TR6 New Aluminum Radiator

[SherpaPilot]

Recently I had my cylinder head overhauled. While it was in the shop, I elected to replace the engine block core plugs. While the plugs were removed, I found a little bit of rust particles inside the jacket. I removed as much as possible with a magnet but feel there is most likely rust remaining. While the head was going through rebuild, I replaced my old radiator with a new aluminum one and installed it tonight. Now that the head is back and installed, I have a feeling I may pump some rust particles through thermostat and into the new radiator. Some mechanics told me not to worry and rust deposits will simply remain at the bottom of the jacket. I would like to turn the engine over tomorrow but am thinking of flushing the block before I contaminate the radiator. I'm anxious to hear any opinions on engine flushes. Should this be a routine practice with these older cars? Maybe I'm just being way too cautious...

 

[TR3driver]

Certainly couldn't hurt to flush, since you already found some particles in the block. But I wouldn't call it a routine practice, since normally you would keep the antifreeze up to date. AF also contains rust inhibitors (which are what wear out with time even if you don't run the engine).

 

[SherpaPilot]

Yep, that's what I'm thinking, may as well flush it out now. I guess I was just getting a little impatient and want to get this car back up and running. Thanks for the response.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I have simply used a forced water flush when at a similar point... just getting any loose stuff out. If you have a heater you may want to limit the pressure used or clamp off lines to and from it.

If you are using just water (no AF) for the initial start-up (I do since I always half expect leaks) then you don't have to be too particular about getting all the flush out if you have used straight water.

 

[SherpaPilot]

Yes, using straight water for the flush. I have removed the thermostat and installed a long hose to the outlet port to allow the water to simply run on the driveway. Probably try this sometime today. Thanks for your reply.