Hey group,
I have a 1994 Lexus ES300 that has been getting hot lately. I bought new upper and lower hoses, clamps, radiator cap, and thermostat. I started taking parts off to replace these items, and until I decided I might as well clean the radiator fins too. I pulled the radiator out and hosed it off, then ran water through the rad. No gunk came out, just water. However, when I looked inside, I could see white deposits inside the tubes. I guess that's the calcium I hear about.
This radiator is made of aluminum with plastic end caps. It is not leaking (yet). I figure since it's probably toasted, I might as well try to clean it out since I have nothing to lose. I have read on the internet that filling a radiator up with vinegar will dissolve this stuff rather easily, since vinegar dissolves mineral deposits. So right now, my radiator is soaking in vinegar.
Has anyone actually done this and had success? Did the radiator leak afterwards? I did see that copper radiators should not be treated this way.
If this doesn't work, I'll see about getting it steamed out before I buy a new one ($300!)
Andy
I have a 1994 Lexus ES300 that has been getting hot lately. I bought new upper and lower hoses, clamps, radiator cap, and thermostat. I started taking parts off to replace these items, and until I decided I might as well clean the radiator fins too. I pulled the radiator out and hosed it off, then ran water through the rad. No gunk came out, just water. However, when I looked inside, I could see white deposits inside the tubes. I guess that's the calcium I hear about.
This radiator is made of aluminum with plastic end caps. It is not leaking (yet). I figure since it's probably toasted, I might as well try to clean it out since I have nothing to lose. I have read on the internet that filling a radiator up with vinegar will dissolve this stuff rather easily, since vinegar dissolves mineral deposits. So right now, my radiator is soaking in vinegar.
Has anyone actually done this and had success? Did the radiator leak afterwards? I did see that copper radiators should not be treated this way.
If this doesn't work, I'll see about getting it steamed out before I buy a new one ($300!)
Andy