RowJ

It's that time of year when coolant temps can be a bigger problem than EGT's....especially for towing.
Have not seen it discussed in a long time, so I thought I would share an idea/invention I stole from fellow member "Crotex". 3' of scrap 3/4" copper pipe, water valve from Wal-Mart, JB Weld, hack saw! Made this one for $7.00

Cleaning the radiator surface from the back gets a lot more dirt/debris out of the crevices (the way they came in) than trying it from the front!
Here is one way to do it WITHOUT removing the radiator!



RJ

redruM Hauler

going to make one tonight

infidel

I run 1/8" hardware cloth (screen) in front of my coolers so they don't need cleaning.

Bart Timothy

Bill, I think RJ is talking more about 24v trucks with the puke bottle. I also run a screen in front of the radiator to fight bugs, but it doesn't help the puke bottle problem. The only way to stop it is to move the bottle.

Before moving my bottle I used the same type of washing tool to clean the radiator. It worked well. It's amazing how much dirt and crud gets in the radiator fins from the oil mist of the puke bottle and engine fan. Every 24v will eventually plug the radiator if the bottle isn't moved, or serviced at every oil change.

BigBlue

Well I moved my bottle a long time ago (about 40k miles) but still haven't cleaned my radiator. Hey rjohnson, bring that to the next meet. I wanna try it.

Geico266

Now there is a great idea!

Not bad from a Oklatexan.

J BODY

While it would work in a pinch, I would still remove the radiator and degrease it. Even with the radiator out it still takes quite a bit of time to get the cores cleaned.

RowJ

I also moved (removed) my "puke" bottle a long time ago. Don't know if this tool will do a lot for caked on oil.... maybe?
But if you've eliminated that problem...there is still the dust, dirt and bugs that can cause higher temps from reduced or blocked cooling surface. They seem to come out the front a lot more easily than they will being forced through the fins! JMO & E.

Bill - Doesn't the screening reduce flow also?

RJ

infidel

RJ, it sure does if you use regular old window screen (1/16") but 1/8" flows plenty of air and stops things that are big enough that they don't make it though the coolers.

OUTDOORSMAN

i have been using a degreaser called purple power and it seems to really help. i also have a wand that connects to the garden hose and necks down to 3/8 steel line. lots of power.

Timmay2

Same device looks like itd work great for flushing the rad yourself too.

coalburner400

Good idea

I recently just took a pressure washer (low PSI and broad tip) and cleaned the radiator. I cleaned the inside, and the "areas in between". Cotton wood had been collecting in between the IC and the radiator. I used simple green and a soft dust broom to remove some of the bugs on the a/c evaporator and oil cooler as well. I'm sure if you went to the spray wash you could get similar results.

My puke bottle has been eliminated and the hose is extended to just above the sway bar. It has left the annoying drip or 2 on the driveway but no more oil anywhere else.

Now temps are cool, even in 90* weather.

Save your fan clutch and extend the longevity of your engine... keep that radiator clean

infidel

Be careful with high pressure.
You can bend the cooling fins and do more harm than good.

00' Quad Cab

I just did my KDP fix and decided I better pull the radiator for more working room.

Man was I suprised, the bottom 4-6" was plugged solid with mud, mind you I don't do hardly any mud running (only when trying to get to my favorite fishing holes).

I took mine to work and steam cleaned it inside and out, came out clean as a whistle with no bent fins.

I would suggest everyone clean up the rad. every season.
A little maintenance goes a looooooong way.

That tool looks like a winner!!!!!!!!!