cleanengine coolant syatem with radiator removed

J

JackC

New member
My engine has been in a storage shed for years. Before I install the radiator, I'd like to make sure the coolant system is not clogged. Can I use a garden hose and just let the water run out? I'm new at this, so excuse me if this is an ignorant question.
 
there is no such thing as an ignorant question, that's what the forums are for. as far as the cooling system goes, i'd find you a rubber ball to plug the lower pipe on the engine, and fill the thing up with water from the hose on the outlet. fill it up then pop the ball out, let it drain out, rinse and repeat for a while. once it runs clear then put the radiator on. once the engine and radiator are ready to run. throw a gallon of vinegar in it and top it up the rest of the way with water and drive it about half an hour. pull the bottom hose and watch in amazement at what comes out. let it cool down completely then rinse out the system. mix a cup or two of baking soda in a gallon of water and dissolve it. pour it in the radiator and top up with water. run it again like before. the baking soda neutralizes the vinegar and keeps it from eating stuff you don't want eaten. but the vinegar will attack all the rust scale and dissolve it letting it come out. the Mississippi river will flow out when you drain it of vinegar.
 
that is what I do. I disconnect upper and lower and run a garden hose in upper, but then I start the engine and let it run for several minutes. Ive cleaned some major "mud" out of sitting engines this way. I then shut it off. repeat several times
 
If your engine is out the car I would remove the head and do a super cleaning. This will allow brushing and snaking out the water ports in the block and the head.
 
Panty hose over top outlet , inside hose catches all the crap, will need cleaning a few times , youll be surprised just how much it stops entering the radiator ,
 
If the unit is out take the head off .I use a piece of lawn mower throttle conduit with an electric drill in each hole . It is amazing what comes behind #4. Blowing and washing will be well worth the effort.
 
Really appreciate the suggestions for cleaning the coolant system. I'll be at it on Monday. Thanks much.
 
I made adapters from holesawed 2 x 4s and male npt to female hose adapters to flush the engine.

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