Re: IML: cooling system flush questions

[therichardsonfamily@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Dave:

 

Those are the kind of tips I'm looking for.

 

Could I assume that the gunk most likely settled to the bottom (and back) of the block, and by flushing through those opened up freeze plugs I should get most of it out?

 

If that cleaned it out well enough, I still have the possibility that those head plugs could fail in the near future.  If that ended up happening, am I able to replace those plugs by just pulling the heads?  Then, am I safe to just put the heads back on (with new gaskets) without having to machine anything?  (of course a valve job would be a good idea at that time)

 

If replacing the head gasket without major machine work is easy enough, I think I would go with a solvent of some type.  Off-the-shelf at the local Napa store?  or something else?

 

I plan on spending the $30 for a new water pump anyway.  I would flush and then replace it.

 

Thanks again,

 

Dan Richardson

300L Family Heirloom

 

-------------- Original message --------------
From: sosmi@xxxxxxxxxxx

Dan, Cleaning, and flushing the cooling system seems to be a good idea, BUT there are some concerns.The freeze plug issue is one, the block plugs aren't to bad to change, but the head plugs can be a problem, the ones behind the exhaust manifold, and the ones behind the head, and the fire-wall.One other big concern, is the head-gaskets, I've seen head gasket failure after using some of those aggressive cooling system flushes. The water pump is another, and don't forget to use only distilled water for top-offs, after you get your cooling system "RIGHT". When we build an engine, we use marine head gaskets, they were designed for the WORST cooling system conditions. Ya'll have a nice day, Dave.

 

-------------- Original message --------------
From: therichardsonfamily@xxxxxxxxxxx

Hello experts:

 

Some super duper, heavy duty, clean the block questions:

 

My '67, 440cid, Imperial engine has some major crud in the cooling system of the block.  I had anticipated pulling the engine and rebuilding everything - now I'm finding it still runs strong and I think I will try cleaning it out while still in the car.

 

I've read the web-site regarding freeze plugs etc. - now I have some flushing questions.  The radiator is now brand new and not been used.  I want to flush the block and pull freeze plugs to get the gunk out.

 

Is there some type of solvent/cleaner I could send through the block to help loosen the gook?  Any other advice on cleaning out some probably very clogged up coolant passages?

 

I will set up bypasses for the new radiator and old heater core to prevent any dis-lodged gook from causing more problems.  Is there a backflush or pressure-flush strategy for the heater core, as it would stand alone?  Any other experience to share?

 

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

Dan Richardson

300L Family Heirloom