Radiator Flush-which brand/type?

**Zapper2003** · 08-23-2007, 04:15 PM

I picked up a couple gallons of Prestone Dexcool the other night and I plan to flush the radiator in my 97 bird. I also picked up a jug of their "Power flush" or whatever it was called, also made by prestone. (2.99 at autozone, cant be worth much

) What I'm curious is that I was told to use a different type of flush, however, will this stuff work? It says the 'active ingredient' on the back panel is Sodium Citrate. I believe someone mentioned a methanol based flush? I dont remember for sure what flavor flush I need, so before i dump this crap in my radiator, let me know what type I should use. I've been told NOT to use any type of flush, just backflush the system with water then refill with the 50/50 mix, as the flush may take off any scale/buildup that is preventing any leaks. Any truth to that? Thanks in advance.

**Zapper2003** · 08-24-2007, 04:43 PM

**Crimson Sin** · 08-24-2007, 04:57 PM

I guess there could be some truth to the *scale/rust preventing a leak* but err if it was , wouldnt the car being in the driveway where you're working on it be a BETTER place to find a leak, then oh say the highway at 1 am and your coolant just pissed all over the place and your stranded ?
Your radiator and heater core are aluminum, so certain flushes may present a corrosion or acidity problem. The label should tell you, or if not, a knowledgeable parts guy.
On the other hand, if you haven't opened those bottles of Dex-Cool, return em, and get some quality Universal AF, Prestone makes some, so do others I work in a shop and I can tell you that over time, Dex-Cool oxyginates <sp?> and becomes corrosive.. I do 50 Intake gaskets on GMs a year. Not entirely due to Dex-Cool, but it don't help. Just use some non phosphate, non silica type AF. It will say Safe For All Metals on the label.
Again, this is all just my opinion and you should always get several of them (opinions) and make your own judgement.

**Zapper2003** · 08-24-2007, 06:06 PM

That's why I'm here, gathering opinions/experiences. I'm positive this is the original fluid, maybe changed out for a new t-stat or something at some point, but I have no way of finding out the history of this cars maitenence. Regardless, 103k miles and original fluid cannot possibly be good, esp if i go with my gut instinct that it's never been changed.

**0rion** · 08-24-2007, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by 01T-TopToy

I do 50 Intake gaskets on GMs a year. Not entirely due to Dex-Cool, but it don't help.

how many of those 50 intake gaskets were on 4.3's??

I can only tell you what I do. I don't use any of those flushers on my cars. I just flush with a garden hose and that's about it. That might not be the correct way to do it but it's worked for me over the years.