Recommendation for coolant flush brand??

[IdahoDoug]

I'm putting in a new radiator and hoses and am considering using a cooling system cleaner with the old rad in. Then I'll flush everything, drain the block and install the new stuff.

I wouldn't do it if I weren't changing the rad because I'd be concerned about releasing gunk that would end up in the narrow rad passages, etc. But this way I'm hoping I'll clean the block/heater cores of grundge by backflushing, then toss the rad and have a clean cooling system.

So. Anyone have experience with this and/or a brand recommendation for the flush?

Thanks in advance,

DougM

 

[Landpimp]

Prestone make a real nasty stuff, its a 2 part powder, one part(the 2nd) is a nutralizer(ie baking soda I think) the other part is some kinda acid I suspect.....but man it does a good job.

I have not seen it on the Prestone web site but they have it at my part store, its in a can(not a bottle)

John

 

[TonkaC]

I used the prestone cleaner and sealer on mine. I've had the same rad in it since '70 with only two holes patched. I used the cleaner and then the sealer and it runs great. Then used the new DexCool coolant, I live in the north and needed the extra protection in the winter. It protects to -85 degrees or so. It also has more lubrication so it doesn't wear out pumps as fast.

 

[Bodean]

I have used this a few times and it seems to work fine. Cheap too. Pour a cup of automatic dishwashing detergent (not dishwashing liquid) in and run it for a while. Flush it a few times and fill.

Later,

 

[IdahoDoug]

I like the dishwashing powder from a price standpoint, but obviously there's the concern about making a rubber seal running on a shaft squeaky clean and run hot during cleaning. I'd go for the nasty prestone two part as it may have some provision for that while the detergent's in there. Didn't know about it, and wasn't planning on using the Prestone as it seems to be somewhat inneffective - a mild high volume product for the masses. Maybe the 2 part's for shop guys/serious shade tree mechanics. Thanks.

Doug

 

[nuclearlemon]

muratic acid...or dawn dishwashing soap(don't laugh....fleetguard makes a flush that is basically dawn minus whatever the heck it is that makes it so dang foamy).

 

[Doug_S]

After you get it all flushed out do what I do. Pop the lower hose loose every year, drain the system, and refill with the pre-mixed stuff. No worries, and no more cleaners!

 

[IdahoDoug]

Yep, that's the system status I'm shooting for and is how I treat my 93 since I've owned it since new. But this one's new to me and I want to start fresh with a known clean system. Thanks all!

DougM