Best way to clean out radiator
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Best way to clean out radiator

B Walker

B Walker

Active member
Actually let me back up: How often should you clean out your radiator? While on topic, what is the best way to get all the gunk out of it inside and out?
 
I clean mine every three years. I wont type out several paragraphs telling why its a good idea, but will type out my procedure.

1. drain as much coolant out of the entire system.
2. Add in standard radiator flush.
3. fill back with filtered water using a Garden Hose water filter.
4. drive for several days. Normally its one weekend to the next.
5. Drain and refill with water, again. Drive far enough to bring it back up to operating temperature. Drain again and refill with water except for radiator.
6. Fill radiator with concentrated coolant and top off with filtered water.

Around 50k I replace thermostat. I also use the filter for my camping water but not water that's stored for months.
 
The short answer is yes, change it. The edited long reason is "its political"

The issue is water. Water mixed with anything forms acid. In relation to the cooling system, the acid attacks rubber and soft metal. In our case aluminum. The weakest metal in our vehicles is the heater core. The acid in the cooling system starts a process called "electrolysis". Think acid etching and batteries. In my career, I have replaced more heater core then I can fathom. All but a handful were due to electrolysis. I know this because where it leaked, there is a black or yellow stain at the leak. I worked at the dealer. That means I almost never saw a vehicle with 100k.

The political part is, the projected life span of a vehicle is 35k-40k miles. Your suppose to buy a new vehicle every 3-4 years. When I first started in the business in the late 70's, you changed your coolant every 2-3 years. Coolant evolved slightly but the issues caused by water didn't change much. Unfortunately, the manufactures started changing the owners manual and shop manuals. Everything became either "lifetime" or the replacement time was extended. The manufactures started allowing a higher percentage of acid and calling it normal wear.

At my school we have factory training. One of my buddies there teaches for a diffrent manufacture then I do. I love getting him riled up any time he mentions "life time fluids" he shows me current factory information then I look up reality based on fact and not propaganda. One day he actually admitted that I was right but his students need to preform by the factory standards. When it comes to peoples "opinions" ether professional or not, the best place to get current information has always been the factory manual. I'm not saying it isn't but somethings need to be taken with a grain of salt. For this reason,

On a side note, stay away from "Evans Coolant"
 
I do. Just don't flatten the fins. I normally wash it through the grill. Understand your actually cleaning the ac condenser more then the radiator.

On the same note, a garden hose sprayed from inside to outside should be done periodically. We end up with dirt and sand stuck between the fins. I take the nozzle off, turn the hose on full and using my thumb for spray, wash forward inside the fan shroud.
 
Using a pressure washer on a radiator is something you should approach with caution. While it might seem like a good way to clean out debris and dirt, the high pressure can actually damage the delicate fins as smritte already pointed out and core of the radiator.

Tips for Safely Cleaning a Radiator:​

  1. Low Pressure: If you decide to use a pressure washer, make sure to set it to the lowest pressure setting to avoid damaging the fins.
  2. Distance: Keep a safe distance between the nozzle and the radiator. Holding the nozzle too close can bend or break the fins.
  3. Angle: Spray at a downward angle to prevent pushing debris further into the radiator or causing damage.
  4. Alternatives: Consider using a garden hose with moderate pressure or a specialized radiator cleaning tool for a gentler approach.

Steps for Cleaning a Radiator:​

  1. Preparation: Ensure the engine is cool before starting the cleaning process.
  2. Access: Remove any guards or covers to access the radiator.
  3. Debris Removal: Use a soft brush to remove loose debris and dirt from the surface.
  4. Gentle Wash: If using a hose, gently rinse the radiator from the back to the front to push out debris without forcing it deeper into the fins.
  5. Inspection: After cleaning before you go running for a beer, check for any bent fins and carefully straighten them with a fin comb (or what ever you have) if necessary.
 
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