3/7/09 - Cleaning your Radiator

Last Updated (Tuesday, 30 November 1999 00:00) Written by Martin Lines

Phil Bailey has sent in a guide to keeping your radiator clean. If you off-raod Jimnys this is a full time occupation as they over heat at the slightest opportunity......

.....over to Phil..

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I decided it was time to write a few more words of wisdom !

A problem most off roaders encounter at some time, is overheating of the engine. It usually follows from running through deep mud/muddy water. The radiator core becomes clogged and that starts the problem.

Whilst doing comp safaris in my racer I came up with  the following as a service for the radiator.

The only way I found to clean out the cooling fins on an aluminium radiator ( As in the Jimny) is to give it a bath !!!!

DON'T use a power washer. You'll bend the cooling fins and even rip them away from the core, probably resulting in a leak and a ruined radiatior.

I remove the rad from the vehicle( Only takes about 10 minutes on a Jimny). Then I have a plastic tank big enough to fully fit the radiator into.( About £4 from B&Q ). Fill it with water and just let the radiator soak overnight. The mud will become nice and soft and you can gently hose it out. Hose it out from each side and keep going until the water runs clear from both sides. Finish off by flushing the radiator through internally.
I actually have two radiators. One is  fitted and the other soaking and being cleaned.
You'll be surprised when you empty the tank and see how much muck it contains !

Another trick is to use the Stock Car drivers procedure. If you still have the original engine fan fitted, as soon as you've finished playing Run the engine at high revs and pour water from a watering can down the front of the radiator. The fan will suck the clean water and muck through the core and will certainly get you home.

Phil Bailey