Does flushing the cooling system with radiator flush really lube your water pump and protect your cooling system as most cans say ? Is it better to just run tap water through the system and put new anti freeze in the radiator. Are the chemicals in radiator flush harmful to the cooling system ?
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Re: Radiator flush
Walter------
I don't like to use radiator flush chemicals. Of course, if one has a "gunked up" cooling system they might be necessary. However, if one does regular cooling system maintenance, I don't think that chemicals are really needed. Yes, I know the labels say "safe for all metals" but if that were actually the case, they'd be highly ineffective.
I like to flush with plain water, then re-fill with 55-60% of the appropriate coolant. A tip: get yourself a Prestone "Flush and Fill Kit". Install it in one of the heater hoses as shown in the directions. Then, flush with water until the water runs clean. Next, drain all the water from the system, including opening block drains. Finally, replace the heater hose with a new one (unless you don't mind having the kit's tee remain in place)
Add the appropriate amount of FULL STRENGTH coolant to get you to the 55-60% level. Then, add distilled/deionized water to fill. Never use the commercial 50/50 coolant except, maybe, to top off the system from time-to-time. The 50/50 is a rip off. Better to make your own 50/50 or 55/45.
By the way, NEVER run coolant or flush water down the driveway and into the storm sewer system. This stuff is HIGHLY toxic to animals and will kill them. Take the concentrated drained coolant to a household hazardous waste drop-off station. Direct the flush water to the sanitary sewer system in your home (e.g. garage sink).In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Radiator flush
Basically agree... also look at the following nearby thread:
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...lush-Procedure
My local Redondo Beach FD hazmat specialist says it's okay for a homeowner (but not commercial service facility) to pour old coolant down the toilet since I am connected to a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant (Hyperion in El Segundo) that breaks down the glycol and removes heavy metal ions.
They "prefer" I take it to a hazmat collection station, but that's not very convenient, and since they say it's "okay" to flush it down the toiler, that's what I do - maybe one load every 18 months for the three cars in service.
Check with your local fire department hazmat specialist to determine proper disposal for DIYers where you live.
Of course, a few ounces always get spilled, but it's not even enough to kill the weeds were it runs off into the side yard.
DukeComment
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