How do you know when your radiator needs flushed?

Question

I had the thermastat replaced in Nov as I had no heat, and then the sending unit replaced as it wasn't reading on the temp gauge on the dash. My mechanic said there was a lot of 'gunk" in my radiator and if it lost heat again, I'd have to have it flushsed. Today when I shut off my truck, steam came from under the hood for about 45 seconds. The new "unit" my mechanic said would go to the top and drop after my thermastat opened, and it did, but didn't drop before I shut it off. Its Sat, so I can't call the shop today, so any ideas?

Answer 1

if it hasnt been done in a couple or three years then its time to regardless

otherwise if theres alot of corrosion inside the radiator when you look inside of it or the fluid doesnt look good then its time to at least flush the system if not also remove the radiator and have it hot tanked or replaced

good luck

Answer 2

If the coolant isnt nice and clear the radiator may need flushed. You should be more specific with the question e.g. is it overheating etc...? Without the specifics theres no specific answer, sorry. Oh and coolant can be any colour, like blue, green etc. Depends on the manufacturer.

Answer 3

If green coolant is used its best to do about every 24 months. If red coolant is used should be flushed every 100 thousand miles or 4 yrs not the recommended five

Answer 4

I know you're impatient and frustrated, but will knowing what's wrong get it fixed for you any sooner? I get the impression that you're not the -do-it-yourselfer type. (If you are, a better question might be... "how do you flush your radiator?") So make plans for the weekend that won't require you to drive it, and ask your friendly local repair shop on Monday.

Answer 5

if the water in the radiator looks brown from rust or the radiator is very old or you are filling it all the time or the car is overheating.
i had one the that had these problems. it was a 20 year old car


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