Radiator

Elmo · Post by **Elmo** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 8:18 am

My tip is, do remove and clean out your radiator.

I had noticed over the last few months that on big climbs my temp gauge rose a little, not a lot, but it did get warm on big climbs.

I knew I had done a fair bit of mud holes etc through last winter and this summer.

I always made sure I sprayed PLENTY of water from the high pressure steam cleamer at work through the rads.

At times I even used an air gun to blow through it from the back.

I also sprayed water through with the fan running so as to help suck the water and dirt out of the core.

All this was good, and definitly helped keep it cleanISH!

Yesterday havning bugger all to do at work, I decided I would actually pull the rad out and give it a good clean. I did expect it to have a little amount of dirt in it, but not as much as it did.

Rear view

Front view

After about 45 mins, it was all fitted and back in. Of course, as its coming into winter, I refilled the cooling system with a good amount of anti freeze.

Totally worth the effort. And I totally recomend you all do it once a year.

albundy · Post by **albundy** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:22 am

Personally I have found high pressure water cleaners rather inefective in cleaning radiators properly. I just let the normal hose pressure to run over the rad as it soaks the dried mud eventually and falls off easily. High pressure hoses just damage fins. Also don't forget to clean the aircon rad as it blocks with mud and stops airflow through to radiator. Also try fitting blinds when going through mudholes, can save alot headaches.
Al

Elmo · Post by **Elmo** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:32 pm

Yes, high pressure hoses can, and do do damage if not used correctly. Ive seen many a radiator fin bent over due to incorrect use.

A normal garden hose is just as good, but takes a LOT longer.

And yes, the Ac rad being clean is also a big issue, but that is the one that can be cleaned quite well without taking anything out, so its all good :-D

Ive been meaning to make a blind, or atleast get something to use as one, just havent got round to it yet.

Mattman · Post by **Mattman** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 7:35 pm

Anyone on here have any pics of blinds fitted or in use?

Cheers
Matt.

Elmo · Post by **Elmo** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 7:37 pm

We meaning something like a sack or similar draped over the front of the rad area. Something simple like that.

DaveM · Post by **DaveM** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 7:42 pm

I use a piece of thick tarp.
Have the bottom corners permanently tied to the chassis, while the top has the rope that can be tied to the bonnet stoppers.
Just roll it up and tuck it against the winch when not in use.

Mattman · Post by **Mattman** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 7:45 pm

Thanks guys.

I assume it has to be reasonably well secured so that it doesn't get dragged off etc.

How wide do you make it, full width of the truck or just the rad?

Cheers
Matt.

DaveM · Post by **DaveM** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 8:08 pm

Mine covers the full gap between the headlights.
When I tie it on, 2-3 half hitches seem to be more than enough to hold it in place

wjw · Post by **wjw** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 8:25 pm

I just used an old sack and some twine...

Dunga · Post by **Dunga** » Thu May 10, 2007 8:15 pm

Thats a great idea,
I got my radiator re-cored about six months ago and its amazing how quickley the gunk can build up around there.

MNC · Post by **MNC** » Fri May 11, 2007 10:26 pm

albundy wrote:... Also don't forget to clean the aircon rad as it blocks with mud and stops airflow through to radiator...

AIRCON! I wish :lol:

Should hopefully have a heater in the 40 :lol: