Cooling system flush

[taylormj4]

Hi all,
Sorry to be slightly off marque but it is a Rover V8 (from a Rover SD1).
I have had the radiator for my 1973 Range Rover recored and the recorer recommended flushing the engine water jacket and hoses etc out to remove any sludge / rust that could clog the refurbished radiator.
I flushed through with water (mains pressure from a hose pipe) which got a fair bit of brown deposits out and some small rust particles.
Has anyone used any chemical stuff that they can recommend for flushing through to improve the procedure AND should I have removed the thermostat for flushing as injecting water into the bottom hose didn't make any come out of the top hose. I did have the hot water valve open so hopefully it's gone through the heater martix too.

Thanks.

[nawarne]

I'd be reluctant to use any additive because it is an alloy block....and I'd be unsure as to whether I'd removed all of the additive on completion. There might be some types whereby you can check pH of the out-flowing water (as per central heating system flushing 'compounds')

Regards the 'stat, I would remove it as clearly, it is a restriction in the system...All IMHO.

Nick

[taylormj4]

Thanks Nick.
I feared the same with the alloy block. I managed to find some from a company called Ce-Lit that said non-damaging to aluminium but not sure if they are talking modern aluminium radiators rather than engine blocks, which are an aluminium alloy I believe - please correct if wrong as I'm not sure.
I just don't want any of the old muck clogging / corroding my new radiator core / heater matrix / engine block.

Matt

Edited by taylormj4 on Monday 21st November 16:36

[nawarne]

taylormj4 said:

Thanks Nick.
I feared the same with the alloy block. I managed to find some from a company called Ce-Lit that said non-damaging to aluminium but not sure if they are talking modern aluminium radiators rather than engine blocks, which are an aluminium alloy I believe - please correct if wrong as I'm not sure.
I just don't want any of the old muck clogging / corroding my new radiator core / heater matrix / engine block.

Matt

Edited by taylormj4 on Monday 21st November 16:36

Matt, yes, the engine is entirely alloy...hence it being the choice of so many niche car makers - Marcos, Morgan et al. Chosen for its lightness and extensive experience of tuning by many of the race teams in the 70s & 80s.
Nick