a.j.w
manteca ca
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Joined: 08/14/2003
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should i use radiator flush or not have told not to by some radiator people
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Popsie
Livingston, TX, USA
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Joined: 04/04/2003
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My Country Coach owners manual specifies a lengthy process of draining, flushing with a chemical flush, then flushing with good quality water ( the flushing is done several times and includes running the engine), then refilling with a specified coolant. I don't have the manual at hand, or I'd give more details.
Because I don't have a way to properly dispose of all the liquids coming out of the flush process, I've never tried it myself, but have used a truck service to do the job.
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wny_pat
Western NYS
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Joined: 08/11/2007
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Hate to start this - but what is your reason for flushing it. Wondering if you are wanting to do something different like cleaning the CAC and radiator? But if you are wanting to flush it, your going to have to properly dispose all the liquid that is in it as it is poison. Best to leave the flushing to the pros!
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hohenwald48
Hohenwald, TN
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Joined: 07/27/2002
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Just curious but I have had dozens of vehicles, diesels, gas and even propane powered. Half a dozen motorhomes (DP and gas) boats from 15' to 40', tractors, generators and all kinds of engine powered earth moving equipment. Some vehicles with over 300,000 miles. I've never flushed a radiator or had a radiator flushed. Why does one flush their radiator?
2008 Fleetwood Jamboree 25G
1999 Jeep Wrangler
100% Solar Powered Home
When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.
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wolfe10
Texas
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Joined: 10/08/2000
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We need more information to be able to give you a correct answer.
How old is the coolant. What type is it? How does it test: pH, SCA (if regular coolant) and freeze point?
Are you staying with the same type coolant or changing to a new one (such as one of the OAT-based coolants like Caterpillar ELC)?
With that information, we can offer considered advice.
Brett Wolfe
1997 Safari Sahara 3540
EX: 1993 Foretravel 36' U-240
FMCA Forum: www.community.fmca.com/index
Diesel RV Club:http://www.dieselrvclub.org/
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Acampingwewillgo
USA
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Joined: 11/15/2002
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I just had a flush/change of my 9 year old ELC on my Cat 3176( I was a tad behind the suggested schedule)......I put new ELC in. Im sure Brett can comment more, but the process of flushing can be quite messy and even doing it yourself is not cheap with the purchase of new Fluid and distilled water. I decided to have it done at my local CAT dealer...Im sure my neighbors appreciated not having to see Anti-freeze running down the drain, staining the concrete and then calling the Police on me! I think I made a good choice of having it done...LoL 
96 Vogue Prima Vista 37' CAT 3176B
Our Babies: Mollie, Rubie, Cassie and Maggie, all rescued Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Rainbow Bridge: Laddie, Scoutie, Katie, Cooper, Kodie
Rally's and get togethers.....Lots
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Sully2
Cincinnati
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Joined: 01/20/2003
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Call Country Coach tech support. They can tell you what you need to know.
2000 Country Coach Allure; Cummins ISC 330 HP; 71/2 - 8 MPG regardless
2002 Jeep Liberty
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gss036
Bellingham ,WA
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Joined: 11/03/2010
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I paid to have mine done by a truck shop a few months ago. I bought my 1999 Safari used w/20K on it and no idea if it had ever been done. They used a compatible CAT long term antifreeze w/the additive already in it so will be good for a while. In my humble opinion, leave it to those who know what they are doing to make sure it is done right.
I say that w/tongue in cheek, as my "B-I-L" paid Motor Trucks to service his 2001-2 pusher and he lost a "U" joint this year just outside of YUMA area. It was completely dry, looked like it had never been touched. He was laid for several days getting it fixed.
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wolfe10
Texas
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Changing coolant is NOT complicated. Time consuming to do right-- yes. But not rocket science.
But let's start with the FACTS as I asked. I am REAL familiar with this, as we test 100% of the coolants at Caterpillar RV Engine Owners Club Rallies and then individually look at the results before making recommendations.
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a.j.w
manteca ca
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thanks for all the in put motorhome ran hot coming back from Yuma az check radiator no signs of over heating one truck stop place told me it could be bad antifreeze mix had a little leak about 2 years ago was loose clamp fitting had to add antifreeze at that time was told that should ad 50/50 but add antifreeze only. going to try the flush myself as I do most of my own minor work myself . thanks again
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