Its full of bugs and stuff.
will a powerful jet wash suffice?
2007-02-07 04:28:22 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Some radiators do not like powerwashers and if you get too close the force of the water will cause the fins to bend.
Liberally spray some Simple Green cleaner all over the surface of the radiator (while cool).. use a garden hose and spray from the inside out to flush the bugs and dirt out.
2007-02-07 04:34:00 · answer #1 · answered by shovelkicker 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
all the answers are good ones except the use of the power washer, you didn't say inside or outside , so I'll finish with cleaning the inside , it'the best practice to have a flow test on a older rad. at a shop, but if your like me there are cost savers, like filling you rad. with vinegar, then shake it up , make a plug for the bottom, let it sit and work for a while, 1 long afternoon,do something else, then come back and give it a shake. flush it out good with lots of water. capping it & shaking it .
2007-02-07 05:46:23 · answer #2 · answered by greghemmert 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just a hose with a good noozle will do. from the engine side out. a power washer is way to strong and will bend the cooling fins and air won' be able to pass through the rad and you can overheat and maybe burn the motor. the best is to take the rad out if it is an easy model to do that. then you can be sure to do a good job.
2007-02-07 04:38:26 · answer #3 · answered by barbonzo1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes and I have even went to the do it yourself local car wash and cleaned it. I live in farmland county and believe me in the warm months especially at night this is a real pain .
2007-02-11 04:10:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
.You can bye radiator cleaning fluid ,from a plumbers merchant ,it will tell you on the container how much to dilute ,run around for a couple of hours with it in your car radiator,drain off refill with water and anti freeze ,it is a lot cheaper than the car radiator cleaning fluid.
2007-02-07 06:42:40 · answer #5 · answered by Mick 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if its a older rad and u can get at it , i would use a soft brush going the same way as the fins, power washing could cause damage if its not fairly new good luck
2007-02-07 04:34:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't use a pressure washer on it, try using some bug gel and a soft brush, scrubbing horizontally (with the fins) to clean it.
2007-02-07 04:35:42 · answer #7 · answered by redrancherogirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
compressed air is the best option or a solvent cleaner and a hosepipe as suggested if it shows signs of deterioration it should be replaced
2007-02-10 16:16:49 · answer #8 · answered by Mick W 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
water isn't the only solution,you could also use a compressor and airline and simply blow any blockages out. from the engine side though as suggested.
2007-02-07 05:03:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes power wash it
2007-02-07 04:31:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋