If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Flush Radiator - Opinions
What is the general consensus on flushing a radiator using your garden hose?
First, I know that you can't dump the coolant itself, but is it okay if residual coolant is washed out on the ground while flushing (I'm in MN BTW, if anyone knows)? Second, my mother's bf, who is kind of a blow-hard know-it-all moron, but sometimes knows what he is talking about, says there are too many minerals in household water and they will plug tiny passages in the radiator and cook solid once they get hot ruining it. Is it a big job to flush and change all the hoses? I haven't had any trouble, but when I brought it into Precision Tune for another problem, the guy said all the hoses are OEM and should be replaced. He also suggested replacing the Dex Cool with standard coolant. '98 SL Sedan 5 speed Manual SOHC >115K |
Ads |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
> but is it okay if residual coolant is
> washed out on the ground while flushing I generally fill with tapwater, run the engine until the thermostat opens, and drain to flush. Then that stuff gets taken in to the recycling center with the drained coolant. > too many minerals > in household water and they will plug tiny passages in the > radiator Different places will have different mineral content... but what does he use, distilled water? > Is it a big job to flush and change all the hoses? Nope. If you're flushing anyway, this is the time change the hoses.... Tim. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 17:53:37 GMT, "Richard" > wrote:
>What is the general consensus on flushing a radiator using your garden hose? Use a watering can of jug to pour the water in. you don't want to jam the hose into the radiator and risk damage by applying a full water jet. Actually, you can just drain the old stuff and put the new stuff in. You are replacing the coolant because the anti-corrsosion additives loose efectiveness over time and the mix level may have changed over time. The anti-freeze does not wear out, and there should not be any corrosion on the system if the car has been maintained. > >First, I know that you can't dump the coolant itself, but is it okay if >residual coolant is washed out on the ground while flushing (I'm in MN BTW, >if anyone knows)? > No. Get a bucket and catch any of the stuff. The glycol used in the coolant is poisonous and will taste sweet to any pet or animal or small child that may get a hold of it. It is a painful death. >Second, my mother's bf, who is kind of a blow-hard know-it-all moron, but >sometimes knows what he is talking about, says there are too many minerals >in household water and they will plug tiny passages in the radiator and cook >solid once they get hot ruining it. Only if yo plan to boil off the coolant or if you have very hard water. Tap water is generally ok if its good for drinking and you are not boiling off the stuff, if you are lazy, you can buy pre-mix thats all ready at the recommended blend. > >Is it a big job to flush and change all the hoses? I haven't had any >trouble, but when I brought it into Precision Tune for another problem, the >guy said all the hoses are OEM and should be replaced. He also suggested >replacing the Dex Cool with standard coolant. > Remenber to open up the heater valve. If you don't you leave a bit there. and switching out the heater hoses is a bitch, but a 98 should have plenty of life left. I have a 90 GMC truck with the orignal hoses and they still look fine. Do check the hose, the thermostat and the radiator cap. If they look fine and work fine, you can probably go another two years to the next change. >'98 SL Sedan 5 speed Manual SOHC >115K > |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
There will be corrosion even if the antifreeze is changed bi-annually. I
generally use the hose flush method and the stuff that comes out after the radiator has been drained is always brown indicating corrosion. I also always use a chemical flush as well. It takes a long time to drain the radiator, flush with the garden hose, refill with distilled water, put in the additive, run to temp and then 15 minutes longer, then do it all over again filling the last time with distilled water, then again draining to fill with the antifreeze. I do this every two years and have not had any radiator or cooling system problems in any of my 5 vehicles that IU maintain for my family. Bob "M. Cantera" > wrote in message ... > On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 17:53:37 GMT, "Richard" > wrote: > > >What is the general consensus on flushing a radiator using your garden hose? > Use a watering can of jug to pour the water in. you don't want to > jam the hose into the radiator and risk damage by applying a full > water jet. Actually, you can just drain the old stuff and put the new > stuff in. You are replacing the coolant because the anti-corrsosion > additives loose efectiveness over time and the mix level may have > changed over time. The anti-freeze does not wear out, and there > should not be any corrosion on the system if the car has been > maintained. |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
|
#6
|
|||
|
|||
|
#7
|
|||
|
|||
|
#8
|
|||
|
|||
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
After Coolant flush still heavy sediment | DoctorZ | Technology | 12 | February 27th 05 04:40 AM |
OK to flush used oil down the toilet? | Jhat315 | Technology | 22 | February 10th 05 08:26 PM |
Engine flush | Phill | BMW | 8 | December 17th 04 11:59 PM |
Transmission flush harmful? | jbourgeois | Honda | 0 | December 5th 04 11:57 PM |
Coolant Flush | Echoadmin | Ford Mustang | 9 | November 14th 04 11:47 PM |