need help ASAP/Radiator? Im stupid!
 

my car was running real hot today and the other day, so i decided to drain the fluid to see if its dirty in there. Here is the stupid question- Is the radiator cap suppose to come off so i can put a hose in into flush it, or do i go through the plastic holder thingamajig? Also, Do I keep the hose in it and start the car for a while and let it run.thanks for the quick reply-

Also, what temp thermostat should i get? 165?, 190? if it matters I have nitrous now!

Thanks!

Take the radiator cap off and run the water through the radiator. Dont start the engine and let it run while flushing the coolant i dont think (i never do). A 180 degree T-stat is best. I dont think nitrous has anything to do with that.

Later,
Nick

I did that and when i looked down in there it was all corroded and crap was covering the holes inside the radiator. I went and bought a cleaner and it said to drive it for 6 hours with that and water in it. I put that in and drove it for like 10 minutes. It is still running a little hotter than usual about 1 line highr on the gauge (in between the M and the A). After, I will drain it again and add this pure blend stuff that is supposed to lower the temp 28 degrees (yeah right). Any other suggestions after I run it for a few hours? Also, Im an idiot- I cant get the hose off thats above the thermostat to gain access to the bolts. any suggestions? Thanks for all replies- Just trying to save money and do this crap myself!

Hey, you're not an idiot.

1rst thing, be very careful about adding water to a hot engine. If your car has been running for a while, do not add water to it without the engine running. If so, there is potential for serious damage.

YEah, the radiator cap is suppose to come off, so take it off. Don't go through the plastic reservoir. To flush your radiator with water, remove 2 hoses that connect to it. Open the drain plug (on bottom left--if looking at your car directly from the front) and stick a water hose in it and turn up the water as much as possible. let it flush for a minute or 2 until it starts running clear. Now hook everything back up.

The hose you can't get off is probably just about corroded and stuck to the radiator. A little more twisting and pulling will probably get it off. You need also, while you're at it to check the hoses and make sure they don't need to be changed. IF so, change them.

a 180 thermo will be good.

thanks for the replies- its very helpful. I ran the water through it and then bought some radiator cleaner crap and added water to it. just drove it for like 30 minutes. the temp gauge climbed to a little more than half way up. i then let it run idle for a while to see if it made a difference, and it did not- stayed the same temperature. do you think if i run this stuff in there for the recommended 3-6 hours it will help at all? If it isnt cooling down now, what are the chances of it cooling down after i drain it and fill it back up? I got a bad feeling its the radiator. Theres a few hundred bucks (i think)! thanks again

im suppposed to go to the track on friday (first time with nitrous) i hope i can figure out for sure whats wrong and fix it before then!

Call a radiator shop and see how much they'll charge you to clean the radiator. I had the one for my '65 boiled out, and it looks like brand new inside. Only cost $35 (I brought just the radiator in by itself).

A new radiator really wouldnt be that bad of an idea if yours is clogged. Mine was and I bought a new heavy duty 3 core radiator from AutoZone for 120 bucks. It works very well and fit great. you kinda have to massage the handles a bit but its not that hard.

It works great too. :)

later,
Nick