Radiator getting replaced need advice

[ctliberty]

I am getting my radiator and hoses replaced tomorrow. It cracked at the top on the drivers side. I know I can do it myself and have done it before but the weather is a little too cold out to do it myself and I don't have a garage to work in. An issue I have is that regular coolant was used to top off reservoir so i know the two coolant types don't react well. Also stop leak was used which I have heard is not the best band aid. My question is do I need a flush done too or can I get away with just replacing the radiator and hoses and get the coolant flushed in the spring? I am curious on how much comes out just when the radiator gets drained.

 

[CzarKJ]

I would get a flush. A bunch still hangs around in the system even after taking off the bottom tube.

 

[nullptr]

About half of the engine block will still have coolant in it.

I'd get it flushed sooner rather than later, if you suspect or know there is the incorrect coolant in there. The correct coolant has stabilizers to keep corrosion from occurring. That said, if there was only a little added, and as long as you refill the correct stuff, it will probably be OK, at least in regards to that additive. However, I can't say how the two different chemical formulas will interact, and it's possible that one may react badly with the other.

 

[ctliberty]

Ok thanks for the help and confirmation on that. When I've checked the coolant it looks brown. I haven't had any overheating issues at least.

 

[ctliberty]

About half of the engine block will still have coolant in it.

I'd get it flushed sooner rather than later, if you suspect or know there is the incorrect coolant in there. The correct coolant has stabilizers to keep corrosion from occurring. That said, if there was only a little added, and as long as you refill the correct stuff, it will probably be OK, at least in regards to that additive. However, I can't say how the two different chemical formulas will interact, and it's possible that one may react badly with the other.

When I get it replaced it will be getting the correct coolant added. Just because of the cost I was hoping to at least be able to wait a couple weeks.

 

[tommudd]

Since the wrong coolant PLUS Stop Leak was added flush it out when you install the new radiator. Don't wait and start circulating that crap stuff ( Stop Leak ) through the new one

 

[ctliberty]

They will be flushing it before the new one is installed. Then none should get into the new one

 

[dude1116]

Best get it done now hope it all goes well for you!

 

[ctliberty]

Well I got her back after she was in for 6 hrs. Wallet isn't happy but she is so I am happy too

 

[twowings]

Well worth it for the peace of mind and the insurance against ruining your engine from an unexpected catastrophic failure...

 

[ctliberty]

I agree. I have a couple of other little things on my repair list but getting that done took a big load off my shoulders.

 

[ctliberty]

New issue since I had the radiator replaced and flushed. Now I have no heat which I had the day I brought it in. Any suggestions on something I should check myself or should I bring it back?

 

[uss2defiant]

Bring it back to get flushed.

 

[belvedere]

You might have some air in the heater core.