Radiator Flush

[dually04]

What is the best way to flush the radiator and cooling system to get oil out of it. Any special chemical that would make the oil clean out? Any suggestions appreciated. Any special of performing the procedure?

[widman]

Check the radiator flush products on the market to see if they also take out oil. I think they do.
But more importantly, how did it get in?

[dually04]

Thanks.....the oil got in from the oil coler going bad. A lot of it. Now I have to get it out.

[m-chan68]

Originally Posted by dually04

Thanks.....the oil got in from the oil coler going bad. A lot of it. Now I have to get it out.

Has the oil cooler been replaced yet? How severe was the contamination? If it was so bad that pulling out the lower rad hose yields nothing more than "gray mud", then I'm sorry, you can flush it a million times and you will never get it all out. If it is as bad as described above, the mixture will have baked onto the cylinder walls, necessitating a long block replacement.

If the mixture is only in a liquid state, I was taught to use straight water and Cascade dishwasher detergent or tablets to flush the entire system out, after which you would have to flush SEVERAL times with straight water. Do not forget to drain the two 8mm allen head plugs on each side (the right side requires starter removal to access) of the engine block as well, when draining the radiator after each "flushing".

Once all is done, replace ALL rubber coolant hoses, as well as the coolant degas bottle itself. All of the above tend to swell up, and loose its ability to seal after a failure of this sort. Whatever you choose to do, DO NOT use anything that will expand rubber!

[Jarrod B]

the gel cascade worked well