Flushing radiator

[Anonymous-0]

What is a good method and solvent to use to clean out a radiator and the cooling system in the block? My Case DC is overheating, and want to try the cheap things before I start putting a bunch of money into it. I have heard that using vinegar works good. Is this actual vinegar that you use to cook with? How do you go about doing it? Thanks

 

[old]

Drain cooling system, then fill with vinegar. Run the engine till good and warm. Let cool to a safe temp to handle. Drain then if it has a block drain rig up a way to flush the system with a garden hose. That way you are back flushing it and getting more out. I might take 1-3 tries to get it all but it has always worked for me
Hobby farm

 

[jose bagge]

probably less about what's INSIDE the radiator than what's caught up in the cooling fins. Make sure you blow out the exterior of that radiator too. Chaffe, etc can create a blockage that won't allow any air to flow through...

 

[hayray]

I have a buddy that brings over a hose that we hook into the water pump and add compressed air with a fitting on it we plug into the air hose, it flushes out the whole cooling system, a lot of crud in the block. We did this when a couple of my tractors were running hot, it really worked with just plain water. But if you do it that way plan on putting a new water pump on.

 

[INCase]

do you run water and air thru it or use the air to push out the water/crud that's already in the block?

 

[Anonymous-0]

Case manuals for the DC recommend washing soda (high phosphate, low suds), as much as can dissolve in 3 1/2 gals of hot water (half full) then fill with water and run, let set for 24 hours drain and flush. The vinegar is a mild acid and will loosen lime scale and rust. Most of the DCs i've taken apart have had alot of sludge in the block,takes a long time to flush it without disassembly. You might try taking the lower radiator hose off and feeding a hose into the top radiator hose and running until you end up with clear water. Make sure to blow plenty of air, or water from fan side to clean fins,

 

[dave guest]

Back flushing means reversing the normal flow in radiator, which calls for water going in the lower spout. Usually hose with couple rags wrapped around for tight fit and all the crud should come out the top. Ideal also turn the rad upside down, but not necessary as is a pain.