Author Topic: cooling system maintenance - 1956 - 365 cid  (Read 215 times)

lipper

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cooling system maintenance - 1956 - 365 cid
« on: March 08, 2010, 08:30:54 PM »
Would like some advice on best way to do a cooling system flush that can be done at home. Years ago I used to use a kit from Prestone where you plumbed in a garden hose attachment, but I'm not keen on cutting into my hoses. I don't think it's even legal to spill or flush glycol outdoors anymore.  What about using a wet/dry vacuum on any number of hoses to completely draw everthing out?

Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks

ML

Offline Tom Magdaleno

  • CLC # 25142
  • Posts: 134
  • 1938 Cadillac V16
Re: cooling system maintenance - 1956 - 365 cid
« Reply #1 on: March 16, 2010, 09:46:22 PM »
Drain the radiator and pull the block plugs and drain those too.  The block drain plugs can be a real pain so what I usually do is: drain the radiator, remove the radiator hoses and heater core hoses along with the thermostat and put your garden hose in the engine and let it run for a while (the garden hose).  If your persnickety about water, like myself sometimes, pour in distilled water and flush with that.  I use distilled water for my 50/50 mix and I use the green antifreeze.  Be careful about flushing the heater core with the hose, it can cause a leak.
Tom
'38 Cadillac V16
'71 Buick Riviera
'65 Chevy Truck
'56 Packard Super Clipper