Topic: Flush the engine and radiator?

[9TO2Hknot4cell]

I've heard all the stories about flushing an engine and radiator completely. Getting all the rust colored water out.

Does anyone here have a tried and true way that is fairly simple without cutting hoses or having to punch out the freeze plugs or when flushing with pure water, does not mess up the bearings in the water pump?

Has anyone ever used one of the Prestone flush & fill kits?

It's come time to flush both my 67 and 69  V-8 small block Mustangs.

Any help and advice is deeply appreciated,
Ricky

[BKnapp]

I seem to have good results from Evaporust Thermocure.

[RoyceP]

I've had good luck flushing with vinegar.

First drain all the coolant and flush with plain water until clear. Then drain all the water and close the drain.

Next fill with vinegar. You will probably need 3 - 4 gallons.

Let it sit overnight.

Drain the vinegar. You will want to remove the lower radiator hose and flush thoroughly with water. You won't believe how much rust will come out.

Note: this won't fix a 40 year old rotten radiator. If your radiator core has become corroded internally and the radiator no longer removes heat from the water, nothing will fix it except replacement. You would still need to flush the block either way.

[67350#1242]

Removing the thermostat prior to proceeding makes for a faster and easier job.

[KevinK]

I had a few muddy radiators. I have used the Prestone Flush mix. I always start with back flushing everything both directions until it runs clear.
Top hose
Bottom hose
Heater core
Heater hoses

Remove thermostat, run the flush mix for the suggested time. Drain and back flush until clear. Refill with another round of mix and drive it for a couple of days (50 m8les). Drain and back flush until clear.  This will not get it 100% clean but good for most.  Maybe this would be a good time for the vinagar.

[Mike_B_SVT]

Where do you guys dispose of all this coolant??  I'd love to just flush the heck out of mine, but living in a neighborhood, I'm afraid I'd kill off half of my neighborhood pets (not to mention the occasional skunk, racoon and coyote) if I just flushed it out onto the driveway or into the gutter.

[preaction]

Google Oxalic acid its a mild acid that attacks only oxidized iron (rust) and its cheap delivered to your door.

[9TO2Hknot4cell]

Google Oxalic acid its a mild acid that attacks only oxidized iron (rust) and its cheap delivered to your door.

What would be recommended, powder form or liquid?

And what would be the amount to use for the cooling system?

Looked and cant really find much info for automotive.

[markb0729]

Some more info to help you decide.  Termocure test:

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=14895.msg92827#msg92827

[Bossbill]

Where do you guys dispose of all this coolant??  I'd love to just flush the heck out of mine, but living in a neighborhood, I'm afraid I'd kill off half of my neighborhood pets (not to mention the occasional skunk, racoon and coyote) if I just flushed it out onto the driveway or into the gutter.

Use the petcocks on your block to drain the rest.
As for disposal, it depends on where you live.
Look for the free Residential Hazardous Waste Disposal Fair in your neighborhood.

[KevinK]

I have used the Prestone flushes. There are two types. They work reasonably well but do not clean 100%. What’s left comes off with a little rubbing. This does not help on the inside of the radiator or engine. A follow up option would hopefully clean the remaining film.

One thing I have noticed, after every extensive flush the water pump starts leaking. Yes the water pump was not new.

[9TO2Hknot4cell]

This may be a dumb question, but when attaching a prestone flush and fill kit, which heater hose do I attach the TEE to?   The intake heater hose or the water pump heater hose.

Any help much Abliged

[9TO2Hknot4cell]

Hmmmm???

[markb0729]

Take a look at the link I posted earlier in this thread.  There is a picture showing where I did a temporary install of the flushing tee on the heater hose that connects to the intake manifold.