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Cleaing out a dismounted radiator

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Joined: 08 Sep. 2021
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    Posted: 28 June 2022 at 5:55pm
CJ2A radiator been out of the Jeep since full teardown for rebuild. Prior to teardown Jeep suffered a blown head gasket.  Radiator looks like it has oil/coolant gunk in it.  What's the best way to clean this build up out?  Really don't want to drop the money on a new replacement at 300+ dollars, other than the build up the radiator seems solid and leak free.  

I was thinking maybe fill with vinegar for a few hours then flush out?  I've had luck with this on nasty motorcycle fuel tanks in the past. 

Thanks for any pointers.
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Speedy View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Speedy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 June 2022 at 9:38pm
I've had good luck with a industrial degreaser then a good rinse. 
after that I use a strong mix of citric acid.  

I personally never used baking soda to neutralize but you could after.
a good rinse again seems to be fine

I have not done a radiator but many rusted parts and gas tanks.
good luck leaving it in for a day, and start with boiling water.

opinions might very, citric acid is not as strong as other things on the market.

I will be doing my radiator soon so I also will watch for suggestions.
- Mike
47 CJ2A - Warn OD, Ramsey PT1-J/Koenig 100,Arctic top,Dana 44 30 spline full float with disc's,Dana 30 with discs, 2.5 lift, Saginaw power steering, dual master cylinder
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Oldpappy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 June 2022 at 11:10pm
I have used "The Works" toilet bowl cleaner in gas tanks. It removed all the crud and rust, but it is acidic so needs to be neutralized afterwards. I have not tried it in a radiator.

There are several good products specifically for flushing a radiator, you may be better off looking into those.


Edited by Oldpappy - 28 June 2022 at 11:11pm
If you can't get there in a Jeep you don't need to be there!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jgodfrey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 June 2022 at 12:33am
You likely couldn't find a new one anyway. In my cooling issues I found that  the good reproductions at most sources are on backorder.

Not that I was going to buy one (did that a year ago), but just discussing good vs. evil when it comes to sourcing reproduction parts.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Downs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 June 2022 at 1:51pm
Thanks everyone.  Id take it to a radiator shop if those still existed around here.   I'll try out some of my motorcycle tank cleaning tricks and go from there.  Smile
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