Help with radiator

[kaf]

Can ne one suggest what I can use to flush my radiator through with? I got the stuff you put in and run the engine but now I got my rad off and have to put in a new waterpump. I want to clean out the rad before putting it back but dont know what to use. Cant stretch to a new rad at the moment. Ne suggestions guys???

[MoggyTech]

Reverse flush it with a garden hose. Stick a hose in the rad outlet and wrap some rags around the pipe to form a seal. Leave the water running for a good hour or until clean water is coming out of the top.

For best results, flush again using the top filler neck, and repeat each process a couple of times.

[bmcecosse]

I don't think it will need an hour!! 2 minutes will be plenty. Think of the planet!! Just reverse the flow a couple of times.

[Peetee]

I always flush both ways twice then fill again with my hand over the outlet and allow the pressure to build up a little again. It tests the soundness of the rad or heater matrix and sure does help to shift extra crud.

[MoggyTech]

Think of the planet!!

Yes quite right, silly me. Do it over a drain so the water gets back into the sea Couple of minutes will be fine, unless it's really clogged. I'm off to smack my own wrist

[kaf]

Will flushing with water be enough? Its very corroded.

[MoggyTech]

Will flushing with water be enough? Its very corroded.

Really need to try it and see. If the rad has been topped up with hard water, it may just be limescale, so something like Calgon will clear it. Caustic Soda is another option, but be carefull as it burns eyes and skin.

[paulk]

Do the engine and Heater matrix too Or all your hard work will just fill up with rusty goop when you plumb it back in the car.

[MoggyTech]

Do the engine and Heater matrix too Or all your hard work will just fill up with rusty goop when you plumb it back in the car.

Yes excellent point, flush the lot.

[Axolotl]

Yes excellent point, flush the lot.

...but start saving for a new radiator anyway. Flushing won't help if some of the tubes are completely blocked and some are open.

I could flush mine in both directions with a good flow of water, but the car overheated until I fitted a reconditioned rad. I think the problem was that the central tubes were blocked, so there was no flow where most of the cooling happens.

[kaf]

I flushed and flushed. You should have seen the stuff that came out. I did it over a drain but we got plenty of water in Plymouth, it never stops raining!! Flushed out the engine by putting the hose in the thermostat thingy, would that have flushed the heater as well? I really am a novice!
Kaf

[DaveC]

Hi Kaf
To do the heater it's necessary to remove the rubber pipes from the tap and return pipe that go to the heater. A short bit of copper pipe will join your hose to one pipe, put the other open one into a bucket. Turn on the hose and flush the muck into a bucket. Reverse the pipes a couple of times then refit the rubber pipes back to the tap and return pipe.
Cheers
Dave

[kaf]

Thanks Dave, I have to take your word for that, it sounds involved!! I got new water pump, hoses and bits n bobs coming on wed, thats why I want to get it all cleaned out before I fit my new stuff. Might be easier to do when Im looking at the car, will have a go 2moz. I got my MOT (not mine personally!!) on friday so I have to get it back together soon!!
Kaf