Cleaning/Flushing Cooling System
CLEANINGDrain cooling system and refill with clean water. Refer to drain and fill procedures.
Run engine with radiator cap installed until upper radiator hose is hot. Stop engine and drain water from system. If water is dirty; fill, run, and drain system again, until water runs clear. Refill cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of the recommended antifreeze/coolant and distilled water.
INSPECTION
After performing a cleaning/flush procedure, inspect all hoses, clamps and connections for deterioration and leaks. Inspect radiator and heater core for leaks.
STANDARD PROCEDURE
CAUTION: The cooling system normally operates at 97 - 110 kPa (14 - 16 psi) pressure. Exceeding this pressure may damage the radiator or hoses.
Reverse flushing of the cooling system is the forcing of water through the cooling system. This is done using air pressure in the opposite direction of normal coolant flow. It is usually only necessary with very dirty systems with evidence of partial plugging.
CHEMICAL CLEANING
If visual inspection indicates the formation of sludge or scaly deposits, use a radiator cleaner (Mopar Radiator Kleen or equivalent) before flushing. This will soften scale and other deposits and aid the flushing operation.
CAUTION: Be sure instructions on the container are followed.
REVERSE FLUSHING RADIATOR
Disconnect the radiator hoses from the radiator. Attach a section of radiator hose to the radiator bottom outlet fitting and insert the flushing gun. Connect a water supply hose and air supply hose to the flushing gun.
CAUTION: The cooling system normally operates at 97 - 110 kPa (14 - 16 psi) pressure. Exceeding this pressure may damage the radiator or hoses.
Allow the radiator to fill with water. When radiator is filled, apply air in short blasts allowing radiator to refill between blasts. Continue this reverse flushing until clean water flows out through rear of radiator cooling tube passages. For more information, refer to operating instructions supplied with flushing equipment. Have radiator cleaned more extensively by a radiator repair shop.