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How do you clean up sludge from your car radiator?
Is there a good way to clean sludge from your car radiator? I know I should be cleaning my radiator, but I have no idea how to do it. I’m afraid it might start causing problems, but I don't want to pay someone else for this service.
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Radiator sludge is definitely gross to clean up, but you can make it easy by following these simple steps.
Keep in mind: Cleaning your radiator is a big project and you’ll probably want to buy a radiator flush kit before getting started.
Here’s what to do:
- Step 1: Park your car on flat ground. Give your engine some time to cool before you begin working.
- Step 2: Drain your radiator.Open the hoodof your car and locate your radiator. There should be a plug on the underside. Place a bucket beneath the plug and unscrew it using pliers. If you also unscrew the cap on the top of the radiator, the contents will drain faster. Do not pour the old antifreeze down your sink. Any drained fluid should be brought to a licensed disposal facility.
- Step 3: Replace the drain plug. Put the drain plug back on the bottom and place the cap on top. Fill your radiator with fresh water through the coolant tube—use a funnel to prevent any spillage.
- Step 4: Turn on your car. Let it idle until the fan turns on. That will allow the water to run through the engine block, clearing out any antifreeze left in the cooling system. Then, drain the water from the radiator in the same way that you drained the antifreeze.
- Step 5: Fill the cooling system. Use the coolant tube to fill the radiator with tap water and radiator cleaner. Follow the instructions on your flush kit and run your car for as long as directed—this will usually take about 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Drain your radiator. Once again, you’ll want to drain the contents of your radiator into a bucket and bring it to a disposal facility.
- Step 7: Fill the cooling system with distilled water. This will prevent any mineral deposit buildup. Run the engine until the fan turns on, and then drain it.
- Step 8: Fill your cooling system with a 1:1 water and antifreeze mixture.
And then, you’re done! At this point, your radiator should be sludge-free.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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