I have a 2000 Ford Tarus with 104k miles. It's in great shape but I'm due for a radiator flush. Is the chemical flush just a sales add on to get more money?
2007-07-31 04:20:19 · 5 answers · asked by spike 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Radiator flush removes rust and scales from the cooling system. If your car has been regularly been using coolant all its life then you probably wont need it. Rust and scaling occurs when you use regular tap or well water on your radiator without any coolant.
If there is no rust or scaling occuring on your cooling system then you dont need to use radiator flush.
2007-07-31 04:39:22 · answer #1 · answered by Tom C 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A flush is just what it says it is, a flush. If my coolant was full of rust and it was coated on the inside of my radiator and block, I would probably have it run with the flush chemical to loosen it up and to remove the rust before new coolant was added. So it all depends on how the coolant looks in now, giving it a flush with just water is a good idea if the coolant looks ok.
2007-07-31 04:35:00 · answer #2 · answered by stevet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At a 104K I would be surprised not to see a calcium buildup on the flow vanes in the radiator, it is good insurance for the cost, I myself at a 100K always take my radiator in to the shop and have it rodded out, not that expensive but they take one side of the radiator off, take a brass brush and go through each vane, then solder the side back on, may seem excessive, but a cracked head, blown head gasket, or any excessive overheating can do a lot of expensive damage and cost a lot more than a little preventative maitenance, depends on if you have a throway car, or one you plan to keep for years.
2007-07-31 04:44:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely necessary to do the job right. You can, however, do the job yourself. Purchase a good flush product from your local auto. parts store. Follow directions on label...drain system, add flush and additional water to fill, run or drive vehicle to circulate and loosen any deposits a half hour or so,then drain well. Refill with the proper coolant and that's it!
2007-07-31 04:32:59 · answer #4 · answered by ~ Floridian`` 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NOT AT ALL! We only recommend them at my shop if the cooling system is in really bad shape. If the anit-freeze is black or thick I would say use it. If not, there is no need for the added cost.
2007-07-31 04:30:16 · answer #5 · answered by sixpac304 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋