Recommended cleaner for radiator?

jchochole

jchochole

Senior Member
Hey fellers,
I drained my radiator before winterizing it and wonder if anybody has any luck with a cleaner? I am still driving the T in early winter and wonder if there is any type of good conditioner/cleaner for old radiators? I normally use just water so I get some good hard water build-up.

Thanks,
Jim from IL
 
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Jim. let your system soak for a day filled with about 2 gals fo white vinegar. Flush a couple of times with clear water. For cleaning your brass, use The Works toilet bowl cleaner (hydrogen chloride 20%) and rinse with clear water. The heavy tarnish will be gone and you can finish up the shine with Never Dull or your favorite brass polish.
Lee
 
Should I add two gallons of white vinegar alone in the radiator and motor, or fill the remainder with water and let that sit in the radiator and motor? I assume not to run the motor with the vinegar inside- sounds like the old coffee pot cleaner Linko? Same principle?

Jim from IL
 
No harm in the vinegar treatment, at all ! Fill it up, drive it, leave it in for a couple of weeks. It's all good. You can nuetralize it with a little baking soda in your rinse water. The flatheaders use it all the time.
MIKE :)
 
jchochole, I've used vinager, CLR, and Prestone radiator flush. They all worked pretty good. DON'T use tap water once you get it clean, get some distilled water at your local grocery store and use it with your antifreeze. It's not very expensive. Then you won't have to clean it again, at least not nearly as often. Dave
 
Thanks Guys, I appreciate all your help. To be specific, what is a good mixture for winter? About 1/2 antifreeze and then 1/2 distilled water? or more water? I would prefer not to have a cracked block.

Thanks,
Jim from IL
 
Read the directions on the anti freeze container.Some require a certain amount of water mixed in others don't.Just buy descent stuff with rust inhibitors in it.
 
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