is there anything you can run through or do to a radiator to clean it out? its for my friends 72 jeep commando. it has what looks like corrosion or a build up of some kind in it. thanks in advance.

 

You can have it hot tanked at a local radiator repair shop. That's assuming they will do so for you. Many times, especially with older radiators, they will not perform the service, as it may literally cause a lot of holes, as the corrosion, scale, rust, and other deposits are removed. But, you can always try.

 

Just take it out and run a hose through it for a little bit.

 

yea dude all you got a do is leave it running leave the bottom hose undone and let the hose run through it

 

pick up a new one?

probably easier than taking out, cleaning, hoping it dosen't leak.


my .02

 

Thanks...

For the other posters above -- Running a hose through it will not remove the calcium, lime, scale, grease, and rust deposits in the radiator. It will only (at best) break loose some surface contaminents.
For that reason, it is necessary to have it hot-tanked professionally. Otherwise, it won't cool any better than it does now, and the stuff you broke loose may kill your water pump, as it's ingested through the motor after you re-install the radiator.

The best option, especially for something with that age, is to buy a new radiator, and pull a freeze-plug from the block, to drain the block. Then, flush the system with fresh distilled water until it runs clear. Replace the freeze plug with a new one, and proper sealant (if required.) Then fill the system with a fresh mix of antifreeze and distilled water. After running the vehicle long enough to warm it up, and mix the water and coolant, allow it to cool, and use a good, accurate meter to check the level of the antifreeze in the water. If you're in Minnesota, you may want a 50/50, or even a 70/30 antifreeze mix. In VA, you would likely suffice with a 30/70, as the odds of it getting more than 15 below are slim to none.....

 

/thread.

 

thanks for all the responses. he's going to get a new one.

 

Just run a hose through it