I need some help please. I have a 96 GMC K3500 that has about 201K miles on it. I am about to do several upgrades (cooling, exhaust) as well as maintenance for that millage (injectors, glow plugs, hoses, belt, balancer & balancer pulley, vacuum pump etc.…). I would also like to upgrade my battery cables and I have a new starter to put on as the old one has died.

What I need help with is that I would like to run a good flush of the entire coolant system before I start the teardown and rebuild. I had read several posts about using Cascade dishwasher detergent and distilled water. Basically, as I understand it, you remove your thermostat then drain the system of coolant. Next you would follow proper fill procedures, however, you fill with the Cascade and the water.

Then run it until it comes up to operating temp with the heater on full blast. I assume you cool it down a bit then drain. From what I read you would then run just the distilled water for at least two or three more cycles of draining and running then draining and running up to temp. Finally draining and then it is ready for the coolant @ 50/50.

In my case I would then pull the truck back into the shop and get ready to start the teardown and rebuild. When I get ready to fill I would use 50/50 Distilled water and a quality name brand green antifreeze with perhaps some water wetter added to help cooling.

I do plan on pulling the radiator when working on the truck and cleaning between the fins real good as well as I can get it. I will be using all new radiator to engine hoses as well as the bypass hose on the water pump will be new also. Plus the hose from the lower radiator hose to the overflow tank.

So can someone please tell me if I am on the right track for this type of cleaning process?

If so how much Cascade do you put in and how long do I let the truck run for each of the flushing cycles?

Also if you know a better way or a modified way please chime in.

And as for replacing hoses should I replace any others like the heater core to engine hoses?

I appreciate any and all feedback.

Thank you and GOD BLESS!

John

 

Hey John I have used CLR in the past with no issues 1 bottle in the system for about 30 mins with distilled water flush out and the auto parts brand antifreeze is same thing as name brand antifreeze as far as hoses I would check them replace if needed fuel prices have gone down but not parts prices.

 

I did not think about using CLR. I appreciate the feedback. I bet the CLR does a great job - it has always worked when I had "hard water" clogging faucet heads etc. It is some caustic stuff of not used properly. Good idea.

Also - great point on part prices. They have not gone down. Will also consider store brand antifreeze for the same reason.

Thank you,

john

~GOD BLESS~