The Ford Barn

fortyonerag · 05-22-2017, 02:18 AM

I'm having the radiator refurbished on the 41(weeping) and am replacing water pumps (bad bearings driver side). The radiator shop states that a few of the tubes were blocked and I'm concerned there may be a fair bit of debris in the water jacket.

It's an older restoration and I have only just got her so there are many unknowns. I'm also new to flatheads.

I've read many threads on block flushing, but would be interested on your opinions on the best way to deal with this while the radiator is out and water pumps off.

Your assistance is appreciated.

Paul Bennett · 05-22-2017, 03:29 AM

I worried as you about block rust so I had both my 10 yo daily drivers reverse flushed for $100 each at a Ford dealer and the side effects were negative. My Ranger took almost a year to regain heater function. And there was no pro to the story. Other car still runs hot.

My bottom line is ... when crud may (or may not) have invaded your block, don't disturb it. Unless you are having a major rebuild, just let sleeping rust lie, it deserves a rest. You can co-exist - chances are it won't bother you if you don't poke at it.

G.M. · 05-22-2017, 06:36 AM

Flush with a full flowing hose down from the upper hose or hose connections
on both sides. At least this will flush out any loose junk. Both sides of the block
are not connected in the block so do both sides. G,M,

petehoovie · 05-22-2017, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G.M.

Flush with a full flowing hose down from the upper hose or hose connections
on both sides. At least this will flush out any loose junk. Both sides of the block
are not connected in the block so do both sides. G,M,

Is this done with the engine running?....

G.M. · 05-22-2017, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petehoovie

Is this done with the engine running?....

No do not run the engine, just run a good flow of water through
both sides. You might want to catch the first bucket full on each
side so you can see what comes out. G.M.

alanwoodieman · 05-22-2017, 05:53 PM

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when the water pumps are off, run a hose in there also, you will flush sand, etc. I also run a heavy steel wire into the block thru the water pump holes and kind of work it around, this also helps with junk. be sure to get to back corners of block

05-22-2017, 02:18 AM	#1
fortyonerag Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 541	Another radiator/block flush query I'm having the radiator refurbished on the 41(weeping) and am replacing water pumps (bad bearings driver side). The radiator shop states that a few of the tubes were blocked and I'm concerned there may be a fair bit of debris in the water jacket. It's an older restoration and I have only just got her so there are many unknowns. I'm also new to flatheads. I've read many threads on block flushing, but would be interested on your opinions on the best way to deal with this while the radiator is out and water pumps off. Your assistance is appreciated.

05-22-2017, 03:29 AM	#2
Paul Bennett Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 628	Re: Another radiator/block flush query I worried as you about block rust so I had both my 10 yo daily drivers reverse flushed for $100 each at a Ford dealer and the side effects were negative. My Ranger took almost a year to regain heater function. And there was no pro to the story. Other car still runs hot. My bottom line is ... when crud may (or may not) have invaded your block, don't disturb it. Unless you are having a major rebuild, just let sleeping rust lie, it deserves a rest. You can co-exist - chances are it won't bother you if you don't poke at it.

05-22-2017, 06:36 AM	#3
G.M. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida and Penna. Posts: 4,471	Re: Another radiator/block flush query Flush with a full flowing hose down from the upper hose or hose connections on both sides. At least this will flush out any loose junk. Both sides of the block are not connected in the block so do both sides. G,M, __________________ www.fordcollector.com

05-22-2017, 05:53 PM	#6
alanwoodieman Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: upstate SC Posts: 2,965	Re: Another radiator/block flush query Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) when the water pumps are off, run a hose in there also, you will flush sand, etc. I also run a heavy steel wire into the block thru the water pump holes and kind of work it around, this also helps with junk. be sure to get to back corners of block