cooling system radiator engine flush
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cooling system radiator engine flush
general tips or specifically for my 460?
i figured it's gotta be pretty cheap and well worth it considering the stuff in there now looks like a combo of mud and oil.
is it as simple as pulling the lower plug on the radiator, running a hose through it and filling it back up. seems like $20 or $30 well spent. suggestions? better steps? more complicated?
i figured it's gotta be pretty cheap and well worth it considering the stuff in there now looks like a combo of mud and oil.
is it as simple as pulling the lower plug on the radiator, running a hose through it and filling it back up. seems like $20 or $30 well spent. suggestions? better steps? more complicated?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
Get the prestone flush kit from autozone, and a bottle of coolant system flush additive. Dump the additive in about a week before you do the flush.
The flush is really easy - hook the kit up, and run the hose until it runs clear. Drain & refill.
Be prepared to replace the water pump if it hasn't been done in a while. If you're a proactive kind of guy, like me, just replace it at the same time and save yourself the hassle of getting stranded someplace.
The flush is really easy - hook the kit up, and run the hose until it runs clear. Drain & refill.
Be prepared to replace the water pump if it hasn't been done in a while. If you're a proactive kind of guy, like me, just replace it at the same time and save yourself the hassle of getting stranded someplace.
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
He's only got less than 60k miles on that rig, I would be willing to bet that the water pump is still in pretty good shape.... Although he says his coolant looks like mud... On second thought, I'd replace the whole engine 
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why would this cause water pump issues? for $80-$100, i just assume wait. i appreciate the suggestion, but unless you say "it will break within a week", i'll hold off.
EDIT: reading the other threads on antifreeze, i don't think i have major engine issues. no water in the oil, otherwise truck runs excellently. granted, i can't explain why the antifreeze looks like crap (i've only had the truck 6,000 miles)
EDIT: reading the other threads on antifreeze, i don't think i have major engine issues. no water in the oil, otherwise truck runs excellently. granted, i can't explain why the antifreeze looks like crap (i've only had the truck 6,000 miles)
Last edited by tomtoc; Aug 20, 2007 at 08:40 PM.
Postmaster
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
Originally Posted by tomtoc
why would this cause water pump issues? for $80-$100, i just assume wait. i appreciate the suggestion, but unless you say "it will break within a week", i'll hold off.
I wouldn't worry about the water pump until you start seeing coolant from the weep hole. These water pumps do have weep holes don't they?
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
Originally Posted by tomtoc
please explain the the computer guy (not a mechanic) what a week hole is.
Now that was on a 7.3L and I've never had a close look at the bottom of my water pump, so I'm not sure if the gassers have it. I'm assuming they do...
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Post Fiend
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From: Bonita Springs FL
Yes it has a weep hole. And leave my garage out of this. 
The reason I suggested it is that age is a factor as well as miles. If the system is really that cruddy, then sometimes a flush can actually cause a leak, if the crud was stopping the leak in the first place.
What I'm saying is that replacing a water pump before it goes out is good insurance, but entirely optional. I'm also not saying it will leak within a week of doing this, but don't be surprised if it does, either.
The problem with a leaky waterpump is that if it starts to go while you're on a long trip, you will lose a good amount of coolant. Unless you're the type that checks the gauge every 10 minutes on the road, you may not notice your engine has overheated until it's too late. Just food for thought.
The reason I suggested it is that age is a factor as well as miles. If the system is really that cruddy, then sometimes a flush can actually cause a leak, if the crud was stopping the leak in the first place.
What I'm saying is that replacing a water pump before it goes out is good insurance, but entirely optional. I'm also not saying it will leak within a week of doing this, but don't be surprised if it does, either.
The problem with a leaky waterpump is that if it starts to go while you're on a long trip, you will lose a good amount of coolant. Unless you're the type that checks the gauge every 10 minutes on the road, you may not notice your engine has overheated until it's too late. Just food for thought.
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
DO NOT forget the flush if your coolant looks like mud!! And don't forget that the tow would be $80 PLUS the cost of a new water pump = $160, instead of $80 just for the pump... Wait!! Where did you find a water pump for $80? That sounds pretty cheap, my brothers was like $130-140, although I suppose that was for a much heavier duty engine.
Another thing to consider is that if Andy is right and it DOES leak after you get the new coolant in, you'll have to drain the system all over again, and thus have wasted money, time, and effort on the first fluid flush... So tack on another $30-40 for coolant. Food for thought
Another thing to consider is that if Andy is right and it DOES leak after you get the new coolant in, you'll have to drain the system all over again, and thus have wasted money, time, and effort on the first fluid flush... So tack on another $30-40 for coolant. Food for thought
Last edited by Skandocious; Aug 20, 2007 at 09:23 PM.
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autozone
http://www.autozone.com/R,APP200950/vehicleId,2359504/initialAction,partProductDetail/store,369/partType,00095/shopping/partProductDetail.htm
i'm sure it's a crap brand and odds are i'd spend more, but i just use autozone's b/c its pretty good for finding ballpark prices on stuff. $130 could end up being right.
http://www.autozone.com/R,APP200950/vehicleId,2359504/initialAction,partProductDetail/store,369/partType,00095/shopping/partProductDetail.htm
i'm sure it's a crap brand and odds are i'd spend more, but i just use autozone's b/c its pretty good for finding ballpark prices on stuff. $130 could end up being right.
Last edited by tomtoc; Aug 20, 2007 at 09:48 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
Yeah buddy, avoid that Duralast pump like the plague. It's up to you to replace that water pump though... If you've got the money to throw at it, then Andy is right, it's good insurance.
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