riverman Posted May 18, 2010 Share Posted May 18, 2010 As part of my restoration and overhaul of my 44 GMC, I am debating whether or not to give the cooling system a full flush with an additive to give it a good clean out. I've never had any problems with the cooling system in the three years that I have had the truck and I've been assured that the rusty looking water that courses through the system isn't anything to be alarmed about. However, I would like the peace of mind that all the fluids are tip-top but I've heard a couple of horror stories about people flushing their systems only to find that the core of the radiator has been wrecked in the process - I suppose this would suggest that it was on its last legs anyway but I'd appreciate any advice - should I do it at all, what additive if any should I use etc etc. Thanks in anticipation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.O.S. Posted May 18, 2010 Share Posted May 18, 2010 I guess some flushing additive might potentially cause damage to the rad core but as you say it only finds weak spots which would eventually fail. I've used additive on a couple of occasions without problems, but admittedly the radiators were in very good condition. Best way I've found is to constantly alternate between flush and reverse flush with a really good flow rather than just one way flush. It seems to be this flow reversal which does more to dislodge accumulated deposits than anything. And keep at it - it took 1/2 a day to clean out a Rolls C6 diesel block and cooler - I couldn't believe the almost constant flow of rusty water!!! Of course a good flow helps - a 1" hose on my 6" water pump gives a marginally better flow than a domestic tap But I'd certainly stick a pressure washer outlet on the block - just be gentle with the radiator! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted May 18, 2010 Share Posted May 18, 2010 A gentle flush won't do any harm. I'd then add fresh coolant with K Bar conditioner. The K Bar will keep things sweet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marmite!! Posted May 18, 2010 Share Posted May 18, 2010 I'm just making up some adapters for my Power Flushing Machine I use in my business, it uses a high volume, low pressure pump with reversible flow & hot or cold descaling chemicals. it flushes straight to drain & any metallic particles are caught by the twin magnetic filters.. I can descale & clean a complete central heating system in about 7 hours so should work well on a vehicle... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.O.S. Posted May 18, 2010 Share Posted May 18, 2010 I bet that finds a few heating system leaks Lee :cool2: You're right, it would be the mutt's nuts for vehicle use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rambo1969 Posted May 18, 2010 Share Posted May 18, 2010 If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MARTIN CROSS Posted May 18, 2010 Share Posted May 18, 2010 Hi I always put water wetter in to improve the efficiency of the cooling system.I think Halfords and Frosts do it. I had a V12 Jag and that never overheated even in heavy traffic or queues. Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riverman Posted May 20, 2010 Author Share Posted May 20, 2010 Good advice, guys -thank you - I'm inclined to go with the "if it aint broke dont fix it" for the time being and I know what to do if I get any problems! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.