how to clean a radiator?

[rtreads]

I have my radiator out while doing the explorer serp swap. I was wondering of there is something I can put in the radiator to clean up the inside. Its not bad now, but while its out it makes sense to clean it up a little.

Any thoughts on vinegar or CLR?

thanks!

 

[broncnaz]

Both are said to work. I'd probably go with CLR or muratic acid(commonly used to clean pools). I've used muratic acid with very good results it really eats the scale.

 

[6daze]

I just dropped mine off at a radiator shop. For $65, he is taking the tanks off, rodding it out and pressure testing it.

I felt it was worth a little extra cash for a professional job.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I have never tried it, but I have heard of people dumping (an unspecified amount, but a strong dose of) swimming pool acid into the cooling system then flushing everything out. That is used to flean the radiator and scale out of the engine block. Probably take the blades off the water pump as well.

Not that I recomend it, But I have heard of it.
Personally I would have a radiator shop pull the tanks, rod it out, and butten it back up.

 

[broncnaz]

just dont let the pool acid(muratic acid) sit in the engine long and your good. I usually dump in about 1 quart into a cooling system to clean it up. I use it all the time to clean rusty parts. It works really good on copper/brass radiators. but dont use it on aluminum it will eat it up and blacken it pretty quick.
Also be careful of the fumes they are not good for you.

 

[Oatmeal]

Okay he was asking about cleaning the radiator off of the vehicle? This is how I've always done it: Flush the radiator with the hose to get as much loose crap out as possible. Set the radiator on the ground with necks pointing up (cap on), fill it with muriatic (pool) acid and let it sit for about 15 mins then, dump the contents into a plastic bucket, flush it out with water again, refill with acid (just reuse the stuff you dumped into the bucket.....it's still plenty potent), go through the same steps and do this 3 or 4 times. Your radiator will look like new inside! I've actually used this same procedure to clean my gas tank after my Bronco sat for 10 years:-[ Just don't let the acid sit in there too long and wear rubber gloves and eye protection.......and clothes you don't care about. I've never run acid through the motor's cooling system (that makes me nervous) but, a buddy of mine swears by using regular old white vinegar and water?:?-----------Hans

 

[fungus]

I've been pondering this for awhile myself but I've got an alum Rad, intake, etc. I changed the thermostat a month ago and the intake was pretty scaled up with calcium deposits. What would work good in flushing the entire system still installed & knocking out that calcified crap?

 

[HGM]

VC-9 is recommended by Ford to clean out the cooling system in certain applications, works really well. I'd be incluned to give it a shot before muratic acid, just because its designed for cooling systems. But, it sounds like the acid works..

BTW, MSDS states that this is Phosphonic acid..

 

[rtreads]

...wow I never though of mauric acid. i even have a gallon! I didn't know what i was going to use it for either.

 

[Maverick1701]

I usually run some CLR through the radiator on the 6x6 for about 10mins before flushing...it really gets it clean