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how to do a radiator flush?

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  • #626214
    AdamAdam
    Participant

      I went for an oil change at jiffy lube and was suggested a radiator flush and also my fluid level was low. They were going to top it off for $3 but I said no. Should I go for the top off next time or simply do my own radiator flush? It’s starting to get chilly so do I use a special kind of fluid for certain weather or what?

      It’s been about a year or 2 since my last radiator flush I think. If I do the radiator flush myself, do I buy the most expensive coolant there is? I don’t know if brands make a difference in coolant quality. So to do a radiator flush is simply drain out the old fluids and add new fluids right? I’ve never done this so can someone here show me?

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    • #626216
      Jerry ShoupJerry Shoup
      Participant

        There are kits you can buy at most auto parts shops that come with special fittings you install into a coolant hose. They have special attachments that you can hook up a watet hose to. The idea is to backflush the fluid from yout system so that the gunk comes out of the system and radiator without forcing it deaper into the radiator where it woul clog things up worse. Purchase one of those kits and follow the instructions on the package. I am sure there are people who would disagree strongly, but i try to buy fluid that is universal, but you will want to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation when it comes to purchasing coolant. Just don’t buy the premixed stuff as you are paying for water. It is recomended that you use distilled water mixed with the coolant. Some do. Some don’t. You should pick up a little test kit to make sure that you mix it properly, and that it will protect your engine and radiator from freezing in the coldest weather you are likely to find your vehicle in during the life of the coolant.

        #626220
        AdamAdam
        Participant

          so the hose is to suck out the fluids off the fluid container? Why avoid premixed coolants? Most use those. I would think Jiffy Lube uses something like it as well. One guy I saw he simply removed the old coolant fluid without the use of a hose. A bit messy.

          #626225
          Jerry ShoupJerry Shoup
          Participant

            No . the hose is to force water into the middle of the system fo r cing thr gunk to travel backwords toeard an opening in the system where it ca n escape thereby cleaning out the coolant ports, radiator, and other components. There is nothing inherently wrong with the premixed stuff, i just believe it is a waste of money. It is usually 50 percent water and 50 percent. Antifreeze. Yet, it generally costs more than half the cost of an equal quantity of 100 percent Antifreeze.

            #626345
            EricTheCarGuy 1EricTheCarGuy
            Keymaster

              Honestly unless you have a lot of sediment or debris in the cooling system there’s no need to do a ‘flush’. They often try to sell this service because it sounds fancy and it’s not something the average DIYer does. That said, if you don’t have any debris in the system a drain and refill is all that should be required. Just draining and refilling the radiator is often enough as long as it’s done at regular intervals. Many times around 30K but check your owners manual to see what it says about cooling system service. The important thing is to be sure to bleed the air out of the system when you’re done with that service. Failure to do so will result in cooling system problems.

              #626444
              AdamAdam
              Participant

                are you saying it’s bad to use 100% antifreeze and it has to be split with water instead?

                [quote=”jshoup” post=114868]No . the hose is to force water into the middle of the system fo r cing thr gunk to travel backwords toeard an opening in the system where it ca n escape thereby cleaning out the coolant ports, radiator, and other components. There is nothing inherently wrong with the premixed stuff, i just believe it is a waste of money. It is usually 50 percent water and 50 percent. Antifreeze. Yet, it generally costs more than half the cost of an equal quantity of 100 percent Antifreeze.[/quote]

                #626445
                EdwardEdward
                Participant

                  Two questions there, if you use premixed antifreeze no its not bad because it’s already diluted.

                  If its not diluted then YES it is BAD to use 100% pure antifreeze.

                  #626473
                  ErinErin
                  Participant

                    When buying antifreeze, here is what not to buy –
                    Do not buy the 50/50 mix. It is a rip-off.
                    YOu will notice with any given brand, pure antifreeze is like a dollar more than 50/50.

                    I am sure the advice about the type of water to use will vary across the board. But if you have to buy “special” water (in the grocery section), that will cost a dollar. Unless you get thristy and drink it then you may need another gallon. 😀

                    So it is like this –
                    Pure antifreeze ($15’ish a gallon) plus a gallon of special water (one whole smackeroo) = $16
                    Two gallons of 50/50 ($14 each) = $28

                    Yeah, you will probably need close to a couple gallons of antifreeze/water by the time you are done.
                    What percentages of each? 50 to 70% antifreeze. I tend to go 60% “just because”.

                    Maybe have an empty milk jug to mix it in. Don;t do like some often do and “just guess” as I dump it into the cooling system.

                    #626520
                    EdwardEdward
                    Participant

                      When pure antifreeze is used the boiling point is 150c ish the freeze point is only -10c

                      As you add water strangely the freezing point lowers and so does the boiling point.

                      There comes a point where the antifreeze takes on the properties of water if you dilute it too much, I think off the top of my head 60% antifreeze 40% water is the optimum solution.

                      It’s been a while since I read it but I found it weird and interesting so I remembered it. That’s why you should always dilute antifreeze.

                      Kerb

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