Radiator Flush

[Globe Trotter]

Hello People,

 

I have a MK2 2.3 Galaxy on 2001 plate which has now been fitted with a second-hand radiator

which came from a car that had sludge in it (remains of) because of a failed head gasket.

 

My fear now is that will this cause damage to my vehicle if I top up with water and anti-freeze?

 

Will or can I get rid of the remains of the sludge by using radiator flush and water ?

 

Looking forward to your replies and help will be appreciated.

 

Best Regards

[Goofygolfer]

reverse flush with a hose and water for about 10 mins should do it.

[chromedome]

You might want to block one end of the radiator and fill with radiator flush and leave overnight. Then, as suggested, give it a long back flush.

[Globe Trotter]

You might want to block one end of the radiator and fill with radiator flush and leave overnight. Then, as suggested, give it a long back flush.

[/quote

 

Thanks for the advise!!!

 

As the radiator is insitue would it be best to fill via the top hose connector or the bottom...... Oh! and what about the thermostat, wouldn't this restrict the flow of water through the system :huh: ?

 

Thanks in advance ;)

[mikej]

The replies i believe are refering to the rad only not inc engine. This based on my own experience would be alot easier and more effective if you could remove the rad first , if you want to leave the rad in place then remove both top and bottom hoses, plug the bottom with something and fill from the top with flush . As already mentioned you can leave over night and then give it a bloody good flush untill it runs clear inc reverse fush for a good while, ie stick you hose pipe in the bottom to push all the crap from the top as well. :huh: Edited January 10, 2011 by mikej

[tona955]

It would, but you are better isolating the flush to the radiator only as this is where the sludge was.

[Globe Trotter]

Thank you all for your helpful replies ;)

 

Just wanted to ask one other thing...... If I was to reconnect the hoses and refill with flush and water and then run until system is bled and hot and then empty the system.

 

Do you think in your opinions that the flush would remove more of the crap when it becomes hot and agitated?

 

I was thinking from the point of view that because it's cold outside, the flush wounldn't be having much effect in breaking down the little sludge that's in the system..... I was thinking that the hot water and flush would cut the oily crap alot better :huh: ?

 

Im sorry if im going round in circles, im just trying to get a full overview of all possibilities

 

Thanks and regards

Edited January 10, 2011 by Globe Trotter

[mikej]

If you have sludge in the engine also then just add it to the expansion tank providing you remove a little water first as to not overfill the system, run the car untill as you said the system is hot and then drain. Don't be tempted to refill the system too soon again with cold as you may do some damage. If it's just the rad that's contaminated then i would flush just the rad myself. I suppose you could fill the rad with boiling water if you have a big enough kettle :huh: and do it that way ;)

[Globe Trotter]

If you have sludge in the engine also then just add it to the expansion tank providing you remove a little water first as to not overfill the system, run the car untill as you said the system is hot and then drain. Don't be tempted to refill the system too soon again with cold as you may do some damage. If it's just the rad that's contaminated then i would flush just the rad myself. I suppose you could fill the rad with boiling water if you have a big enough kettle :lol: and do it that way :huh:

 

Thanks Mikej

 

You have been very helpful!!

I think I've made up my mind how I'm going to do this.

 

Very Best Regards :)