Block Flush

[WFO]

I got a new 4 row radiator for my 69 Chevelle SS396. It hasn't ran in several years, and I was thinkin about firein it up with the old radiator, and flushing the system first. It barely leaks.

Reckon it would hurt anything to run some vinegar and water mix through it for a few minutes, to help clean the calcium and crud out of the engine and heater core?
Works good for cleanin coffee pots.

Or is there somethin else that's better?

 

[CSFJ]

I've used CLR (calcium, lime, rust) before. It seems to be fairly close to what the actuall flush chemicals are.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

I've used CLR (calcium, lime, rust) before. It seems to be fairly close to what the actuall flush chemicals are.

Did you use anything to neutralize it after you flushed it out? I used the Zep version of the CLR once, and it took forever to flush it and get the smell out.

 

[CSFJ]

Did you use anything to neutralize it after you flushed it out? I used the Zep version of the CLR once, and it took forever to flush it and get the smell out.

I ran the car all summer with just water in the system. Finally added coolant again in October, right before I put it up for the year. It was on my 94 wagon, I'm pretty sure what was in it when I got it, was the factory original coolant. It was hard to tell if the orange color was from the rust, or the death cool. I opened the system and exchanged all the water every couple of weeks all summer, until it started coming out fairly clear. After that it got the traditional green coolant on the final refill.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

I ran the car all summer with just water in the system. Finally added coolant again in October, right before I put it up for the year. It was on my 94 wagon, I'm pretty sure what was in it when I got it, was the factory original coolant. It was hard to tell if the orange color was from the rust, or the death cool. I opened the system and exchanged all the water every couple of weeks all summer, until it started coming out fairly clear. After that it got the traditional green coolant on the final refill.

Okay, that’s what I did too. I was paranoid the whole time because I could still smell that pungent smell like it was still lingering around.

 

[CSFJ]

Okay, that’s what I did too. I was paranoid the whole time because I could still smell that pungent smell like it was still lingering around.

I don't remember it smelling that strongly, but I might have been more concerned about trying to get as much rust residue out of the expnsion tank as possible. It's multi-chambered, and doesn't give up what it traps easily.

 

[CSFJ]

I don't remember it smelling that strongly, but I might have been more concerned about trying to get as much rust residue out of the expnsion tank as possible. It's multi-chambered, and doesn't give up what it traps easily.

**I used the actual clr brand stuff, maybe that was the difference in odor?

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

**I used the actual clr brand stuff, maybe that was the difference in odor?

I might go that route next time and see if there’s a difference. I was worried that the strong pH of that stuff would eat my cooling system from the inside out, and I was concerned that the odor was indicative of that.

 

[CSFJ]

I might go that route next time and see if there’s a difference. I was worried that the strong pH of that stuff would eat my cooling system from the inside out, and I was concerned that the odor was indicative of that.

You're probably not wrong, my main concern was getting all the death cool out first, then whatever rust would come out. Wanted to make sure that there would be no intermingling of the dex cool and the regular green coolant.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

You're probably not wrong, my main concern was getting all the death cool out first, then whatever rust would come out. Wanted to make sure that there would be no intermingling of the dex cool and the regular green coolant.

Did you replace the hoses on that ‘94, as well? I’ve got hose crunch in that Oldsmobile I picked up, but I noticed if I massage the hoses, they’ll limber up. I was hoping a good flush like the kind we’re talking about here would help that without having to get new hoses.

 

[CSFJ]

Did you replace the hoses on that ‘94, as well? I’ve got hose crunch in that Oldsmobile I picked up, but I noticed if I massage the hoses, they’ll limber up. I was hoping a good flush like the kind we’re talking about here would help that without having to get new hoses.

New belts, hoses the whole nine yards. The car had been sitting for far too long without regular maintenance. The mileage is low enough, that I knew they were the ones that the factory had installed 25 years ago.

 

[Dougnsalem]

Did you replace the hoses on that ‘94, as well? I’ve got hose crunch in that Oldsmobile I picked up, but I noticed if I massage the hoses, they’ll limber up. I was hoping a good flush like the kind we’re talking about here would help that without having to get new hoses.

Ever see the inside of a crunchy hose? Do yourself a favor and get new ones. I've had to replace them on the side of the road, because I thought they could go awhile more. Nope. Lol.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Ever see the inside of a crunchy hose? Do yourself a favor and get new ones. I've had to replace them on the side of the road, because I thought they could go awhile more. Nope. Lol.

I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing them yet. I know in my heart that it’s the right thing to do, but then my wallet’s like, “if you touch me, I’ll open up a can of whoop ass on you.” I’ll go ahead and get new rad hoses in short order. The heater hoses are some odd combination of metal hoses crimped onto rubber. Don’t really know what to do with those.

 

[Dougnsalem]

G

I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing them yet. I know in my heart that it’s the right thing to do, but then my wallet’s like, “if you touch me, I’ll open up a can of whoop ass on you.” I’ll go ahead and get new rad hoses in short order. The heater hoses are some odd combination of metal hoses crimped onto rubber. Don’t really know what to do with those.

I guess you will see them in the future then. Lol. I get the wallet deal. Been there many times. Those heater hoses should be cake. Use a cutoff wheel parallel the the hose, and cut off each metal crimp. Then attach bulk hose to the metal ends with hose clamps. If you want an OE look, then you may have to hunt around, or have them made. I have no clue if those are available- that's just how we replaced them. Cheap and easy.

 

[WFO]

Thanks, but I reckon I'll just use Prestone Flush+Cleaner, since no one seems to have tried vinegar. I figured vinegar might clean better, but I'm not going to be the guinea pig.