What is the method for cleaning the engine radiator?
4 Answers
Cleaning the engine radiator involves the following steps: 1. Remove the bumper; 2. Adjust the water gun nozzle to a spray pattern and set the pressure to an appropriate level, then spray towards the dirty radiator; 3. Add the car radiator cleaner into the radiator filler port, let it soak for thirty minutes, then drain the cleaner and rinse the radiator and pipes thoroughly with water. The function of the engine radiator is: when the engine's water temperature is high, the water pump circulates repeatedly to lower the engine's temperature, thereby protecting the engine. In winter, when the water temperature is low, the water circulation stops to prevent the engine temperature from dropping.
The method I use to clean the engine radiator starts with parking and cooling. First, let the engine cool down for at least half an hour before carefully opening the radiator cap to avoid burning your hands. Drain the old coolant into a container—it's environmentally harmful and must be disposed of properly, not poured randomly. Next, pour in a radiator-specific cleaner, available at supermarkets or auto shops for about ten yuan a bottle, then fill it with distilled or purified water. Start the car and let it run for 10-15 minutes to allow the cleaner to circulate and dissolve scale and sediment. After that, turn off the engine, drain the dirty water, and rinse the radiator several times with a soft hose until the water runs clear. Finally, refill with a 50% mix of new coolant and water, ensuring the level reaches the standard mark. Remember, neglecting this can lead to a clogged radiator, causing the engine to overheat and stall. I usually clean it once a year to save money and hassle. If the radiator shows severe rust, it's best to have a professional check the fan and cooling fins early on.
I prefer the DIY method for cleaning the engine radiator, which is quite practical. The process is straightforward—just prepare a cleaning kit and you're good to go. The steps include draining the old fluid after parking, pouring in the cleaner with distilled water for soaking, then starting the car to let the system circulate and flush the pipes. Remember to wear safety gloves as high water temperatures can easily burn your skin. When rinsing, use a hose to repeatedly flush water through the radiator opening until it runs clear without impurities. Opt for a high-quality brand of new antifreeze to avoid cheap products diluted with too much water that may freeze in winter. The whole process takes about half an hour to complete, costing just a few dozen bucks—saving you over a hundred compared to a repair shop. Regular cleaning prevents scale buildup, protecting the engine cooling system for a longer lifespan and avoiding the embarrassment of sudden breakdowns on the highway.
Flushing the engine radiator is simple: After cooling, drain the old fluid, add cleaner and clean water to run the engine and dissolve dirt, rinse thoroughly, then add new fluid to finish. Avoid using hard water to prevent scale buildup. Doing it yourself saves time and money, and can be completed within half an hour. If unfamiliar, it's safer to go to a repair shop.
