Radiator Flushing?

Airborne Ranger · 11-16-03, 11:55

What's a good brand of radiator flush to pickup at your local auto parts store??? I only have access to Autozone, any suggestions??? Tks to all,,,,91

Boner1 · 11-16-03, 01:59

Maybe off the mark, But if your changeing fluids in and aluminum block, please fill with distill water only after flush .
Way to many minerals in tap water.

Bill D · 11-16-03, 02:32

I don't think a chemical radiator cleaner is really needed unless it is severely scaley. If the coolant comes out dirty as you drain it you could simply flush the radiator several times if needed with the distilled water until the water drains out clean.

Lost Pup · 11-16-03, 04:21

I have used the various added cleaners and none really stand out in comparison to the "Mechanical Power Flush" systems in use today. Just make sure you flush out the product completely before you refill with the correct Anti Freeze - water mix.

We have flushed cars that owners have previously has used add-in cleaners and the water is full of crud after the flush cycle. Our machine is an older Atlas unit with a clear holding/transfer tank which starts with clean water for the flush so visual impact to the customer is good ie look at all that stuff in there. The newer machines recycle and some have a sight glass to see the results as well.

4DSC · 11-16-03, 11:57

The last I heard, you should NOT use distilled water, as it is too mineral hungry or something like that. I can't remember what exactly you should use, but I've seen de-ionized water sold at auto stores.

Mercedes-Benz also publishes a specification of some sort as to how much mineral content they want in their coolant water. Apparently you can look up the water mineral content in your area, if published by your city, and just use tap water if it's within spec....

Boner1 · 11-17-03, 06:16

de-ionized water IS
Why, that's water with the ions removed, of course!!

Actually, we remove *almost* all of the dissolved solids in the

water by the ion-exchange process. We not only exchange the

cations, we also exchange out the anions, leaving

*almost*

pure water.

Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 15:04:13 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Richard J. Sexton" <richard@vrx.net>
Subject: [DIESEL] Re: Coolant

Thanks, that's what I thought.

Any chance of getting an authoritative respnse from Germany? My friends
are telling me "MB says don't use distlled water".

At 02:35 PM 7/17/01 -0400, you wrote:
>Dear Mr. Sexton
>I'm not a chemical engineer but I would personally prefer to add distilled
>water to my coolant over tap or well water. This would be the best way to
>ensure there is not chemical reaction between the coolant,water and the
>cooling system components.
>Best regards
>
>Sylvain Gilbert
>Manager, Technical Service
So i'd say distill water would be a OKAY CHOICE

Bill D · 11-17-03, 08:37

I always mixed coolant with distilled water when refilling. A while back Prestone made a distilled water specifically formulated for radiators. It was probably the same as any distilled water, I assume thats why I don't see it around any more.

medic · 11-17-03, 02:07

F-150, I've used the Prestone flush with no issues a few times now. I think making sure you have the proper anti-freeze and have actually refilled the radiator with new coolant is more important.

Airborne Ranger · 11-20-03, 07:40

hey guys,

thanks, than vehicle to be worked on for this procedure is our family van,,,,,94 Grand Caravan LE it has over 120K miles, doesn't know what wax is but it does know a good car wash, hehe

So it doesn't need the highline Propylene Glycol or something, just regular old antifreeze, 50/50 mix. Thanks again,,,,91