radiator

roy prins · Mar 2, 2022

I have a radiator that needs cleaning -- I have heard of someone using vinegar . what does a radiator shop use? Any one out there have any
magic potions You like to use? Roy

Steve@Advance · Mar 2, 2022

You can try vinegar, there are many radiator cleaning chemicals at the auto supply.

But I would remove or disconnect the radiator, not put the chemicals through the engine, it could finish off thin freeze plugs.

But chances are it will not solve the problem. Good chance it will start leaking. Once internally clogged, it takes disassembling and 'rodding' out the core. And that is only successful with the old, super heavy duty cores. Chances are it will not survive, leading to a core replacement.

Even finding a radiator shop any more is a challenge, only ones left are heavy truck and equipment shops and they don't want to mess with small stuff.

Which leaves aftermarket radiators, the quality and fit are always a gamble...

rustred · Mar 2, 2022

a rad shop uses caustic in a hot tank. the rad is imerged right in the tank, most times overnight. then it gets a pressure test and repair. then a black paint job. vinegar dont do much, but if you want to try it use the 10 percent stuff not the 5 percent stuff. but you your saying what type of rad you have as the newer rads dont apply.

roy prins · Mar 2, 2022

The rad.is out of a M farmall -- and I did take it out .. I do Know there is a rad, repair shop 30 miles from Me . So I might as well take it there then -- thanks for the reply's ----- Roy

casecollectorsc · Mar 2, 2022

The radiator in my 92 Dodge Cummins was scaled up, tubes barely open and under load it ran hot. Drained all coolant and put in straight vinegar and drove the truck 100 miles or so. Back flushed it thru the heater hose and out the radiator...looked brand new. Filled with new antifreeze and has never ran hot again even on 100 degree days under load. Have done the same with old tractors...you have to get them warm and use straight vinegar to do any good...putting it in and letting it set overnite does nothing.

Texasmark · Mar 3, 2022

That was my problem. I had a 4230 with a clogged radiator and went to the radiator shop that I had used for years and he no onver vatted radiators. Said the EPA restrictions shut him down. I like the idea about filling with vinegar and driving 100 miles and draining/flushing.

radiator

roy prins

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Steve@Advance

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rustred

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roy prins

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casecollectorsc

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Texasmark

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