heater core flush question

[iamgavinwt]

i've been reading about the different problems with the heating on the taurus, and i've determined that i need to flush the heater core. however, i did see on another website someone recommend flushing either draino or liquid plumber through the heater core to help with the clog. will this damage anything or is it even a good idea?

[Huney1]

"draino or liquid plumber through the heater core to help with the clog. will this damage anything or is it even a good idea? No Sir, I wouldn't gothere because those are caustic chemicals. I;d use something made for automotive use like this. http://www.amazon.com/Technical-Chem.../dp/B0002JN2Z4
Should be able to find it at Wally World or parts stores. I'd first unhook both hoses and make sure one hose dumps in a bucket to you can recycle the old anti freeze. Then hold the pressure hose end on the other fitting and turn the water on just a little so you don't overload the heater core and make it blow up from to much pressure. Gradually increase the pressure until you get a good steady stream out of the core, then swap ends and blow throght other way and it should be cleaned enough to do it's job OK. Hook it back up add anti freeze and rock on.

If the water is REAL muddy and nasty then drain it and put the cleaner in the system and follow directions to clean the engine block, radiatior and heater core.

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

Well, I have not heard anyone recommend using Drano or Liquid Plumr to flush a heater core. I would be very hesitant to try it. I suspect those may be a bit caustic if not completely flushed out. The heater core wall thickness is quite a bit thinner than that of home drains, and the types of materials that you're trying to flush out are different from what you will typically have in a home drain. Your home drain will typically be clogged due to organic materials such as minerals (calcium, lime) and/or hair. In a cooling system, you will typically have silicates, rust, plastic or metal (if your water pump vanes are disintegrating). I'm not sure how effective Drano or Liquid Plumr will be on these.

Probably the safest route to go is to back flush the heater core with water, being careful not to exceed the rated pressure for the cooling system. Distilled or de-ionized water would be preferred as well, but not too many household water supplies will provide that.

-Rod

[Huney1]

"i've been reading about the different problems with the heating on the taurus, and i've determined that i need to flush the heater core."
You already know worn down water pump blades can cause no heat but still pump enough water to keep the engine cool. If you flush the core and no heat then look at the water pump. You didn't give year, engine and mileage.