Topic: Cooling system flush

[63W]

What is everyone's opinion of using a chemical ( prestone super flush or similar products)to help flush out a cooling system. I have a 81 pickup that has the nastiest looking coolant I have seen.

[:)bestgen4runner]

I don't have anything against cooling system flush or chemical conditioners.
I personally don't use them except for cases like you are describing.

[kneedownnate]

What kind of nasty?  If it is just old coolant, not a big need for an additive.  You can use a flush kit and run hose water through it till it is clear, drain out ALL the water and refill

[63W [OP]]

What kind of nasty?  If it is just old coolant, not a big need for an additive.  You can use a flush kit and run hose water through it till it is clear, drain out ALL the water and refill

Just brown looks like it has some rust in it for sure. The truck sat for a while before I got a hold of it,probably the better part of ten years

[Cheesemaker]

Most parts houses have a coolant water flush kit.  You splice it in your heater hose.

[63W [OP]]

Most parts houses have a coolant water flush kit.  You splice it in your heater hose.

I have seen those, you think it will work good?

[kneedownnate]

Yes, it absolutely will.  I've put them on every one of my trucks I've had.  Maybe flush it completely, put in some of your cleaner of choice, run it as required and flush it again.  Straight water can cause the rusty water, but can also be very bad for these things

[Skye]

Drain the block too

[Gnarly4X]

What is everyone's opinion of using a chemical ( prestone super flush or similar products)to help flush out a cooling system. I have a 81 pickup that has the nastiest looking coolant I have seen.

Chemical flushes are OK, just don't run the vehicle very long with it in the engine.  Coolant acts as a lubricant and has rust inhibitors.  In an old system, fresh coolant may only be good for about 12 months.

Flushes and plain water can cause leaks quickly, especially in the water pump shaft.  I'd probably only drive the vehicle with flush or plain water for about 60 miles or about 1 hour.  Remember to open your heater core.  I would not install a flush kit... just use the flush stuff.

Drain the system and flush it really well.  Replenish the system with 50/50 coolant and only use DISTILLED water if mixing.

That's just my opinion - it may be worthless.

Gnarls.

[63W [OP]]

Chemical flushes are OK, just don't run the vehicle very long with it in the engine.  Coolant acts as a lubricant and has rust inhibitors.  In an old system, fresh coolant may only be good for about 12 months.

Flushes and plain water can cause leaks quickly, especially in the water pump shaft.  I'd probably only drive the vehicle with flush or plain water for about 60 miles or about 1 hour.  Remember to open your heater core.  I would not install a flush kit... just use the flush stuff.

Drain the system really well.  Replenish the system with 50/50 coolant and only use DISTILLED water if mixing.

That's just my opinion - it may be worthless.

Gnarls.

That is exactly what I done, seems to have worked alright. Thanks

[H8PVMNT]

I recently tried something on a friends ford Taurus that was pretty plugged up in the heater core.  I put 50% distilled water with 50% distilled white vinegar, let her run it for a few short trips across town, then drained it.  You would not believe the amount of scale that came out. 

Then I filled it with distilled water, ran it up to temp and drained it off 4 times until the scale quite coming out and it was mostly clear.  Seems to have don the trick.

[63W [OP]]

I recently tried something on a friends ford Taurus that was pretty plugged up in the heater core.  I put 50% distilled water with 50% distilled white vinegar, let her run it for a few short trips across town, then drained it.  You would not believe the amount of scale that came out. 

Then I filled it with distilled water, ran it up to temp and drained it off 4 times until the scale quite coming out and it was mostly clear.  Seems to have don the trick.

Thanks for the information, will have to remember that for the next time