Boiling Out Radiators

head which produces two high pressure jets of liquid/air

3-11.

Boiling Out Radiators

mixture. The air supply tube has a push button valve with

1/4 inch female pipe thread for connection to a 5 cu/ft, 50

Sediment so firmly packed In the radiator that pressure

to 90 PSIG, air supple. The liquid supply tube is attached

flushing will not remove it must be boiled out using a

to a 3/8 in I. D. x 6 ft rubber hose for siphoning from a

suitable chemical solution, in a radiator test and repair

suitable clean container. The cleaning agent can be water

stand (8, fig 2-1). The stand is made so that the radiator

solution of detergent and water, or non-toxic, non-

may be lowered beneath the surface on a lever-controlled

flammable solvent and water. Mix one part of detergent or

rack. Leave it there long enough to loosen the scale, rust,

solvent to approximately five parts of water. A solution of

and other foreign matter, and then rinse it with clean water.

detergent or solvent and water is recommended.

b. Cleaning Procedure

3-12.

Cleaning Solutions

WARNING

To make a good cleaning solution, dissolve 1 pound of

ordinary baking soda In 1 gallon of hot water. If a

Proper eye, skin, and clothing protection must be

commercially prepared chemical cleaner for radiators is

worn while operating this tool.

used, follow the directions on the container.

(1) Remove radiator shroud cover.

3-13.

Rod Cleaning

(2) Open drains.

(3) Cover all exposed openings of the engine.

If flushing or boiling is inadequate, scrape the inside

(4) Connect tool to air supply and insert hose in

surfaces of the water passages with a bristle brush or

container of solution.

cleaning rod, which is merely a round wire with its end

(5) Insert tool through shroud cover opening

rounded to avoid puncturing the tube.

and saturate front and back of radiator with solution. Soak

for approximately ten minutes.

3-14.

Spray Cleaning

(6) Remove heavy deposits from face of

radiator by brushing with medium stiff brush that will not

Spray cleaning required the same equipment (7, fig 2-1)

damage the fins.

as pressure flushing. The spray of water under air

(7) Blast radiator with air/liquid mixture holding

pressure forces out dirt, bugs, and other material lodged

head of tool approximately 1/2 Inches from face of

between the fins, so that free circulation of air around all

radiator. Alternate from back to front until a good flow of

parts of each tube and fin is restored.

liquid through the radiator is observed over entire area.

(8) Flush engine parts and radiator with clear

3-15.

Radiator Cleaning Tool

water. Remove hose from container and use air to com-

plete the operation.

a. General.

The cleaning tool (10, fig 2-1) is

(9) Uncover engine openings and install

designed to remove deposits of sand, oil, clay and other

radiator shroud cover.

debris from the radiator cooling fins while installed in the

(10) Close drains.

vehicle. It consists of two tubes connected to a mixing

Section III. TESTING

Inspect outside surfaces of radiator for deposits of lime or

3-16.

General

magnesia, which is left by evaporating water and Indicates

leaks. Do not attempt to make an air or water test until all

Before testing a radiator to locate leakage, inspect it

the leaks indicated by visual inspection have been

carefully for visible leaks and solder them promptly, so that

repaired, for the effectiveness of these tests in discovering

the test. A ill be sensitive enough to reveal less obvious

hidden leaks is lost when they reveal obvious leaks.

defects. There are two standard methods of testing one

by introducing air (under light pressure) into the radiator,

3-18. Flo-Tester

Immersing it in water, and locating the leaks by the

a. General. The Flo-Tester (3, fig 2-1) requires a

appearance of bubbles, and the other, by filling the

radiator with water and locating the leaks through the

water pump, a GPM flow gauge, a reservoir tank and

moisture seeping through. Either test is satisfactory,

connecting hoses and adapters. The water pump must

although the air test method is preferred. Mark the leaks

have the required capacity in rated gallons per minute and

as soon as found to facilitate locating them during repairs.

the delivery rate must be controllable. The floss gauge

must accurately measure and indicate the flow in GPM

Radiator manufacturers measure the GPM flow of new

3-17.

Visual Inspection

radiators to establish

3-6