Radiator flush?

[Rivalry]

I've heard that having your radiator "flushed" out doesn't really do anything performance wise. Can anyone enlighten me on why a flush of the radiator fluid would be necessary? Thanks.

[rn79870]

I've heard that having your radiator "flushed" out doesn't really do anything performance wise. ..

I'll bet it would knock half a minute off your trucks 0-60 times.

[Rivalry]

At least!! Haha.

I was actually asking regarding my sister's old camry... the shop around here talked her into a radiator flush and I'm trying to see if it was a valid purchase or not. Need some (semi) professional opinions.

[rn79870]

They claim that the fluid looses what ever properties it has after 30,000 miles. I don't know it that is true or not, but I know flushing the radiator and changing the thermostat helps prevent overheating problems. I'm sure the dealers get an arm and a leg doing it. Before letting a dealership do it, I'd shop around. I'm sure you could save a bunch...

[joe603]

A radiator flush removes junk in the coils that impede cooling. With better cooling, your engine can run hotter...

It can increase power if you have an ECU that varies the fuel delivery, or does not retard timing because of the cooler temps.

[gwoods]

Coolant can also break down into a nasty gel that clogs cooling passages. I do hoses and coolant flush at 60k or whenever suggested in the owners manual.

[telcoman]

I've heard that having your radiator "flushed" out doesn't really do anything performance wise. Can anyone enlighten me on why a flush of the radiator fluid would be necessary? Thanks.

If you are referring to a new vehicle, my opinion is to check the coolent with a tester yearly to be sure that it will not freeze at least down to 10 below zero or more if you frequent colder climates. After 4 or 5 years belts and hoses would need to be replaced so that would be the time to do a flush. In addition, many vehicles require a timing belt change so if that work is being done that would be the time to do the belts hoses, thermostat and the radiator flush.

If you purchased a used vehicle with 50 or 60k miles and you have no proof that any of the above work was ever done then it would make sense to have that work done.

Just doing a flush without taking into account the other items doesn't make sense to me. Again just my $.02

Telcoman

[Kenrik]

Anything with coolant I say be very careful... that will ruin your engine faster then anything if it's not done right.

I personally blew a engine once because I did not tighten the coolant hose enough and it popped off at 100mph. This was on a 240sx and I got a replacement for less then $500 but still...

Remember you're dealing with a 7K engine here.. And it's not something you can find in a junkyard for cheap.. (not yet anyway)

[Rivalry]

Thanks for all of the help. My sister's vehicle is a '93 Camry. She's had problems with the thing since she bought it and is, unfortunately, somewhat foolish when it comes to purchases (I mean, she bought a TOYOTA!) Well, anyways, thanks for the advice/explanation. At least it wasn't a COMPLETE waste of cash.

Or was it?