Heater Core Flush?

[Rick Norwood]

Originally Posted by Phoenix69

Is there anything else you really do differently?

Honestly, I've never seen one done. If my information is correct, there is a special pump that is used with various attachments to reverse flush the heater core, the engine block, and radiator. I am not sure what type of solution is used, whether a chemical solvent, an Acid or water is used.

[Phoenix69]

Hm, i think mine needs that done, its prolly clogged up like no other, when i looked in i it looked like mud.

[Phoenix69]

Also, is there a chance my water pump is dead? How can i check to see if this is operating properly. And also, I've already mentioned it but when my car was initially flushed, the thermostat blew out, could this be a sign for anything?

[Rick Norwood]

Originally Posted by Phoenix69

Also, is there a chance my water pump is dead? How can i check to see if this is operating properly. And also, I've already mentioned it but when my car was initially flushed, the thermostat blew out, could this be a sign for anything?

Usually water pumps don't just quit pumping. When a water pump goes out, it most often is because the mechanical seal goes out and it starts leaking coolant through the little weeper hole in the bottom of the water pump casting. The annoying little leak from the weeper hole is to tell you that a bigger problem is around the corner and hopefully gives you enough time to get the problem fixed. I have also seen the bearings sieze up in the water pump and it either howls like a dog, or quits turning all together, and the belt just squeels on the pulley.

If your coolant looks like mud and/or your heater is blowing cold and/or your engine over heats, it is time to either take it in to a reputable garage for a Reverse Power Flush, or perform a thorough flush of the system yourself. The procedure has been explained on this and several other threads in this Forum. I strongly recommend that if your system is as bad as you say it is, take it to a garage this time and see if they will let you watch the procedure, and don't let them charge you more than approx. $150 USD.

What part of the country do you live in?

[Phoenix69]

Chicago, IL

[Rick Norwood]

Originally Posted by Phoenix69

Chicago, IL

You shouldn't have any trouble finding a good reputable garage!

[Phoenix69]

Hm, rgr, I'm barely 18 and am very cheap but actually intelligent and I would probably want to do the flush myself with the aid of somebody.

[BlazerLT]

Better do it properly.

If not you could create all sorts of problems.

[Rick Norwood]

Originally Posted by Phoenix69

Hm, rgr, I'm barely 18 and am very cheap but actually intelligent and I would probably want to do the flush myself with the aid of somebody.

I admire your ambition. That is the only way you'll learn, and is how most of us started.

Please take a piece of advice and make sure that the "SOMEBODY" that helps you knows what they're doing. As I stated earlier, the process has been outlined many times in this and other threads.

Good Luck.

[blazee]

In case you guys haven't noticed, this thread now has the most replies in the Blazer forum.

[chembrad]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

Although doing it yourself is ideal, changing coolant and doing the flush on your own in the winter is just messy as hell.

Unless you live where the sun shines like California!

[chembrad]

I didn't see anyone post here using an adaptor for the garden hose. Prestone sells a flush kit that includes an adaptor for the garden hose. The adaptor is also a restrictor. I don't know the pressure it allows, but it does restrict the flow. The kit is pretty cheap (~$10) and has instructions so it is n00b friendly.

[blazee]

Originally Posted by chembrad

I didn't see anyone post here using an adaptor for the garden hose. Prestone sells a flush kit that includes an adaptor for the garden hose. The adaptor is also a restrictor. I don't know the pressure it allows, but it does restrict the flow. The kit is pretty cheap (~$10) and has instructions so it is n00b friendly.

It has been posted in this thread many times, it is called the Prestone Flush 'N Fill kit. they cost about $4.

[bjaymo3]

A while back, I asked for help with the "no heat" problem. I added antifreeze the first time and it temporarily solved the problem........for about a week. So I came back to the forum and further searched. Found where one of you guys suggested the rad cap. I ran down to AZ and grabbed the STANT. It has now been about two months, my kids (they're 20) are driving the thing in the mountains at ASU and the end result...............no more heating problems! I should've thanked you guys earlier but I'll do it now! THANKS A TON!!!! - Jay

[chcknugget]

Hahaha, last weekend it was 85 degrees and really sunny here in lansing, it has been above 60 for nearly a month!

This weekend it is 30 degrees and snowing, it's april 23 and we're supposed to get 4 inches of snow tonight... At least my heat works!