Radiator Flush

[mgv366]

I was just wondering about "flushing" my radiator. I've never done it (had ex 3 yrs) and was wondering if it's worth doing. If so what is a good product to use and where the heck does one let all that antifreeze run to?

 

[aldive]

I would say its definately worth doing.

Be careful about the disposal of the old coolant and whatever cleaning chemicals you use.

Or... simply take it to a Jiffy Lube type place and have them do it and not worry about the disposal.

Good luck.....

 

[Positive Vibes]

I would take it in also. They will actually vaccum all the old coolant out, so you know you get all the crud out. It wasn't very expensive and disposing of the old coolant could be a pain.

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

Here's an easy way. I veto the coolant flush products b/c they can leave chemicals that are known to eat through gaskets (ie head). There are several ways to flush; one is to remove the t stat housing, take out t stat and replace housing. Put a hose into the rad filler cap, remove the upper hose from the engine to radiator (be sure to point away from truck or use extension house), and turn on hose and then start the X with heater on HIGH. This will pull all of the old coolant though and rinse the block and radiator with new clean water. Do this for 5 minutes or until the water is clean. OR, drain all of your fluid, replace with water, turn truck on and run for 10-15 minutes. Stop, drain water and fluid, repeat, and then add new mixture with new t stat. Hope this helps.

 

[aldive]

How do you dispose of the flushed out coolant?

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

I always ran mine into the sewer.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by rossneag
I always ran mine into the sewer.

Thats against the law in most, if not all places....

 

[Positive Vibes]

rossneag: I really hope you were joking. That's so bad for the environment and animals love the taste of anitifreeze, which will make them sick or kill them. Bad very, very bad!!!!!!!

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

That was what I was instructed to do by a knowledgeable friend of mine. I ALWAYS rinsed the area down tremendously with water. Obviously I won't do that again. Do you reclycle it just like used oil? Seriously guys, I am sorry.

 

[Positive Vibes]

I'm not sure how to recycle it, that's one of the main reasons I have it done. Call the local auto parts store they should be able to lead you in the right direction.

Here in Cal. the sewer drains runs directly to the ocean, they don't clean it or anything. So we basically consider everything that goes in the drain ends up in OUR ocean.

 

[aldive]

Out of sight ( down the drain ) is out of mind.... NOT Its still very eharmful.

Its much easier to have a shop do the flush.

But thanks for not doing it anymore....

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

Honestly I am old enough to have gotten better advice on this. Old habits... not anymore. I know that it is very dangerous and lethal for pets so I hosed everything down very, very well. I will either take it in or contain it and find out where to take it from now on.

I'm glad to see that there are very responsible members who look out for each other. Thanks guys.

 

[Positive Vibes]

No Thank You for being open minded and consceince (sp?).

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

I remember seeing the "Flows to Ocean" paint on the curb sewers in CA. Maybe we need that here in Chicago "Flows to Lake Michigan." Thanks for getting my ass in gear about engine coolant.

 

[taxx]

Originally posted by rossneag
I remember seeing the "Flows to Ocean" paint on the curb sewers in CA. Maybe we need that here in Chicago "Flows to Lake Michigan." Thanks for getting my ass in gear about engine coolant.

Hopefully it is cleaned before it hits our beautiful, clear, salmon and trout filled lake!