Cooling system cleaning

[russcc]

Cleaned out the 8RT with white vinegar, and neutralized with baking soda as recommended here on the Fordbarn. Thanks Fordbarners, it worked great. You should have seen the crud that came out of the block & heads. (Radiator is new, so I didn't need to do that part.) Here is example of before and after vinegar on the two thermostats. Left is done, right, not yet.

[36tbird]

Is there any worth to removing the thermostats while doing the vinegar cleaning? I also remember someone posting a tip to put some nylon hosiery over the lower outlets to keep the crud out of the radiator. Thoughts?

[flatjack9]

Water enters the radiator from the top.

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by 36tbird

Is there any worth to removing the thermostats while doing the vinegar cleaning? I also remember someone posting a tip to put some nylon hosiery over the lower outlets to keep the crud out of the radiator. Thoughts?

Trying the cleaning with the thermostats in will inhibit the flow of the vinegar through the engine and radiator. Best to remove the thermostats.

[Old Henry]

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Once the vinegar does its job it's important to get out everything that's been loosened with a forceful backflush of both sides of the engine simultaneously. Here's my way if you're interested: http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=83557