Radiator repair and cooling system flush

[Ormas4X4]

In my very first post, I told of getting for XMAS a new to me 03 Explorer 4.0, 4X4 with a blown HG. Since then I had the engine removed and now have cycled most of the parts through the Machine shop. The good news is that after 202k miles, everything is standard. Next week I'll have the money for the rest of the parts, including the timing kit. So to get this post back on track, I had oil in the water and water in the oil. A second issue is that the engine rubbed the radiator on the way out. Looking at the radiator with a 20x optic, I can see the tiny holes. The holes are not much bigger then the head of a pin. Before my purchase, the radiator was new.

I have two questions:
First; What is the best procedure and product to use to flush the cooling system of the chocolate Goo?
Second; What is the best was to repair the radiator? Please don't suggest any pellets or powders. I would rather not take it out. But, if necessary to guarantee it will not leak later, I'll do what ever I have to do.

Thanks in Advance
Orma

PS. Not having a 4X4 this winter was a bad idea?

 

[FordFool2]

Look for a radiator shop nearby. They have the equipment to boil the radiation and flush it clean. They should first pressure test it to know if there are any leaks which they will be able to repair. Price a new one anyway so you can compare repair vs. replace.

 

[Ormas4X4]

Thanks fort the reply. I have a good shop in the area. I'm saving that for last choice. I first want to investigate DIY solutions. Disconnecting the radiator requires dumping the Freon. Also, all the others cooling system components will also require flushing and I need suggestions for products to accomplish that. In the past I have used CLR. I'm not sure how good it will be with oil

 

[FordFool2]

I would have thought you would only have to claim the freon if you disconnect the condenser. Usually that is not required to pull the radiator. Does the condenser have to be removed to lift out the radiator or get at some fasteners?

 

[Ormas4X4]

Yes it looks that way. otherwise I would just pull it. Perhaps someone knows a way to work around it.

 

[Ronin8002]

the radiator, transmission cooler, and condensor are all separate units on your truck. Radiator is closest to the engine, followed by the transmission cooler, then the condensor is at the front.

You can pull the radiator without having to drain transmission fluid or A/C refrigerant.

I would suggest just getting a new radiator. That way you know for sure it's clean, and that it won't leak. You can get one for less than $100 from Rockauto.com. It's a bit of a pain to get the old one out, but not that complicated...you just have to remove a few things to get to where you can pull it.

As for flushing, I used the Peak radiator flush kit from my local auto parts store and that seemed to work well.

 

[Ormas4X4]

I don't have a lot of faith in Rock Auto parts. I purchased a few things from them and one or two were real cheap. However if the radiator will come out, I'll see what the shop can do with it. Thanks

 

[Ronin8002]

I hear you. Since Rockauto is just a vendor, it all depends on the brand you buy. Research is key.

Hard to go wrong with Motorcraft, but you'll pay more for those parts obviously. Sometimes even Motorcraft parts can fail if the overall design or integration sucks. Take the 4th Gen radiators for example.

Good luck and post up with how things come out.