Guys a couple of years ago I replaced my radiator among other cooling system components after it leaked atf into the cooling system. The shop that did the work drained the old fluid, filled with water and liquid dish soap, in hopes it would remove the atf. It did not. The internet info on this says that you need to use actual dishwasher detergent to remove the atf. Has anyone done this? What other options do I have? This stuff is super sticky and slimy. Any ideas?
Removing ATF from cooling system
- Thread starter Nightbrew
- Start date
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Rivman1243
SILVER Star
I use both liquid soap and powdered detergent when I flush oil out of a cooling system. If it was a couple of years ago that it happened I wouldn't be that worried about it unless you are seeing signs of oil in the coolant.
- Thread starter
- #3
Oh it’s in there. Easily visible under the rad cap and over flow bottle. Also my hoses have been saturated and constantly look sweaty. Any tips on using the soaps?
ppc
M Go Blue
The difference between the liquid soap and dishwasher soap is the latter would foam much less. They both cut the oil film but running the engine with the dishwasher soap for a period of time would be more effective.
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Rivman1243
SILVER Star
Drain the coolant, flush with water until you see it flowing clean out both the block drain and the radiator drain. then close add about 1/2 cup detergent and about 2 table spoons of liquid soap to the radiator and Fill with water. Run engine until the thermostat has fully opened and everything is good and hot. Then run it at temp for about 15 to 20 minutes at about 3000 rpm. Let it cool down. Repeat at least once, probably twice.
This is all assuming that the trans cooler isn't leaking again.
This is all assuming that the trans cooler isn't leaking again.
- Thread starter
- #6
That’s exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much.
maxamillion2345
Franken-80
Powdered cascade.
But I’d consider Fleetguard Restore
But I’d consider Fleetguard Restore
The best degreaser out there is TSP. I would dissolve a few tablespoons of TSP in warm water and run that through. TSP is the 'phosphates' that used to be put in dishwasher and clothes washer detergent to make them work well.
Rivman1243
SILVER Star
While I agree @maxamillion2345 and @SteveH I don't use them on smaller engines and cooling systems. If you've never used them you can do more damage than good. Im a diesel mechanic in a fleet maintenance shop for a trucking company and we use dish soap.
i would be more concerned with removing coolant from the transmission
- Thread starter
- #11
I hear you. There hasn’t been any indication that it got in there. I’m sure there is some. But not enough for anyone to notice
- Thread starter
- #12
It one of these products could remove it in one flush, that we be incredible. Have you used it before?
maxamillion2345
Franken-80
I’ve wanted to try it, lots of 6.0 powerstroke guys use it to try and clear their oil coolers. That and Motorcraft VC9, which I have used, but thats more comparable to the Restore Plus. I think you could run a light solution of the Restore, after a few water flushes and then see what comes out. If I had cause I would try it for sure.
Have used the powdered cascade on 100 gal Cat cooling systems though lol
Rivman1243
SILVER Star
I think you'll be surprised how clean it will be if you use the soap. It works well but might take a flush or two. Part of the reason I like it is oil floats to the top and when you drain the sys it will try to coat everything as it drains out. That's where the multiple flush, wash, drains helps.
