Radiator plugged

[redneck]

I have a 208 timberjack with a 353 detroit.  Changed the fluid in my radiator recently and noticed that the  core is partially plugged.  I am thinking of removing it and cleaning it with something.   Anything that you guys have done that has worked well?  I am hoping that it won't start leaking after a good soaking with something.

[trapper]

try flushing it backward.  often works on car heater cores.

[redneck]

I was reading this morning about using vinegar or coke to clean and flush the cooling system.  I would  hesitate puting that stuff in my engine and water pump even when flushing.   I think i am going to remove the rad and soak it in coke then flush it with my garden hose in reverse. 

[Burlkraft]

As long as you have it out why not take it to a radiator shop and have it boiled out and leak tested?

It's a lot of screwin' around to put it back in and fill it up only to have to take it out again and then have it fixed.

You might just as well drink the Coke and the vinegar as that will do a better job of cleaning you out than your radiator.  :D :D :D

[sjfarkas]

I had a shop take the tanks off and "rod" the core out.  They take a piece of metal and physicaly push the junk out of the tubes.  I don't know if that is good in all aplications, but it worked in an old cat radiator.

[pineywoods]

Take it to a radiator shop. Money well spent. Be carefull what you put in radiators, especially aluminum ones. Coke contains phosphoric acid, rough on aluminum.

[WH_Conley]

I used to have a radiator shop. Home remedies and additives were almost always money makers for me. I eventually got the radiator anyhow, some of the treatments did so much damage that I wound up selling a new one.

[Burlkraft]

I used to have a radiator shop. Home remedies and additives were almost always money makers for me. I eventually got the radiator anyhow, some of the treatments did so much damage that I wound up selling a new one.

Amen Bill!!  8)  8)  8)  8)

I have a shop and you should see some of the things guy's will dump in their radiator  stupid_smiley stupid_smiley stupid_smiley

Normally intelligent people that run good businesses will resort to snake oil every chance they get  :D :D :D :D

You are correct, It's much more profitable to install a new core and have a nice new warranty than to take the tanks off of an old rotted core and clean it up and patch it together!  ;D