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Radiator Flush[200/88] posted by Victor Viscomi on
Wednesday, 2 June 1999, at 10:58 p.m.
I think it's about time I flushed out my cooling system. I've drained and refilled the system a couple of times in the 11 years & 80K miles I've owned the car, but I never used any kind of radiator flush. I understand some are harsher than others. Is there a recommended one? Do I just pour it in through the top hose connection? Can I expect to get my old hoses off without breaking the original plastic radiator to bits?
I remember reading on the old VCOA site that when you install the thermostat, the little jiggler should point in a specific direction (12 o'clock?). Is this true?
Thanks in advance!
--Victor Viscomi
Re: Radiator Flush[200/88] posted by Steve Ringlee on
Thursday, 3 June 1999, at 12:04 a.m.
When your system is this old, anytime you do something unusual (such as removing a hose or flushing) you may stir up something that might cause a leak. Recognize that after you open it up, you may find that it will pay to replace components such as heater and radiator hoses or the thermostat or even the radiator or water pump. New radiator hoses from Dayco are cheap and heater hoses from Volvo are not that much either, both giving real peace of mind. New clamps are a help as well. That having been said, go ahead and use the Prestone flush (not the heavy duty version) which I think is just a detergent and not an acid. Remove the thermostat, drain the coolant through the bottom hose, fill with water and the bottle of radiator flush, then drive it around warm to circulate the solution through the whole system. Drain the block and radiator, refill with water, start up and circulate, drain, etc. etc. until you get ALL the flush and old coolant out. Then refill first with pure antifreeze then with distilled water to top off. The thermostat is inserted with the little hole at the top (toward the block) so that any air in the fitting will vent upwards. Keep an eye on the radiator, hoses (if not replaced) and water pump shaft seal for a few weeks after you do this to make sure you don't have any leaks.
Re: Radiator Flush[200/88] posted by Randy on
Thursday, 3 June 1999, at 5:57 a.m.
>I think it's about time I flushed out my cooling system.
An external cleaning can at times be more beneficial to improved cooling than an internal flush. If you haven't recently removed the radiator you might do that and hold it up to a strong light to see if you are getting good air flow through the radiator. I use a garden hose from the back side to push debris out the front of the radiator. High pressure washers can damage the cooling fins. I have cured more than one hot running 240 using this method and even if you decide to do an internal flush an external cleaning will compliment that effort.
Re: Radiator Flush[200/88] posted by Paul Seminara on
Thursday, 3 June 1999, at 11:55 a.m.
If you flush watch the water pump shaft seal weep hole. Volvos are prone to start leaking right after a good flush cleaning. 80K is just a pup though...oh that's how long you've had the car, how many miles total?
I would say go for it, in and out. Be sure to get the block well drained and flushed. Yes new hoses. Try one of the cleaner products if you want.
And you know what? I won't even hesitate to tell you right now: Just get rid of the POS Volvo radiator. Don't mess with it. Just replace it with a Nissens before it blows out and cracks your head. You asked.
--Paul Seminara