Question on flushing cooling system - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lil hoodlum · 12-06-2024, 03:05 AM

My orginal Champion aluminum radiator has developed a small leak. I used JB weld in an effort to seal up the leak. No worky, so I purchased another Champion radiator to replace it.

I'll also be changing my heater core and thermostat while I have the coolant out.

I'm curious about using the cooling system flushes or just flushing out the system with a garden hose stuffed down the hole in the intake manifold where the thermostat housing is, while the radiator is out.

Are the cooling system flushes worth it?

**1970cstblazer** · 12-06-2024, 09:51 AM

The normal parts store flushes can break up deposits that regular garden hose flushing will not get. If you really have a neglected system, muriatic acid will clean the heck out of the jackets, but are tough on core plugs and anything that is the least bit weakened by corrosion and age. Also stinks and can be harmful to skin.

Chevy nutcase · 12-07-2024, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970cstblazer

The normal parts store flushes can break up deposits that regular garden hose flushing will not get. If you really have a neglected system, muriatic acid will clean the heck out of the jackets, but are tough on core plugs and anything that is the least bit weakened by corrosion and age. Also stinks and can be harmful to skin.

Using parts store flush is fine and can be done multiple times for bad build up. I wouldn't use Muratic acid for any reason as it destroys aluminum rapidly and any benefit is heavily outweighed by the damage it'd do

12-06-2024, 03:05 AM	#1
lil hoodlum Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Denton, Texas Posts: 1,801	Question on flushing cooling system My orginal Champion aluminum radiator has developed a small leak. I used JB weld in an effort to seal up the leak. No worky, so I purchased another Champion radiator to replace it. I'll also be changing my heater core and thermostat while I have the coolant out. I'm curious about using the cooling system flushes or just flushing out the system with a garden hose stuffed down the hole in the intake manifold where the thermostat housing is, while the radiator is out. Are the cooling system flushes worth it? __________________ 1968 C10 327, 3 speed manual, LWB stock height daily driver. 1968 C20 327, 4 speed manual, LWB stock height custom camper with heavy duty leaf springs rear, 50th anniversary edition. Hoping to press into daily drive status soon. Last edited by lil hoodlum; 12-06-2024 at 03:07 AM. Reason: forgot extra info

12-06-2024, 09:51 AM	#2
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 2,500	Re: Question on flushing cooling system The normal parts store flushes can break up deposits that regular garden hose flushing will not get. If you really have a neglected system, muriatic acid will clean the heck out of the jackets, but are tough on core plugs and anything that is the least bit weakened by corrosion and age. Also stinks and can be harmful to skin. __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, TOTM winner December 2024! Medium Bronze poly, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, rear positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" HD Kelsey Hayes wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Frame off restored 1970 K20, To be a clone of my Grandfather's K20, Dark Blue poly, 350, 4 speed, 16.5" X 8.25" Kelsey Hayes wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM radio. Latest project truck 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, Dark Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 51k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 71k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels



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