Radiator Flush 79

[pininfarina79]

Next project is flushing the radiator. Don't know how long it's been, but I took off the cap and found some gunk in there that I'm guessing its from the late Cretaceous Period. Yuk. Any hints? Is that sensor in the foreground the fan switch/temperature sensor? Is that bolt head the drain plug? Radiator looks pretty rusted from the backside. Am I facing a replacement before long?

[18Fiatsandcounting]

...found some gunk in there that I'm guessing its from the late Cretaceous Period.

Looks more like late Mesozoic era to me, but I could be wrong...

Is that sensor in the foreground the fan switch/temperature sensor?

Yes, if the sensor is at the bottom left of the radiator as you are looking towards the front of the car, it's the fan switch. Temperature sensors are generally on the top of the cylinder head, at least on the cars that I'm familiar with.

Is that bolt head the drain plug?

Yes.

Am I facing a replacement before long?

Perhaps, but give the radiator a good flush and put it all back together and see how it runs. If the engine runs too hot, or parts of the radiator are cool while others are hot, and obviously if there are leaks from the radiator, then yes, time for a new radiator.

-Bryan

[pininfarina79]

Thanks for the advice Bryan. I'll post my progress. Always an adventure!

[Slartibartfaster]

Two quick things -
1. Before opening the drain plug, spray some PB blaster type stuff on it. Since it's been on there a long time if it is crusted on the housing can crack where the bolt goes in. Happened to me and required welding to fix.
2. Before refilling the radiator read some of the great posts on the forum about getting air out of the system. It is easy to think you've got it right when it isn't and an air pocket will have you chasing your tail with overheating issues.

[profcucchi]

Two quick things -
1. Before opening the drain plug, spray some PB blaster type stuff on it. Since it's been on there a long time if it is crusted on the housing can crack where the bolt goes in. Happened to me and required welding to fix.
2. Before refilling the radiator read some of the great posts on the forum about getting air out of the system. It is easy to think you've got it right when it isn't and an air pocket will have you chasing your tail with overheating issues.

Sounds exactly where I'm at. Probably a flush is better than topping up and burping. Sigh...

[DieselSpider]

Plain old White Vinegar makes an excellent radiator flush and is quite economical just mix it 50/50 with distilled water so you are not weakening its effects with chlorides and lime scale from tap water.

Do consider adding some Lucas Super Coolant or Water Wetter to the coolant as it can make quite a big difference in the effectiveness of the cooling systems ability to transfer heat from the engine. The Diesel in my 124 really was a bit much for the stock radiator before I added the Lucas Super Coolant.

https://lucasoil.com/products/problem-s ... er-coolant

https://www.redlineoil.com/waterwetter