• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

Radiator cleanup??

  • Thread starter Thread starter Werecow91
  • Start date Start date Dec 3, 2020
W

Werecow91

Member
Jul 11, 2020
39
15
18
Wise, Virginia
Dec 3, 2020
#1
  • Dec 3, 2020
  • #1
Ok here's a stupid question.. Well not really cause I've seen it asked elsewhere but I'd like a lil input here, the radiator in my 90LX hasn't been used for 10 years.. it's crusty and nassassty inside, it's also one of the brass kind with the real metal jugs, not the aluminum kind with crimped on plastic tanks. As of right now I don't have the $$$ for a good radiator and I really don't need a new one in it right now anyway, I just need to be able to crank it up (first time in 10 years) and be able to move it around. This will allow me to work on the rest of the car, like brakes, lighting, making sure the tranny works, ect.... Now, here's the question... Has anyone here ever used Muratic acid to clean out a radiator? I do plan on removing it from the car of course before attempting this and the other thing that I need to figger out is I don't have a water hose to flush out the block. I can fill up many 2 liter bottles of water and dump them thru it, but I know it's not the same.. Part of my question is how much do anyone here know how much to dilute the acid to use it in the radiator, and how long to let it set for? I know better than to try anything like that in the block, I would just be waving bye bye to the water pump bearings and prolly eat up the "freeze plugs". But dear readers any advice on cleaning one out like I'm proposing?? Here's a picture of what I got in case it's needed for reference
 

Attachments

  • 20201203_1445309231.webp
    574.7 KB · Views: 127

HotFox

15 Year Member
Jan 5, 2009
1,047
647
164
SE Michigan
Dec 3, 2020
#2
  • Dec 3, 2020
  • #2
I would not, I destroyed a tractor radiator with that stuff this past spring. If you are determined, use a neutralizer like baking soda immediately after. That is where I made the mistake. Even though I flushed with water for a half hour or better it still ate through the fine tubes. BTW my radiator was removed and I was trying to remove heavy calcium deposits on the solder.
 
Reactions: Shakerhood

Shakerhood

20+ Year Stangneter
Oct 28, 2004
3,355
207
114
Ohio
Dec 3, 2020
#3
  • Dec 3, 2020
  • #3
I think l would try something less harsh
 

nickyb

I gotta say i never painted my nuts, Never Ever
15 Year Member
Apr 3, 2009
2,969
1,616
153
nevada
Dec 4, 2020
#4
  • Dec 4, 2020
  • #4
I'd return that acid , put the money towards getting a rad shop to boil out your rad. I still have my old brass rad,and local shop told me for $125 they can redo it.
 
Reactions: Shakerhood and General karthief

HemiRick

I'd be looking at jacking under the house
Jun 28, 2020
723
272
73
Memphis TN
Dec 4, 2020
#5
  • Dec 4, 2020
  • #5
If the car is only started up and run for a couple minutes a radiator is not necessary. Dont try to use that 10 yr old gas....flush and get fresh.
 
W

Werecow91

Member
Jul 11, 2020
39
15
18
Wise, Virginia
Dec 5, 2020
#6
  • Dec 5, 2020
  • #6
Oh I've already replaced the gas tank and it's got a new fuel pump, fuel lines, and I just finished rebuilding the motorcraft 2 barrel carb for it and dropped in a new HEI distributor as well... We did have a radiator shop around here once upon a time, I may see if they're still in business... Thanks for the feedback ppl! Much appreciated!!
 
Reactions: nickyb

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
Aug 25, 2016
27,837
10,511
203
polk county florida
Dec 5, 2020
#7
  • Dec 5, 2020
  • #7
2 barrel carb????
Only one????
On a 8 cyl engine??
What will the other cylinders do??

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Engine Radiator with no shroud provision... What to do?
  • FastDriver
  • Apr 22, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
16
Views
262
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 25, 2026
FastDriver
Block draining
  • JD1964
  • Mar 27, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
91
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Mar 27, 2026
JD1964
I
2000 GT Mustang - Transmission Cooler to Radiator o-rings
  • Iwarrior
  • Oct 4, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
145
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Oct 4, 2025
Iwarrior
I
Exhaust April is the worst month
  • Enzio
  • Mar 4, 2026
  • 1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech
Replies
5
Views
173
1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech Mar 7, 2026
LILCBRA
Oil choice for after break in period.
  • Sask84gt
  • Feb 28, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
26
Views
861
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Mar 14, 2026
Praetorious
P
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?