Can I use a garden hose to flush the coolant out?

[Dino]

Our outside tap is unfiltered water and if I use it to rinse my black car it'll leave white water spots all over.  I'm guessing it's high calcium levels.

Would this be ok to flush the coolant system?  I plan on draining the whole thing, taking the plugs out of the block and then was hoping I could just stick the hose in the rad and let it run until it is clear.  Good or bad idea?

I looked for what type of coolant to use and it looks like there's alot of different products you guys use.  Can I just buy a 50/50 mix, pour it in and be done with it or do you recommend something else.  What's the capacity?  Near stock 440, daily cruiser.

[440]

You can buy a back flush system from your local parts store that hooks up to a garden hose. Don't turn the pressure up too high as you can do more harm than good. Flush till water runs clear but make sure you drain and refill with distilled water/coolant mix. You won't get all of the water out but the anti corrosive additives in the coolant should protect you if you get the majority of it.

[Dino]

I looked at those but decided not to go that route as I don't want to cut my hoses or buy more hoses I don't need.  I was hoping I could just remove the drain plugs on the block and stuff a hose in the water pump.  Ideally I could stick the hose in the rad and let the engine run with the plugs off but that's probably not the best idea.

When I removed the header bolts the coolant was green and clean so maybe the flush is not needed but I figured it may be good to do anyway.

[440]

You don't need much hose, less than a foot would do and won't cost more than a few bucks, and a lot less hassle than removing the plugs.

[Dino]

You don't need much hose, less than a foot would do and won't cost more than a few bucks, and a lot less hassle than removing the plugs.

Good point!

[tan top]

  what i do / & would do ,  take radiator off &  flush it as a seperate item ,   same with the  heater core ,  disconect  both hoses from water pump housing , & stick a garden hose in the inlet hose 
block  remove drain bolts/taps  prolly need poking through with a screwdriver as sediment has sealed up the hole
  always use 50 /50 mix with antifreeze  ,   

[Dino]

  what i do / & would do ,  take radiator off &  flush it as a seperate item ,   same with the  heater core ,  disconect  both hoses from water pump housing , & stick a garden hose in the inlet hose 
block  remove drain bolts/taps  prolly need poking through with a screwdriver as sediment has sealed up the hole
  always use 50 /50 mix with antifreeze  ,   

Ahh I forgot, I bypassed the water valve because it's stuck on open and the last thing I need right now is more heat!

So the theory is that if the water valve is open and I hook up the hoses to them, one goes into a bucket, the other gets the hose and you just run until clear?  Will it not leave water in the heater core or is that not a problem?

[c00nhunterjoe]

Why not just open the drain on the radiator, let the engine run, and stick the hose in the top of the radiator.

[AirborneSilva]

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Why not just open the drain on the radiator, let the engine run, and stick the hose in the top of the radiator.

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If you pull the thermostat would be able to clean it out in no time.

[440]

With the back flush there's no need to remove the thermostat .

[Dino]

It's just two bolts to remove the thermostat right?  I would like to see what type it is, just out of curiosity.  So if it's out put the hose in the top of the pump?

Something tells me I'm going to make a mess!   

[crankypat]

could of removed thermostat and flushed and then replaced thermostat and coolant. flush good, clear. just did mine today. have to reflush tomorrow again still crap  on top tubes.