radiator flush

[KWL82]

I'm going to replace leaky radiator and associated hoses. question, is it worthwhile to do system flush beforehand? i dont want to have new parts and old crud lurking behind somewhere. but, if not necessary then don't want to waste time and effort when i have long list of tasks. thanks in advance

[DieselSpider]

Yes its a great idea to do a white vinegar flush any time you service the cooling system. That old cancer lurking in the system can take out a new radiator in fairly short time. If enough comes loose while at highway speeds you may overheat and warp the head before you can pull over. You feel lucky?

[baltobernie]

I'd go with a specialty flush product and a back-flush "T" to do the job right. Don't forget to open the heater to Full Hot to flush the heater core too, and to drain the block when finished.

[KWL82]

thanks for quick replies. this site is better than google

[DieselSpider]

White vinegar usually works better than most commercially available flushes and is less caustic too. I use a stainless steel wet vac to evacuate the system afterwards to ensure a good thorough flush. My brother did not believe it could be any good until he needed to clean up a steel shaft which I had him wrap in rags soaked in white vinegar and water followed by some plastic wrap. 24 hours later the shaft looked like it had been glass bead blasted without any abrasive loss of metal. Dollar store vinegar works just fine too.

[KWL82]

DeiselSpider, do you use it just like the store products? use with the backflush 't'? how much did vinegar do you use? 22oz, give or take?

[DieselSpider]

DeiselSpider, do you use it just like the store products? use with the backflush 't'? how much did vinegar do you use? 22oz, give or take?

50/50 mix with the amount required for your engine. I have a 4FB1 Turbo Diesel in mine so volume of coolant is different. Use it just like the commercial stuff and you can use the tee if thats what works for you.

Using Engine Ice in my motorcycles is what got me started on using plain old white vinegar as that is their reccomended flush for all vehicles and it works so well its become my flush of choice plus like their coolant its non-toxic and at worst is going to help control the weeds growing up through the cracks in your driveway.