Rad flush any good?

[mcowing]

My 88 is running a lot hotter this season (if I trust the stock gauge) I could see the top few rad tubes are corroded shut. I threw $400 at a new rad I’m waiting for, but thinking I could’ve just flushed the system real well.

someone please tell me that rad flush chemicals aren’t good enough so I don’t feel bad for spending money I don’t have on a shiny new aluminum rad.

 

[kiddiccarus]

Ill Bite. Depends on the age and condition of debris inside the Rad. 1988, NOPE buy a new one and do not feel bad a bit about it. I am sure that if you think that you need that baby cleaned out with chemicals in a flush and it has never been replaced in the cars life...... Replace it. Hope if the upgrade was available you took that option also.

 

[Adieu]

Ill Bite. Depends on the age and condition of debris inside the Rad. 1988, NOPE buy a new one and do not feel bad a bit about it. I am sure that if you think that you need that baby cleaned out with chemicals in a flush and it has never been replaced in the cars life...... Replace it. Hope if the upgrade was available you took that option also.

Absolutely this. I've had older cars with iron blocks clog the coolant flush machine.

 

[2000xp8]

A good radiator is always worth it.
At $400 i'd expect you bought something high quality.

 

[revhead347]

Trying to fix a 32 year old radiator is time poorly spent.

Kurt

 

[mcowing]

Thanks people. $400 Canadian dollars but it’s mishimoto aluminum.

extra question. Does using a rad flush product after installing the new rad do any good to clean the heater core or engine water ports?

 

[7991LXnSHO]

Do the coolant system flush and make sure to flush out the cleaning agent (neutralize it with clean water or what the instructions say) before installing the new radiator. It does not need the strong caustic in it.

The chemicals that are strong enough to clean out the electrolyte build up may reveal spots where there are no metal left. So what you can get at the parts store or Wally-Mart can vary widely in strength. Changing the coolant regularly, and using quality antifreeze is cheaper than a new heater core and radiator in the long run.

Thanks people. $400 Canadian dollars but it’s mishimoto aluminum.

extra question. Does using a rad flush product after installing the new rad do any good to clean the heater core or engine water ports?