Radiator Flush Products

[vansdonk]

So, I need to flush out the cooling system on the '70 Rover. It doesn't need a new radiator, thermostat, nor a water pump. But, it does have some discolorization to the coolant/water mixture that is in there. Not mud, just a bit too much rust color. Remember, these parts are 40 years old and I will order new ones as needed, just doing improvement maintenance as needed before buying parts. The only problem we have had was when we were in the mountains on pretty steep, long climbs and the temp would want to creep up to about 3 needle widths from the red zone. ( outside temp was around 88-92*) Once stopped and cooled down to inspect, the coolant had gotten hot enough to blow out into the reserve/catch container. Only needed to empty container twice the whole weekend with about 4 climbs up, about a 2500 foot gain in 5 miles or so.

My question is: I know about and have used several OTC radiator system flushes. But, someone suggested vinegar. Has anyone ever used this. I do know that once vinegar completely dries that there is no residue left, kinda like bleach. But it would be really hard to get the system completely dry. So if vinegar is ok to use, I was going to flush, drain, fill with 1/4 coolant 3/4 water and run till thermo opens, then repeat above steps this time filling with 50/50 mixture.

What are your experiences or opinions?

Thanks guys.

 

[Bigredmariner]

This is a good one for Nick (Black02Silverado) Amsoil has several products that would do the trick.

 

[Zembonez]

Many flushes are quite caustic. They can actually cause leaks or problems with older radiators. If you are not experiencing any cooling issues, I recommend flushing with clear water until you get a stream of clear water out the bottom hose and refilling with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.

 

[Texas Jim]

^^^^^^...Yeah.......What Jim said...
Flush with clear water...I wouldn't use the OTC flushes if I wasn't having any other problems.
If it ain't broke...Don't "FIX" it.

 

[Black02Silverado]

^^^^^^...Yeah.......What Jim said...
Flush with clear water...I wouldn't use the OTC flushes if I wasn't having any other problems.
If it ain't broke...Don't "FIX" it.

I would do what Jim and Jim states to do. Sounds like you take care of your vehicles and so there shouldn't be any issues of scale build up to contend with. A good clear water flush and then back with a 50/50 mix of coolant will work great. AMSOIL is coming out with an additive Dominator Coolant Boost. You could add this to the system after the flush to keep things lubricated and help reduce temperatures. It should be out by the 26th of July.

If you are interested just let me know.

 

[vansdonk]

The only thing about using additives and such are that the British cars have real rubber seals/gaskets and they will disolve with certain things. That's why we were thinking about vinegar. This is the original radiator and we have only had this truck less than a year.
We are trying to design a way to fit an oil cooler into it. Transmission cooling isn't a problem due to the way it's designed. And the fan is constant.

Just looking for ideas and opinions.

Nick, I would be interested in this if we lived in a hotter climate. But the average temp up here is around 75*.

 

[Black02Silverado]

The only thing about using additives and such are that the British cars have real rubber seals/gaskets and they will disolve with certain things. That's why we were thinking about vinegar. This is the original radiator and we have only had this truck less than a year.
We are trying to design a way to fit an oil cooler into it. Transmission cooling isn't a problem due to the way it's designed. And the fan is constant.

Just looking for ideas and opinions.

Nick, I would be interested in this if we lived in a hotter climate. But the average temp up here is around 75*.

No problem. I would be careful myself since it is the original radiator. After time all the sodered seams could be weakened over time due to thermal stress as well as possible corrosion.

I don't see vinigar causing any issues. It will help clean up any scale build up if distilled water was not used in the past by previous owner. Once flushed out with clean water is should be fine. Since it isn't a harsh chemical I don't see why you couldn't use it.