6 replies to this topic

[barneyman]

Hi,

 

As part of our latest project to replace the radiator on our 1275 1992 Mayfair, we have removed the thermostat housing and have been presented with the following gunk including some metal fragments, see photos attached.

 

We have not had any recent issues when running the engine so hopefully this is normal to see and maybe we should simply clean it out as best as possible.

 

However, your thoughts and guidance would always be appreciated.

 

Many thanks in advance!

 

 

Attached Files

•  IMG_0697.jpeg   61.34K   0 downloads
•  IMG_0699.jpeg   93.12K   1 downloads

[gazza82]

Pretty normal for a 30 year old engine. Probably run with weak anti-freeze (or none!)

[mbolt998]

Mine looked at least as bad. I tried running a garden hose into it as best I could, and then ran it up to temp with regular water which I then drained out before refilling with antifreeze. I make no guarantees about whether it will actually be OK :)

[Ethel]

That's an observation, not advice, I take it 

 

Probably worth taking the opportunity to give it a good flush. Also unwind the studs, provided they don't want to put up a fight, so you can clean up the gasket faces & 'stat rebate.

[croc7]

This is from the ‘for what it’s worth’ department;
If I were you, reinstall the old radiator-you don’t want contaminates running through the new rad-and flush the cooling system with a brand name cleaner. This is the method that I use;
-water and cleaner into radiator
-open heater valve
-run engine to temp + 10 minutes to circulate cleaner
-allow to cool
-drain rad
-remove t’stat & test it
-install t’stat housing/gasket without t’stat
-fill radiator with water
-rotate upper rad hose 90 degrees ccw at t’stat housing & install a 3’ section of garden hose. This becomes the H2O outlet & run it into a container (have plenty available).
-have a source of fresh water (lots) available to pour into radiator. I use a garden hose or jugs of distilled water.
-start engine and run at idle, pouring water into the radiator as necessary until water runs clear from t’stat outlet hose into the containers.
-once your satisfied the system is clean, re-install the t’stat/fresh gasket, connect the hoses and fill with coolant, 1/3 anti freeze to 2/3 water.

Hope this works for you.

Edited by croc7, 09 January 2023 - 08:40 AM.

[coopertaz]

looks like normal crud from weak mix, as mentioned above. flush engine, rad and heater matrix out well and use correct mix should be fine

[barneyman]

Thanks all, appreciated the responses, always helpful