Radiator is clogged up

[brianmichalk]

I pulled the radiator because of chronic overheating and found that the radiator had a lot of black clumpy stuff in it. I called some radiator shops, and they won't work with my radiator. I am assuming it's an aluminum radiator.

What is the best way to handle this? Is there a chemical flush to be performed? It looks like the caps are crimped on, so maybe I need to better explain to the shop the situation?

 

[topbuilder]

Take it in and have them look at it. In my experience, they can do about anything, including putting a new core in. A simple boil and flush should be no problem. Is it out of your Kubota?

 

[brianmichalk]

Yes, it's my TG1860. I called a shop, and they weren't that interested in servicing it. I guessed it's an aluminum radiator, and they said they could not work on it. I was hoping for a good flush as you say. I'm going to try flushing it myself. I've been reading up, and have found some threads that say using a non foaming detergent for a couple of hours will really clean it up.

 

[buickanddeere]

Flush and acid clean the system. Replace the radiator. Now fill the system with coolant that won't cause problems. HD antifreeze and distilled water . Using Old expired anti freeze and tap water is inviting trouble .

 

[brianmichalk]

Flush and acid clean the system. Replace the radiator. Now fill the system with coolant that won't cause problems. HD coolant and distilled water . Using Old expired anti freeze and tap water is inviting trouble .

Thanks!
What kind of acid?

I bought the mower off CraigsMart(list), and it was in poor need of maintenance. I topped off the coolant, and as it turns out, the cooling system was the thing I most needed to address.

 

[brianmichalk]

Ugh. I flushed everything and put it all back together. Then, I was going to pull the thermostat, and while removing the hose, I broke the nipple off the radiator. Looks like I'll be buying a new radiator now.

 

[BKBoiss]

I've had luck fixing a cracked radiator with JB weld. I tried the putty and found that to be useless but the real runny stuff was hard to get it to not run and drop off but once I did it worked awesome.

 

[brianmichalk]

I patched with JB weld this morning. I'll see if it holds tomorrow. I sure hope I don't have to buy a new radiator. I can't find one from the normal places, and I bet Kubota is going to be in the $400 range.