How do you flush radiator cooling fins?
#1
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Thread Starter
How do you flush radiator cooling fins?
Was under my rig yesterday, replacing the corner marker lens assembly. Fun job by the way.
Anywho, I looked up into the mouth of this catfish and saw tons of debris (leaves, grass, feathers, etc).
I used a shop vac and brush to remove the visible debris off the condenser. Took a hose and tried reverse spraying - best I could on the passenger side fan opening.
Don't think this is good enough. Looks like 4 bolts holding the top shroud. I'd also have to remove the intake tunnel to get the shroud off.
Think this will get me better access to the radiator? Being in AZ, this is an important consideration
Anywho, I looked up into the mouth of this catfish and saw tons of debris (leaves, grass, feathers, etc).
I used a shop vac and brush to remove the visible debris off the condenser. Took a hose and tried reverse spraying - best I could on the passenger side fan opening.
Don't think this is good enough. Looks like 4 bolts holding the top shroud. I'd also have to remove the intake tunnel to get the shroud off.
Think this will get me better access to the radiator? Being in AZ, this is an important consideration
Last edited by Ruger Brian; 04-15-2017 at 02:44 PM. Reason: Spelling
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Ruger Brian (04-16-2017)
#3
Get a Tractor Radiator Genie on ebay or from Tractor Supply or someone
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tractor-Radi...cAAOxyA4ZRI-W4
It has an air wand and a water wand with a tight 90 degree bend at the tip.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tractor-Radi...cAAOxyA4ZRI-W4
It has an air wand and a water wand with a tight 90 degree bend at the tip.
Last edited by StrangelovesM6Vert; 04-15-2017 at 02:57 PM.
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#4
1/4 mile/AutoX
the best way is to pull it out, and also clean the condenser !! Back flush with water (hose)
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Ruger Brian (04-16-2017)
#6
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radiator genies work ok, I have one, but they are a little wide especially on the end where it flares out and it becomes difficult to get it all the way in between the radiator and condenser... I found another tool called an air comb that works better in my opinion... the shaft is smaller in diameter and instead of flaring at the end it has small holes in it that the air comes out of, similar to a flute... http://www.tooltopia.com/innovative-...FQ6oaQodRtsGgw
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Ruger Brian (04-16-2017)
#7
radiator genies work ok, I have one, but they are a little wide especially on the end where it flares out and it becomes difficult to get it all the way in between the radiator and condenser... I found another tool called an air comb that works better in my opinion... the shaft is smaller in diameter and instead of flaring at the end it has small holes in it that the air comes out of, similar to a flute... http://www.tooltopia.com/innovative-...FQ6oaQodRtsGgw
I'll get one.
I bent flattened and cut down my Rad Genies to fit in the tighter spots but it could be better
Last edited by StrangelovesM6Vert; 04-15-2017 at 08:07 PM.
#8
Racer
Take the top cover off, and get a rubber mallet and tap the top of the radiator and condensor all over the place and be amazed at how much debris comes down from it. I tapped mine for 15 minutes before I even removed the entire radiator to spray it out. From here on out I now just tap tap tap the top and then hose it out.
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Ruger Brian (04-16-2017)
#9
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Good replies - all, thanks. I usually keep my DIC display on OIL TEMP. Today, with 88 degree ambient, ran 219 oil temp. Playing - fun type driving.. Don't really want to remove the radiator - 27K miles probably shouldn't be too terrible yet. I like the rubber mallet idea and will 'hit' it next Saturday. Thanks again and you AZ guys don't forget to clean these bottom feeders LOL GM Vacuum cleaners.
#10
Racer
Here's me tapping my radiator. Not joking, I tapped all over the place for about 15-20 minutes before pulling it out and spraying it down. I've got 75K miles though and I'm pretty confident that none of the previous owners have cleaned it. I noticed it getting hot while sitting between autocross runs so I decided to flush the entire thing out and remove it.
Last edited by Acid666; 04-15-2017 at 11:50 PM.
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Ruger Brian (04-16-2017)