TR2/3/3A TR3 Rad Flush

[karls59tr]

Anyone ever used "CLR" to clean the gunk and sediment out of a rad then flushed with clean water? Would this cleaning method create minor leaks?

 

[DougF]

I was going to try it last month, but ended up using an OTC flush. My only concern was that it wouldn't be powerful enough.
I have talked to people who told me they used a smaller bottle of Coca Cola(not 2 liter) as a flush. They said the acid does a surprisingly good job...and we drink the stuff.

 

[karls59tr]

What is OTC? Thx K.

 

[Andrew Mace]

I'll assume OTC is Over The Counter in this context. I've had pretty good luck with those "OTC" flushing chemical, and I'd always asssumed that you were in for professional assistance if they didn't do the job.

Interesting thoughts, though, about either CLR or Coca-Cola! I can't think of any downside to either one; if flushing with anything causes a leak, it's bad that you found a leak but also good that you found (and can now properly deal with) a leak. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

 

[YankeeTR]

A cheap, effective flush is "milk stone remover" which dairy farmers use on their milking equipment. It's a phosphorus acid product and sells for under $5.00 per gallon..available at most farm stores, True Value stores and others.

 

[Geo Hahn]

...available at most farm stores, True Value stores and others.

Probably easy to find in Wisconsin... maybe a bit rare in the middle of the Sonoran Desert /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif


Any advice on the best flushing technique? I suppose a flush 'tee' could be introduced temporarily by disconnecting a heater hose. Seems like you want some backwards flow to get things stirred up... or is just running the engine with the flush in place adequate?

 

[TR3driver]

ISTR the CLR folks specifically warn against using it in radiators, but I've forgotten why. You might check out their website.

 

[Andrew Mace]

ISTR the CLR folks specifically warn against using it in radiators, but I've forgotten why. You might check out their website.

Ahh, you're right. According to their web site:

Can I use CLR to clean out my radiator?
No, CLR should not be used on a car radiator for two reasons. First, CLR may not be compatible with the internal metals of the radiator. Second, it could have adverse effects if the CLR is not rinsed out completely.

and further down the page:

Can I clean cast iron with CLR?
No, CLR cannot be used on cast iron; the acids in CLR will react with the metal.

I don't know if that would apply to a cast iron head or block, but....

 

[DougF]

The procedure on the flush that I used last month was to drain the system and fill with water. Run the engine for 10 minutes, leaving the heater system open. Drain. Add flush to required ratio. Run for several hours still leaving the heater open, I don't remember the specifics as they vary per manufacturer. Totally drain the system and refill with antifreeze solution.
Back flushing the heater system prior to using the flush would definitely be beneficial. I did my TR3 several years ago and was surprised at the amount of sediment that came out. I don't believe this would have come out with just the standard flush.
I also ran the garden hose into my radiator and through the engine after after flushing last month. This seemed to bring additional sediment out that otherwise would still be in there had I followed the instructions to the T.

 

[TR3driver]

Of course the other option is to just pay your local radiator shop to do it. Mine does a power flush for about $35 that seems very effective. Not sure of the details, but it uses pressurized air mixed with water/solvent. They also checked the thermostat & finished up with a system pressure test that showed my radiator cap was bad.

 

[YankeeTR]

...available at most farm stores, True Value stores and others.

Probably easy to find in Wisconsin... maybe a bit rare in the middle of the Sonoran Desert /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif


Any advice on the best flushing technique? I suppose a flush 'tee' could be introduced temporarily by disconnecting a heater hose. Seems like you want some backwards flow to get things stirred up... or is just running the engine with the flush in place adequate?

It's also used to clean cacti....hehehe