Flushing radiator

[pjbci]

I have a couple of machines that are running a little warmer than they have in the past summers. I have always used cascade to flush out my radiators in the past. But my question to you all is, is there something better out there? What has given you all the best results?

 

[Helper81]

I have been using this for a few years Fleetguard Restore Plus Cooling System Cleaner CC2638 I was shocked and amazed at just how much "stuff" as in scale and hard deposits can out of the radiator and engine when we flush the fleet vehicles. It deff works and a I love it.

 

[Johnp33]

What I do is drain the unit, fill a pail with warm water add Arm and Hammer washing soada, and mix it with a paint mixer on a drill. Add a 1/2 cup of Casade Dish washer Soap. Pore the mix into anouther pail, and add to the unit, keep doing it untill the unit is full. You can work it with the mix in it, for the day then drain it out the next evening, keep doing it untill the mix comes out clean. Over fill the system to clean the junk from the top section of the recovery tank, or the rad. Be sure the rad cap is holding proper preasure. that can cause all kinds of overheating problems.
Just a thought! Restore is a great product but pricey, and I believe my mixture works better and is cheap.

 

[Soundguy]

i just use water and vinegar..

 

[pjbci]

All good ideas. I havnt even thought about the radiator cap. I know the one on my 4840 is loose as a goose.

 

[94BULLITT]

Drain the block if they have a drain. You will be surprised at the crud that will come out.

 

[pjbci]

Oh yeah, i know. What always amazes me is how many times it takes of filling, running until warm, and draining again and again until the water comes out clean instead of brown. That why i am asking for peoples own favorite ways of doing it. Ive used cascade many times and arm&hammer also but never combined the two like someone mentioned. I think im going to try the mix. I wonder if i add vinegar to the mix will i get a violent reaction. I better try that in a bucket first and see what happens first. Gonna also get a new radiator cap and see how cool it runs. Thanks fellows.

 

[pjbci]

Now that i have thought about for a min.... Vinegar and baking soda DONT mix. Bad idea.

 

[duroc]

Now that i have thought about for a min.... Vinegar and baking soda DONT mix. Bad idea.

Vinegar and baking soda works wonders in clearing a slow running drain. I do agree tho, I wouldn't use that solution in an engine/radiator, etc.

 

[crazyal]

I've heard of people using CLR. Flush, add a bottle or two, fill with water, and then run the vehicle up to operating temp for 15 minutes. You will need to flush it out with fresh water, maybe even twice before filling the system up with 50/50. Never tried it so I can't confirm it works.

 

[uniqman]

Hi all,
i always use sulfuric acid which is actually common battery liquid. It cleans everything in just 2-3 hrs. Always have eye protection rubber gloves and for sure old clothes on!!!
After the treatment just flush the system with clean water 2-3 times and then go with water/antifreeze solution .

 

[Soundguy]

i bet aluminum just loves sulfuric acid.. ( IE.. watch out for newer aluminum radiators.. )

 

[pjbci]

Copper too!

 

[BleedingOrange]

i just use water and vinegar..

I like that idea. Is it a 50/50 mix ? And how long do you leave it in the rad ?

 

[Soundguy]

I like that idea. Is it a 50/50 mix ? And how long do you leave it in the rad ?

vinegar is realitively cheap ( store brand gallon jugs ).. and safe too.

I buy a couple gallons and put them in if it needs some water to top off with.. I add it.

then I take it around the pasture till it comes up to temp and then let it run like that and circulate. typically shut it down.. then start it up again.. run till warm.. then i get to draining it.

not a bad idea to knock out a core plug and backflush the block with a garden hose.. pull rad hoses. flush rad.. etc.

be surprised what you can find

after that I buton up.

fill with water.. if I feel like it.. i'll put in a tablespoon of sodium carbonate that i keep around for electrolysis. run her till warm. drain .. refill with proper water and antifreeze.

the drainings arent for flrushing the soloution so much.. but rather getting sediments out. I've gotten significant sediment out past 3 drainings on a new to me machine before....

 

[BleedingOrange]

Great info. Thanks.

 

[Soundguy]

good luck.

this is one of those 'more of an art than a science' type things. so you got plenty of leeway. whatever you do will be better than leaving it unflushed and un serviced.

 

[madmax12]

good luck.

this is one of those 'more of an art than a science' type things. so you got plenty of leeway. whatever you do will be better than leaving it unflushed and un serviced.

I didn't see it posted in this thread. How often are you guys performing this service? By hours or years? How many?

 

[pjbci]

Im sure it would probaly be a good idea to do it everytime you change the coolant. Myself, like many others, seem to wait until engines start to run hotter than normal, then regret not doing it sooner.

 

[94BULLITT]

It is a good idea to use distilled water when you refill it.