I have the radiator out of my car right now, and had a friend recommend I get it cleaned and flushed out before putting it back in. Should I take it somewhere to have it professionally done, or could I do it myself? Has anyone done this themselves? If so what did you use, and how did you do it?

 

If the radiator doesn't leak, I've always just flushed it out thoroughly with water a few times. If it does leak at all, take it to a local radiator shop to have it cleaned and repaired. It's well worth the money.

 

It does not leak. That is what I was thinking though, just put the hose to it and run water through it for a while.

 

They do make stuff you can put through the radiator to loosen the deposits while flushing it, and you might do that as well.

 

Washing soda or proprietary domestic lime scale removers will help clean out your radiator while it's out of the car, no need to spend $$$ on anything else.

Roger.

 

I'd look in it, if the tubes inside look to be pretty clear flush it your self (flush it both directions from the top and the bottom and let it run a long time), if the tubes look like there is crap growing in them then take it to a shop to be roded out.

 

I agree!

 

To be honest, I don't know that you could fit it in the toilet. You can try flushing it but putting it in the trash is probably a much better alternative.

 

If you have scaling and buildup, plug one end and put in 3 or 4 containers of CLR. Way cheaper than having it tanked at a shop and just as effective. It may however open up some weaknesses in the tanks just like it would if you took them to a shop that acid dunks them to clean.

 

I think you can also achieve the same result by filling it with vinegar and letting it sit for a week or two.

- Eric

 

when you are ready to put it back in service, distilled water is best to use,there is no "extras" in it like there is w/ well water or city water.

 

Unless the car is running hot it shouldn't need rodding out, and for the extra expense you might as well get it recored, there was a post earlier about someone who had his radiator rodded out to cure an overheating issue, it didn't work, but a new rad cured his problem.
But if it isn't getting hot flushing with vinegar, soda or any other descaling additive won't do any harm.
But make sure you refill with 40-50% antifreeze when it all goes back together, not for frost protection but to stop internal electrolytic reaction.

Roger.

 

the radiator is shot. $25 more for a new one over the cost of re-core.
I just thought it might be a good time to flush the block.

Thanks for all of your advice.

 

Sorry guys, I just responded to the wrong thread.
My apologies.