93gsxturbo
93gsxturbo SuperDork
10/3/18 9:29 a.m.

My new-to-me Land Cruiser is suffering from some weak heat.  Quick garden hose backflush on the heater core brought it back somewhat, but the radiator is pretty gunky so I want to do a complete chemical flush and replace with fresh Toyota antifreeze.

 

Who is making the best currently available flush kit?  Looks like Prestone and Blue Devil are both readily available at the local parts stores so that is a huge bonus because I am on a bit of a time crunch.  

Also saw something on Bob is the Oil Guy about using dishwasher powder, I have that readily available as well and certainly willing to try that.  

I do have a road trip coming up this weekend, Blue Devil recommends running the flush for 3 to 6 hrs, that would put me right in the honey hole.  

 

Any good tips to un-gunk a heater core?

MadScientistMatt
MadScientistMatt PowerDork
10/3/18 1:01 p.m.

I recently did a flush with vinegar, put about 100 miles on the car, then used one of those Prestone garden hose flush tools on the car. It did seem to get a lot of crud out, but it didn't stop the overheating issues I was having (which turned out to be a destroyed water pump impeller).

Professor_Brap
Professor_Brap HalfDork
10/3/18 1:10 p.m.

At the dealership we where using CLR to clean the CRV heater cores.... Take that how you will. 

dean1484
dean1484 GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
10/3/18 1:32 p.m.

I second using CLR. 

rdcyclist
rdcyclist GRM+ Memberand Reader
10/3/18 1:44 p.m.

Apparently being less than even a partial Dork has me in the dark: What's "CLR"?

spitfirebill
spitfirebill MegaDork
10/3/18 1:58 p.m.

The Evaporust people make a radiator cleaner. 

EvanB
EvanB GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
10/3/18 2:10 p.m.
rdcyclist said:

Apparently being less than even a partial Dork has me in the dark: What's "CLR"?

https://clrbrands.com/Products/CLR-Household/CLR-Calcium-Lime-Rust-Remover

old_
old_ HalfDork
10/3/18 7:28 p.m.

Citric acid works too

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