coolant flush technique...

[87_crown_vic]

i started searching about what my room mate mentioned for cleaning out the stop leak crap on the net. came across a site that sells a product and they mention to flush the coolant system with vinegar to break down the scale and crusty stuff like a coffe pot. details below. thought i would see what you all think before i might do this to Sandy.



How often do I need to change it and are there any special requirements?

Most every coolant product will work best when changed somewhat regularly…at minimum, we’d recommend once a year.
For racing applications, we actually recommend twice per year. The cleaner you can keep your cooling system and the fresher you can keep a fluid, the better it will perform. There are no special requirements for using Engine Ice. For any coolant and anytime you are changing coolant, we recommend a simple solution of distilled water and white distilled vinegar, both available at your local grocery store.

1. Mix the water/vinegar at 50/50
2. Fill system with the solution
3. Run engine until warm
4. Let cool
5. Drain
6. Run clear water through to rinse out vinegar.
7. Fill with coolant of choice.

This is the same as cleaning your coffee maker. The vinegar is acidic enough to clean out and contaminants and residual coolants, yet it won’t harm your seals and gaskets.

[86GmLsCoupe]

I just did mine with my Dad the other day when we were changing the thermostat and used the Prestone Coolant Flush. We never used anything like Bar's stop leak, and from what I hear, that stuff's evil in a bottle. We followed the directions for the flush and then rinsed out the system and resivoir with a garden hose and the engine running until everthing came out crystal clear. I'd probably just use the Prestone flush since that's what it was designed for.

[JD's Toy]

as often as i'm into all my motors i never flush the coolant. seems like i always gotta drain the coolant for one reason or another, so i just consider drain and refilling it every year or two good enough.

[Lincolnmania]

tryin to blow out the rest of the rotted freeze plugs jim?

[gadget73]

as often as i'm into all my motors i never flush the coolant. seems like i always gotta drain the coolant for one reason or another, so i just consider drain and refilling it every year or two good enough.

Usually thats enough. Its when nothing at all is done for decades and the fluid is really nasty and muddy that you have to flush it.