Clogged Radiators Hack

[rockinbbar]

Now and then I find myself away from my work pickup and air compressor, and need to clean the radiators when they get clogged, and things stop cooling, and start running hot...

I carry a bench brush with pretty stiff bristles in each tractor. It sweeps out the cab, and if needed, clears out your clogged radiators.

After a swift brushing.

It's the hot time of year when folks are using tractors on jobs that clog the radiators, so this may help a bit. At least until you can get to an air compressor.

 

[rontaki]

Now and then I find myself away from my work pickup and air compressor, and need to clean the radiators when they get clogged, and things stop cooling, and start running hot...

I carry a bench brush with pretty stiff bristles in each tractor. It sweeps out the cab, and if needed, clears out your clogged radiators.

After a swift brushing.

It's the hot time of year when folks are using tractors on jobs that clog the radiators, so this may help a bit. At least until you can get to an air compressor.

In the case of slow-moving vehicles, having the radiator fan blow air forwards so as to reject getting clogged might work. Just need a fan with "backwards" blades. Cars, trucks, etc. move fast enough that airflow practically has to be from front to back, doesn't seem like that is so with tractor or mowers, etc.

 

[wander2039]

That brush is a good idea, need a toolbox on mine to carry stuff. But don’t most tractors don’t have screens.. at least the newer ones? The screen on the LS plugs up in a hour brush hogging. But the screens easily cleans with a knock on the tire.

 

[rockinbbar]

That brush is a good idea, need a toolbox on mine to carry stuff. But don’t most tractors don’t have screens.. at least the newer ones? The screen on the LS plugs up in a hour brush hogging. But the screens easily cleans with a knock on the tire.

Some have screens and some don't.

This particular tractor is a Powerstar120, and it's only about a year and half old. No screens.

My other tractor, the same year model is a Powerstar75, and it has screens. Same basic engine, but different radiator system.

The fins are much bigger in my bigger tractor too. And vary ridged. The one's on the PS75 and much thinner and narrower.

 

[bmaverick]

Now and then I find myself away from my work pickup and air compressor, and need to clean the radiators when they get clogged, and things stop cooling, and start running hot...

I carry a bench brush with pretty stiff bristles in each tractor. It sweeps out the cab, and if needed, clears out your clogged radiators.

After a swift brushing.

It's the hot time of year when folks are using tractors on jobs that clog the radiators, so this may help a bit. At least until you can get to an air compressor.

I have 3 of those brushes from Harbor Freight.

 

[Alan W.]

I have 3 of those brushes from Harbor Freight.

I was just thinking this needs to be in the HF tool discussion. I have one also.

 

[RayIN]

In the case of slow-moving vehicles, having the radiator fan blow air forwards so as to reject getting clogged might work. Just need a fan with "backwards" blades. Cars, trucks, etc. move fast enough that airflow practically has to be from front to back, doesn't seem like that is so with tractor or mowers, etc.

Years ago a few tractor brands had reverse flow fans, but that meant the incoming air had to be completely screened, plus the engine block kept the air flow much warmer. That has all been solved Reversing Fan for Heavy Duty Equipment - Flexxaire

 

[RayIN]

Now and then I find myself away from my work pickup and air compressor, and need to clean the radiators when they get clogged, and things stop cooling, and start running hot...

I carry a bench brush with pretty stiff bristles in each tractor. It sweeps out the cab, and if needed, clears out your clogged radiators.

After a swift brushing.

It's the hot time of year when folks are using tractors on jobs that clog the radiators, so this may help a bit. At least until you can get to an air compressor.

We called that brush a "foxtail bench brush".