Remove Radiator

[davery]

I'm getting ready to remove the radiator. Depending on the condition, it may be our for a few weeks. Is there anything I should do, as the block will be sitting for a while without coolant.

[So Cal Mark]

unless you remove the drain plug from the right side of the block, merely removing the radiator won't drain the block

[davery]

unless you remove the drain plug from the right side of the block, merely removing the radiator won't drain the block

At this point I'm not really trying to drain the block. Just wanted to ask if I pulled the radiator and leave it off for a few weeks if there was anything I should do.

[RRoller123]

Probably just plug the openings with some rags so detritus from the shop doesn't get in there and mess things up when it all goes back together.

[davery]

Probably just plug the openings with some rags so detritus from the shop doesn't get in there and mess things up when it all goes back together.

Good idea, thanks. When i get the radiator reinstalled I plan on installing a t-fitting to the heater hose, replacing all the hoses and flushing the system. Can anyone recommend the best way to flush the system?

[RRoller123]

There are plenty of flushing procedures that have been discussed here, so I bet the search engine can find those discussions, but Mark is correct about that block side plug, make sure you pull that to get all the fluid out, and also remember that it is extremely toxic to pets, so it should be captured/recycled and not allowed to just flow down the street to drain. We had a case in our neighborhood (quite a few years ago) where a local dog lapped some of it up as it was flowing to drain. Tragic loss for the family.

[DieselSpider]

When the radiator is out I will use a shop vac to ensure the block and heater core gets cleaned out. A few flushes with a 60/40 mix of water/white vinegar can clean things up very nicely without resorting to one of the caustic commercial flushes.

Adding a water wetter to the coolant when you refill it can result in a dramatic improvement in cooling system performance.

[davery]

When the radiator is out I will use a shop vac to ensure the block and heater core gets cleaned out. A few flushes with a 60/40 mix of water/white vinegar can clean things up very nicely without resorting to one of the caustic commercial flushes.

Adding a water wetter to the coolant when you refill it can have result in a dramatic improvement in cooling system performance.

Planning on doing just that. Right now I'm just trying to figure out how the aftermarket condenser comes out. It looks like the wedged the damn thing in.