Cleaning a radiator

[41LjH]

I have a 1941 Ford radiator that came on my truck. When I checked, the local radiator shop was going to charge within $20.00 of what a new aluminum one would cost to check my old radiator and rod it out. So I bought an aluminum one.
Now I find (8 years later) I need a radiator to check out my current flathead build on the run-in stand. I don't want to buy a radiator because I don't know what I am going to put the engine in and I don't want to put the old radiator on a fresh build with a clean block without cleaning it out. I have searched and most suggestions I found are for techniques with engines running in the car. I need some ideas with the radiator off the car.

[Lawrie]

Take the top tank off,Ann easy job,use a small gas burner and your air gun from the compressor to blow the melted solder out,clean the tubes,clean and tin the tank and top plate stick it back on .
I used a special radiator solder that was about 3/16 diameter.
after that my 33 will run in 42-44 C temps and not get hot,thats even towing.
Lawrie

[pooch]

I have had 2 goes at rodding out a radiator and both were not real good.

Caused or got a multitude of leaks .

Used snake oil in them after and it was satisfactoy to plug the leaks.

But only worth it if you have the time to chance it.

[37 Cab]

Might also use a cheap modern radiator and get creative with the hoses? Just a thought.

[1931 flamingo]

Plug the bottom outlets and fill with vinegar or evaporust and let sit. Flush and backflush. Some guys use lye, etc.
Ck on the A forum for "radiator cleaning".

Paul in CT

[G.M.]

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Originally Posted by pooch

I have had 2 goes at rodding out a radiator and both were not real good.

Caused or got a multitude of leaks .

Used snake oil in them after and it was satisfactoy to plug the leaks.

But only worth it if you have the time to chance it.

If the top tank is off you can blow each tube out with compressed air,
block the bottom outlets and soak with whatever for a few days. Then
rinse out and blow tubes clean. G.M.