What is the best way to cleanthe radiator and the block? I've heard to add radiator flush but someone told me that would eat seals and gaskets and cause the water pump to leak. What are the best steps to take?

Mine hasn't been flushed since I've had it for 30,000 miles and it probably needs it.

 

On my dodge I took off the bottom radiator hose and flushed it out with water until clean, then I took off the top radiator hose and did the same thing.

 

best way is to remove it, rod it, chem dip the entire thing and pressure flush it.

at home, cut in the "T" to the heater line and run the hose through it while the truck or car is running at temp. (back flush)

 

Where does the water flow outof when you do that?

 

another good way is use CLR and run it for a while drain that then fill with water and do the same thing. Drain it and then add coolant Just make sure you get rid of the CLR its pretty corrosive but works really well on radiators and blocks

 

Since us guys with the newer trucks don't need any additive in our coolant I assume we have some internal coating in the cooling system to counteract cavitation. Would using a flush or other cleaner hurt this coating?

 

Mayfair,

If you back flush with a "T" in the heater hose, you keep the radiator cap off and the water comes out the top of the radiator.

 

The new engines have extended life coolant. The coolant already has chemicals in it to stop cavitation. Cavitation is also not that big of a problem on these engines as they are not "liner" engines. I still run dlc though. Another thing we use is powdered dishwasher soap like casade. There is also something pencool makes that you put in and then after cleaning you put in the nuetralizer after.

 

I Must be pretty dang lazy, I dont think that Ive ever even pulled the radiator cap off mine. My 2000 or my 04. As a matter of fact ,Ive never even had to add any fluid to either one. Dang it man now you got me wondering Thanks alot!!!

 

Your 04 should be fine, but the 2000 probably needs to have the coolant changed.