External Flushing Radiator Fins 8V92

[Tom Warner]

I have not had to wash the radiator either on the FC that I owned or
the 1985 PT 40 that I just acquired but in either case I would be
very cautious about using a high pressure washer on the radiator. You
can do a lot of damage fast with one. If properly done and soaked
with something like Gunk or Purple cleaner and then flushed not
blasted it should clean up nicely.

An important thing when inspecting a radiator is to check closely at
the very bottom corner of it where rot and leaks normally first
start. If there is a wet spot there that to me would mean pulling the
radiator and letting a good radiator shop clean it (they dip it in
very hot caustic solution) and then checking it for integrity. This
is the point where you need to carefully assess your
options.........boil it out in some cases or in others rod it out.
Depends on the construction of the radiator. I always defer to the
expertise of the fellow that does my radiators, a good core along
with good ends is peace of mind later on. Sometimes that alone is
worth the money.

tom warner
Vernon Center,NY
1985 PT 40


At 10:13 PM 6/13/2006, you wrote:

>Rob,
>Yes, the generator radiator at a minimum will be pressure tested, rodded
>out, and tested again. I have it tested at 20 pounds. If it holds that
>pressure it's good to go for me. I'm not the expert but it looks like
>that should take care of it. If the core and or tank(s) need to be new
>I'll do it. Actually, if new doesn't cost too much I may just do that.
>
>Can you get to your generator radiator to clean it without removing it?
>On ours, the radiator lays down, one could slide a shield over the top
>or the radiator, remove the lower air deflection panel, and spray Gunk
>or what ever up from the bottom. Then remove that shield and wash it
>down through the fan section. You wouldn't get a lot of water pressure
>going through there but it would flush it out.
>
>Curt Sprenger 1987 PT38, Anaheim Hills, Calif.
>
>Rob Robinson wrote:
>
> > Thanks Curt. I assume you are taking your radiator in for more than just a
> > fin cleaning. I would just like to clean mine in place with a hose and
> > some
> > product that helps release any foreign crap.
> >
> > On 13/06/06, Curt Sprenger
> <curtsprenger@...
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > > Rob,
> > > Gunk and other products are most likely available that will work. I'm
> > > taking the generator radiator to the shop tomorrow. I'll ask what they
> > > recommend. He's a friend. Maybe he'll have some good stuff to use. Got
> > > the fan, radiator, and all the hoses removed today. About a two hour job
> > > and not as bad as I anticipated. Bluebird builders do not leave a lot of
> > > room to get that stuff out of the bay.
> > >
> > >
> > > Curt Sprenger 1987 PT38, Anaheim Hills, Calif.
> > >
> > > Rob Robinson wrote:
> > >
> > > > Curt just a thought but what do you think of using Gunk to presoak the
> > > > radiator before using a garden hose with hot water? Would Gunk be
> > > harmful?
> > > >
> > > > On 13/06/06, Curt Sprenger
> <curtsprenger@...
> >
> > > > > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Kevin,
> > > > >
> > > > > I'll take advantage of your offer for sure. Thank you! I've received
> > > > > some great input re. cleaning radiators. I'll bring the fixins to
> > > clean
> > > > > it. I'll remove the grill here at home.
> > > > >
> > > > > Is there a good day this week or next week, or the week after.
> > I'm not
> > > > > in a hurry, just need to get it done.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Curt Sprenger 1987 PT38, Anaheim Hills, Calif.
> > > > >
> > > > > krminyl@...
>
> >
> > > 40aol.com> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > > Curt,
> > > > > >
> > > > > > East or West...doesn't matter. East is easier...it should
> > shift into
> > > > > 2nd.
> > > > > > Coming up West, well, that's another issue. It's kind of fun
> > > "smoking
> > > > > > out"
> > > > > > the wildlife as you chug up the hill.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The offer is there, if you want to take advantage of it someday!