Cleaning a crusty cooling system

[DaddysTruck]

1985 2.8 v6
I have my engine out and the coolant system is in pretty bad shape. The radiator seems to be okay and I've bought a new water pump. What would be the best way to get all the crud cleaned out? Any good products I should look into?

 

[Doofy]

??? I am interested in following this thread...

 

[monstermazda]

A hot take at a machine shop but don't know what could be used with gaskets

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[Doofy]

We used lye in a hot tank and cooked and agitated for several days. This was with a completely stripped block (all oil galley and core plugs removed).

Curious as to home cleaning methods. That is a crusty block!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I pull the frost plugs and take the engine to a car wash with the wand system. I get a lot of crap out. Once it is buttoned back up I run CLR and water for a day then rinse it a few times. Then I use antifreeze as recommended.

 

[IIBRONCOS]

I would take out the 3 freeze plugs on one side of the block and tilt the engine down on the side with the 3 plugs still in it. Try using Ford VC-9 engine cooling system (non iron only cleaner). Plug any other openings in the cooling system and follow mixing instructions and pour it into the 3 open freeze plugs until full.
Check instructions for how long to let it sit. You can then jet nozzle flush it after removing all of the freeze plugs. JMHO.

 

[black_demon69]

just my 2 cents but i would replace radiator, heater core, water pump, and tstat also hoses as needed. flush overflow and block high pressure is going to be your friend. i have heard of people using baking powder have never tried it myself. i have used toilet bowl cleaner like "the works" then flushed it very well. you could rig up a water jet that could get down into block and flush crap from he bottom. then get as much water out as possible. also as others have said replace freeze plugs.....

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

The big frost plug at the back of the engine is for the cam...don't pull it. Also the small plugs are oil galley plugs or exhaust gas...don't pull those either.