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How to clean your radiator

Started by comet_666, June 19, 2015, 09:14:03 AM

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comet_666

June 19, 2015, 09:14:03 AM
Have a question. My radiator is in great shape, its about 15 years old and has sat for about 8 of those years in my basement. Needless to say it's dirty. Other than hosing it off which I tried and it's still dirty.
I don't want to damage it but I need it looking new so it will look good when it goes in the car.

Suggestions?

PlainfieldCharger

#1
June 19, 2015, 11:03:49 AM
Use engine cleaner then hose that off.  :2thumbs:

64dartgt

#2
June 19, 2015, 11:50:18 AM
Have a radiator shop clean it and paint it for you?

ACUDANUT

#3
June 19, 2015, 01:08:26 PM
Empty radiators will rust. Check and see if it holds water first.  If all is good, fill it with vinegar and let it sit a few days.  If all is good, drain it and your good to go.

comet_666

#4
June 19, 2015, 01:35:06 PM
Great answers! Straight vinegar? or mix it with H2o?

ACUDANUT

#5
June 19, 2015, 01:38:34 PM
Straight. Pure, 100 percent.

Mopar Nut

#6
June 19, 2015, 02:54:33 PM
"Dear God, my prayer for 2024 is a fat bank account and a thin body. Please don't mix these up like you did the last ten years."

Troy

#7
June 19, 2015, 05:02:26 PM
Quote from: comet_666 on June 19, 2015, 01:35:06 PM
Great answers! Straight vinegar? or mix it with H2o?

I use distilled white vinegar to clean a lot of stuff. I usually dilute it with some water (up to about 1/2). Problem is, you need to neutralize it after removal or the inside of the rad will rust all over again. Not to mention, it has a weird reaction with antifreeze (don't ask how I know!). Just flushing it with water for a while will do it.

Troy
Sarcasm detector, that's a real good invention.

BSB67

#8
June 19, 2015, 06:30:57 PM
Quote from: comet_666 on June 19, 2015, 09:14:03 AM
Have a question. My radiator is in great shape, its about 15 years old and has sat for about 8 of those years in my basement. Needless to say it's dirty. Other than hosing it off which I tried and it's still dirty.
I don't want to damage it but I need it looking new so it will look good when it goes in the car.

Suggestions?

Are you talking about the outside, the inside, or both? 

500" NA, Eddy head, pump gas, exhaust manifold with 2 1/2 exhaust with tailpipes
4150 lbs with driver, 3.23 gear, stock converter
11.68 @ 120.2 mph

comet_666

#9
June 20, 2015, 03:36:00 PM
Both in and out.
The inside from what I can see looks pretty good. It had some antifreeze still in there.
Outside is a filthy mess some how.

Barfyspitz

#10
June 22, 2015, 07:45:10 PM
I has a good radiator I want to store. How should you do that?

Musicman

#11
June 22, 2015, 08:14:51 PM
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