radiator cleaning

[samsung]

Morning, I have a genny which is getting close to over heating on hot days, which don't look abundant for this week.
To clean the rad properly we've taken it out in the past and gently power washed it. This is about a days job, which i'd like to avoid.
The main problem was an oil leak which has stuck to the rad nearest the engine, so washing or compressed air won't shift it from the outside and its not accessible from the inside.
Would a de-oiling detergent work. sprayed in with the engine running to blow it through the rad. ?
Any other thoughts ?
Thanks.

 

[DrDunc]

Can't it be gently pressure washed in situ?

I have always blown out my tractor radiators in the past, but there was a lot of stuff this wasn't clearing. A tip I was given by the dealer mechanic was to use Traffic film remover through the pressure washer.

Bubbles everywhere, like an explosion at a laundry, but made a tremendous job of clearing the fins. Far better than using either air, or just water from the pressure washer.

TFR will shift the oil stain too

 

[davidroberts30]

Get a road compressor

 

[sjt01]

Don't blow at it, use a detergent in a garden spray gun to soften the dirt, then gently hose off. If you have bent the fins using compressed air or pressure washer, you need a radiator comb

 

[ACEngineering]

Morning, I have a genny which is getting close to over heating on hot days, which don't look abundant for this week.
To clean the rad properly we've taken it out in the past and gently power washed it. This is about a days job, which i'd like to avoid.
The main problem was an oil leak which has stuck to the rad nearest the engine, so washing or compressed air won't shift it from the outside and its not accessible from the inside.
Would a de-oiling detergent work. sprayed in with the engine running to blow it through the rad. ?
Any other thoughts ?
Thanks.

Just take it out, degreaser and steam cleaner from both sides and alternate with air line till its 100% clean anything else is just wasting time.

Adding a degreaser while in situ is going to bugger the fan bearings, idler, alternator etc

 

[DrDunc]

Just take it out, degreaser and steam cleaner from both sides and alternate with air line till its 100% clean anything else is just wasting time.

Adding a degreaser while in situ is going to bugger the fan bearings, idler, alternator etc

Maybe that's why the mechanic recommended I use TFR through the pressure washer...... He's lining up more work for himself later on down the line....

 

[Wisconsonian]

I wouldn't do it with the engine running, but it will work to use a degreaser sprayed from the front, let it sit five or twenty minutes, but don't let it dry, then hose it off from the front, then air, then more degreaser. Cover the front of the engine with plastic or just rags around the bearings to protect from spray a little.

I'd use "purple power" ethylene glycol monobutyl ether. or "dawn"/fairy dish soap. Pump up sprayer, or air siphon blow gun.