 650? I want to use something that yields good results. I checked around at some of the auto places and is seems that the radiator flush products on the shelf seem to rely on engine heat to aid in cleaning. My tractor the block seldom gets more than warm so would this type of flush be a waste of time, or is there a product out there I am unaware of? Any tips? Should I remove the T-stat to get better flow?
 
   / Radiator Flush #2  
I looked for radiator flush at Advance Auto to do my Benz. They only had 1: Zerex 10 minute Flush. Used it today. Doing the Benz is a pain in the butt because you have to remove the bottom radiator hose to dump the radiator. Had to then do this twice, once to dump old, then to dump flush stuff. Luckily, the block drain is reasonably easy to get to, and there's a nice vent plug on the thermostat housing that allows one to easily fill both the block and radiator and vent off the air there. This is the first time ever that I've ever used a flush. Think if you change the antifreeze before it gets worn out, that you don't need to do so. Didn't on the VW nor the Tacoma when I changed them out this last summer. Usually just flush really well with water only.

The flush stuff didn't get all the little bit of stuff that I could see on the radiator core. Looks like it removed most of it. Unfortunately, it appears that the Benz antifreeze is good for only 2 years as they say and not good for 3 1/2 that it's been in there. Before, at 2 year changes, the radiator core was crystal clear. Whereas, the "permanent" antifreeze in the VW seems to have caused no corrosion the 1st 5 years it was in there. Changed it out and plan to let it go for 5 years now.

Ralph
 
   / Radiator Flush
  • Thread Starter
#3  
That's the stuff I got too. Zerex 10 Minute Flush. I have mixed feelings about using it because the tractor never really gets warm, so it might not work as well in cooler water.
I saw at Advance Auto that Zerex makes a flush that is a little better. They recommend draining the coolant, and the reservicing with the flush and water. The operate the vehicle (or tractor in my case) from 3 to 6 hours. Then flush, backflush, flush again, and then reservice with antifreeze. Sounds better to me, but the way the weather has been lately I'm not sure I want to be on the tractor for that long of a time. Maybe I should pull the radiator and have it professionally flushed. Has anybody done this????
 
 
Top