radiator flush

[Dan]

my 2000 chevy impala 3.8 the radiator is starting to get what i found out to be called dex-cool sludge . so my question is whats the best flush i can put in to clean the cooling system and whats the best way to use it ? ( with the thermostat in or out ) ?? should i isolate the heater and back flush it by itself ?? what will cause this sludge ?? the system was flushed in 2014 and new dex- cool put in .. i cant do anything till the weather warms up but can start getting what i need for the job . ( oh by the way i still didn’t find out why my 2001 ford escape won’t run right ) ..

Topic

[Larry Morley]

Apparently Prestone Super Radiator Cleaner or Zerex Super Radiator Cleaner, each sold in 32 oz. bottles, are a lot better than their 10-minute flush products. You use them with just water in the cooling system and operate the engine for a total of 6-8 hours (can be spread out over a week) before draining. There are stronger products, but some aren’t meant to be used on aluminum radiators (almost all are aluminum) or aluminum engine blocks or heads.

I’ve been running Dexcool for about 20 years in my 1993 Ford Escort, and the previous owner of my 1986 Corolla started using it instead of Toyota red antifreeze at about the same time. No sludge in either of them. Could your Chevy 3.8L be affected by an intake manifold problem that makes coolant leak from a chemical reaction between Dexcool and the gasket? http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/forum/engine/topic1061.html

[Dan]

i can understand the idea of a leak in the system but i don’t have any leak’s anywhere the antifreeze level stays the same . i didn’t know their was a cleaner just a flush . would it be ok to run the cleaner one wk and flush it with water and than run a flush product through the system to really get it clean or would that be to much ?? i really need to get it clean cause i plan on making a run to los angles and back . i don’t need any cooling problems on the trip i figure about 6000 miles round trip .. thanks

[zero]

If you live anywhere that gets the least bit cold, I would suggest not filling the cooling system up with water. It makes it difficult to get a proper dilution in the car afterwards. If you do want to go that route, use cheap coolant if you have to.

I’ve used flushes professionally with no problems, I’ve never heard of a cooling system ‘cleaner’. If your local parts tore has them read the instructions and make sure it’s compatible with your car. I’m personally not sure if using a flush is even a good idea. Since you already seem to be getting silica (sludge) build up, it might be counter productive to have that break free as it could clog radiator or heater core passages.

Using a flush product and changing the coolant on a couple of short intervals is probably your best bet. It probably won’t get rid of existing build up, but it will end the building up.

[Ryan Petrukovich]

i would flush with water, plenty plenty of times.a flush additive will help alot.

my biggest concern is stick with dexcool. youll never get it all out and you dont want to mix it with green.
ive just recently flushed my 2000 silverado which i know hadnt been done in atleast 5 years.. (how long ive had it) but i know the coolant was in there much longer then that. dexcool has been nothing but good to me.

[EricTheCarGuy]

I’m not a fan of the ‘home’ flush systems, but they can work if you follow the instructions. I like to use the professional machines. They do a great job with this. You might call your local shop to see how much they’d charge for this. It might not be that expensive and the job would be done and you wouldn’t have to worry about it.

If you’re going to do it at home. I would suggest flushing with water and possibly an off the shelf flush kit. Once you’ve completed the flush, be sure to top the system off with the proper mix of antifreeze though.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Author]

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