How to Clean the Engine Radiator?

[StephenMarie]

Methods for cleaning the engine radiator: 1. Park the vehicle and turn off the engine. After the coolant temperature drops, open the expansion tank and add radiator cleaner; 2. Start the engine and let it idle for 5 to 10 minutes after the cooling fan operates; 3. Turn off the engine and remove the front bumper. Ensure all fixing screws are loosened during removal, and slowly detach it from both ends towards the center to avoid breaking the clips; 4. Once the coolant has completely cooled, drain the radiator cleaner along with the coolant, and finally replace it with new engine coolant.

[Samuel]

Cleaning the engine radiator requires careful steps. When I do it myself, I first let the engine cool down completely for at least half an hour to avoid burns. Then, locate the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator and use a large basin to catch the old coolant, which is toxic and requires special disposal. Next, pour in a dedicated radiator cleaner, mix it with water according to the instructions, and start the engine to let it idle for 20 minutes to allow the cleaning solution to circulate. After draining, rinse thoroughly with clean water three or four times until the water runs completely clear. Finally, when refilling with new coolant, remember to bleed the air to prevent airlocks that could affect cooling. The whole process takes about two hours, and it's especially important not to mix coolants of different colors, as this can cause sediment buildup.

[StMicah]

The most troublesome part of cleaning the radiator myself is dealing with the scale buildup. Last time I cleaned it, I noticed white crystalline deposits around the radiator cap that wouldn't come off even with a soft brush. I had to soak them in white vinegar for half an hour to dissolve them. Remember to remove both the radiator cap and the overflow tank for cleaning, as lots of debris can accumulate in the corners. The rinsing stage is particularly crucial - I used a garden hose connected to tap water to flush it five or six times, and also checked all hose connections for leaks. Before adding new coolant, you must ensure the rinse water runs completely clear, otherwise residual cleaning agents could corrode metal components. After reassembly, I always do a 30-minute test drive to monitor the temperature gauge and verify the cooling system is functioning properly.

[LaMaverick]

When cleaning the radiator, pay attention to these steps: After cooling the engine, open the drain valve, and prevent pollution when draining the old fluid. Choosing a neutral cleaner is most important, as highly alkaline ones can corrode aluminum radiators. When flushing, start with low speed and then switch to high speed to ensure the water channels are clear. When adding new coolant, do it in two stages, starting the engine in between to release air. It is recommended to clean the radiator every two years; long-term neglect can lead to clogged cooling fins and overheating in summer. If doing it yourself, prepare gloves and goggles, and rinse immediately if coolant splashes on your skin.