Best way to clean Radiator?

[phaser]

My B7100 (purchased used) came with a factory, very fine mesh radiator screen attached to the hood, which I've always kept clean on the outside. The Engine side is picture perfect clean.

While doing some engine maintenance today, I realized that screen is easily removable, and this is what greeted me. Fortunately I've never had an over heating issue.

What's the best way to clean this out?

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[85Hokie]

compressed air from the fan side out.....then if the chafe is sooooo compacted - then you will need to get in there with some old fashion water hose! Pressure washer might be too strong unless you can control the distance!

 

[Daren Todd]

At home I use a garden hose and adjust the nozzle so it doesn't bend the fins. I usually mix up some dawn dish soap in the garden sprayer and give it a good soaking first.

Compressed air works really good for dry dust and chaffe. If it's covered in oil or coolant, then a decreaser and water.

At work I use the pressure washer. BUT!!!! It has a wand that has adjustable pressure. So I can back the pressure way off. Pay attention to the tip. You DO NOT want to use the "0" (red)tip. Minimum of the "15" (yellow) with pressure way down. Start off at a good distance and pay close attention so you avoid damage. Pressure washer does a great job, but it also has a diesel burner to heat the water

 

[Tooljunkie]

A good soaking with castrol super clean, then garden hose to rinse. Air to finish.

 

[Diydave]

I assume your picture was a no show. I keep a bottle brush, in the toolbox er ammo can, for daily cleaning, since I use the junkubota almost exclusively for bush hogging. If I notice it overheating or blowing fluid, then I take the screen off, and clean from behind with a cheap electric power washer. Just don't go overboard, with a high pressure cleaning...

 

[phaser]

Thanks guys.

Are the factory radiator fins made of aluminum or copper?

The reason I ask is, because I've been researching the subject and have come across some that recommend alkali based foaming cleaners such as Nu-Bright coil and condenser cleaner, apply for 10 minutes to be followed by thorough rinsing (youtube video shows impressive results in cleaning the fins).

I know alkali cleaners are not good on aluminum.

Dyidave, is the photo I posted not showing for you?

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[DustyRusty]

I would stick with Simple Green as the cleaner of choice for most things on the tractor. Unlike many cleaners, it isn't harsh, and it does a great job no matter what type of cleaning you are doing. It won't remove paint, but it will dissolve grease and grime.

 

[chim]

As they said, air from the fan side to blow the junk out away from the engine. I was having trouble getting the air nozzle into position so I made an extension from a piece of 1/4" OD soft copper. The end is pinched shut and there's a small saw kerf in the side so the air comes out at a right angle. It reaches almost everywhere that way.

 

[Diydave]

Thanks guys.

Are the factory radiator fins made of aluminum or copper?

The reason I ask is, because I've been researching the subject and have come across some that recommend alkali based foaming cleaners such as Nu-Bright coil and condenser cleaner, apply for 10 minutes to be followed by thorough rinsing (youtube video shows impressive results in cleaning the fins).

I know alkali cleaners are not good on aluminum.

Dyidave, is the photo I posted not showing for you?

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I don't see no pix....

 

[Mike9]

The fins on my B6200 are copper.

 

[bh115577]

This is the best tool I've used for cleaning radiators. Works very well.

http://www.ipatools.com/products/index.php/ipa-8051.html

 

[comfun1]

I had my radiator out a couple of weeks ago and it looked just like yours (covered in dirt I mean). So, while it was out I leaned it against a tree and used the hose on it. While I had it there I decided to flush the inside. I was surprised at the nasty looking solution that came out. When I was done I filled it with a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze solution. The only anti-freeze I had at the time was pink. I don't remember what kind of car it was for but I'm hoping it's ok for the Kubota.

 

[Tooljunkie]

Pink coolant is usually some form of long life. Mopar coolant is not my favorite after an interesting experience this summer.

Entire rad was blocked.

 

[phaser]

Pink coolant is usually some form of long life. Mopar coolant is not my favorite after an interesting experience this summer. Entire rad was blocked.

I doubt MoPar alone caused the sludge.

OAT based formulas should not be mixed with IAT formulas. "The result is typically turning your coolant into sludge due to a chemical reaction."

http://www.cgj.com/2013/05/20/what-are-the-different-types-of-antifreeze-and-can-i-mix-them/

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[comfun1]

I doubt MoPar alone caused the sludge.

OAT based formulas should not be mixed with IAT formulas. "The result is typically turning your coolant into sludge due to a chemical reaction."

http://www.cgj.com/2013/05/20/what-are-the-different-types-of-antifreeze-and-can-i-mix-them/

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Thanks for the info, looks like I will be draining and flushing my cooling system.