[Jae]

So apparently this crap was added to my system at some point, probably post accident, by one of the mechanics I used. I have now had to replace my radiator, hoses, and a few other bits and pieces of the cooling system, with the heater core next (it's been bypassed for awhile) - and the crap is STILL everywhere! A weekly flush I' ve been doing at home still runs rust colored, and I'm concerned about compromising the system again, or taking any longer drives. Any suggestions???

[filluptrk]

If you had all this done didn't they flush the system out before putting in all the new stuff? Phil

[4.0H.O.XJ]

....sucks.

I am still battling it, too. I have replaced my radiator, all hoses, heater control valve, water pump, and thermostat......and I still get black chunks of that crap from time-to-time......though I did not replace all of those items for exactly that reason, though I DO believe it DID contribute to them failing over time.

Amyway, Buy a bottle of PRESTONE RADIATOR FLUSH and a bottle of prestone SUPER CLEAN. Drain anti-freeze, refill with water, Run both cycles through according to directions. This stuff works best with water, and run up to normal operating temp (210 degrees) before draining. I like to to drive it a few miles, then let it sit for an hour, then totally back-flush the entire sytem. (Forcing water backwards through the cooling system, and pushing it manually through the heater core with a hose.) Then, refill with water, get it to operating temp again, and flush it until it's clear......You will get wet, you will get dirty. You will hate me, but you will have a clean cooling system after a few cycles. I just did a truck that sat since 1978 with this stuff, and its running cool and clear. A mild caustic agent, not recommended to run in there too long. Follow the directions.


*** WORD OF CAUTION! Obviously, it is getting colder out. Do NOT let it sit with water in it overnight, nor drive it too long with just water and cleaner, as the antifreeze is designed to lube your system as well as keep it from freezing!

This is awful. LET THIS BE A HARD LESSON to those who honestly think that these "Stop leak cure-alls" in a can are the right way to fix things. Trans stop leak, engine stop leak, compression restorer, radiator stop leak.....It is ALL junk. Fix it right the first time or hang up your wrenches and let a pro do it. The "easy way" ALWAYS comes back to haunt you.

[BrunoS]

i agree with my fellow 96' with a 5-spd on his words on "mechanic in a bottle"

as for radiator flush, napa makes one two, it's a powder (caustic) that will dissolve scale and goo. best to use according to directions, and then a t-flush kit ($5) with manually flushing the heater core with garden hose CAREFULLY from both ends, and all will be well.

refill with a good, long-life, low or non-silicate antifreeze and mix 50/50. (12 quarts total.... you will need 6 quarts antifreeze 6 quarts water, so buy two gallons of antifreeze)

as for chemicals...a few do work:

techron for injectors
power steering stop leak
restore with CSL add to oil

that's the short list. beyond that, most other stuff does more long-term harm than good.

in a rough spot the only other thing I can speak for: a tablespoon or two (and THAT'S IT!!!) of original Bar's Leaks (ground walnut shell) for a radiator that weeps coolant but all else is in top shape will work without harm.

[Jae]

Thanks - Yes BTW they did flush it, but the mechanic I guess hadn't seen this problem before, and did not do it thoroughly enough first go round. Thanks for the tips...