500 radiator

[LorenMN]

Been wrenching on the 500(Eilene)and decided to replace the antifreeze. I opened the drain cap and nothing,the drain pipe was full of sludge.I think the bottom tank has alot of sludge in it because nothing drains out of the bottom drain. I did get about 5 gal. out of the block drain. I'm planning on removing the radiator and cleaning it up. Is that something that can be done at home or would I be better taking it to a radiator shop. I have never delt with a radiator with bolt on top and bottom tanks before, just wondering how easy they come apart and how hard to seal up again. Only want to do it once if I can help it. I appreciate all the advice I can get. Thanks Loren

 

[Nedd]

The radiator shops I deal with lately wont work on that heavy radiator. Problem is those rusty bolts like to break off and you get to spend hours drilling and tapping out bolt holes. Not hard, just tedious. I have had pretty good luck just power washing through them from the large cap hole. I think John Saeli has the gaskets if you decide to take it apart

 

[mEl]

Never had a problem sealing one up when replacing cores, Check with John Saeli for gasket availability. A radiator shop maybe could clean it without disassembly by flushing it in a solution to loosen the rust and crap.

 

[casecollectorsc]

Try putting a garden hose on the drain pipe and back flush. Drain all water and fill with 5-6 gallons of vinegar and finish with water. Use the tractor to get it warm a couple hours and drain and back flush again. May not need to remove the radiator as the vinegar does a good job of cleaning.

 

[LorenMN]

Thanks for the advice, I will start by trying to backflush and adding a vinegar and water solution. If that doesn't work, I'll see if a radiator shop is willing to take it on or as a last resort I'll try and remove the bottom tank. Not too excited about getting all those bolts loose though. Loren