[marshallf3]

Probably the best flush in the world, it tackles all types of antifreeze (although designed for the Dexcool type stuff (non silicate) we're supposed to be using:



GM two part radiator cleaner GM P/N 12346500 - about $6 total per setup.



Pretty much only available from a GM dealer, this stuff will clean a radiator out spotlessly whereas the common stuff you see on the auto parts store shelves is relatively ineffective.



It comes as a two part system. The first one is somewhat acid based and the second one is the alkali neutralizer.



1) Drain radiator and flush out with plain water

2) Mix up "Part A" with enough water to dissolve it then fill the radiator to the top with that and more water

3) Run engine until it gets hot enough to open the thermostat, run a little longer, turn off and let sit for between a half to 2 hours

4) Drain and flush again a couple of times with clean water

5) Drain and mix up "Part B" with enough water to dissolve it then fill the radiator to the top with that and more water

6) Run engine until the thermostat opens run a little longer then let sit for between a half to 2 hours

7) Drain then run multiple flushes with clean water, letting the engine warm up each time until the thermostat opens

8) Drain and fill with your favorite antifreeze/coolant



Using this system and the special flush kit which is pretty much only available to a GM dealer (the two chemicals are pretty strong) will clean out areas of your radiator nothing esle would ever even get close to loosening. There's no danger to any radiator component unless you do something stupid like leaving solution A in there all night, this really needs to be done in a precise order but will leave you with almost perfectly new coolant tubes etc.



Obviously there's enough chemicals in the cans to do a full auto cooling system, which, if I recall, are usually about 12 - 18 quarts total. This means you'll have to divide it out to make up for how many quarts ours hold but you'll be left with extra that can be used on a buddies bike, a small car or stored in airtight containers until you ever need it again.

 

[marshallf3]

GM has changed the part # on this and it may be a special one part now from rumors I've heard but maybe not. Regardless it's supposed to be the best stuff around for getting the slime that the non-silicate (and any other) coolant often leaves behind, including in those little out of the way places that deposits can hide in.



You want the new GM Part #88861344 - $5.96



The original was 2 parts:

Part 1 was oxalic acid, often available at home improvement and paint stores as a wood cleaner.

Part 2 was Sodium Carbonate, often known as washing SODA that you can find in supermarkets.



You'll need to read the contents lable on the back to make sure that's what the active chemical is.



The guy I spoke with at GM said the wood cleaner usually comes as a diluted solution and to use two cups of it followed by filling the rest of the radiator up with water. When you get to part two he said two cups of the poweder, dissolved in water, then top offf the radiator.

 

[morrow]

When you said dexcool non-silicate (what we're supposed to be using) or whatever, were you implying at all that Dexcool is an option to use in our bikes?

 

[Allan]

Marshall passed away a few weeks ago, so he will not be able to answer your questions.

 

[morrow]

OK, because using Dexcool in systems that don't specifically say "Dexcool compatible" is a very bad thing to do. Dexcool is NOT COMPATIBLE with our brass/copper radiators, it will eat away the solder. It will also harm the parts in the mechanical seal.

Anyone have an old head gasket (or a new one)? Pour some Dexcool on it and see what happens.

Dexcool is a GM thing they use in specified vehicles where their entire cooling system is compatible.

If you want to buy coolant for our bikes, get G-05 (often found under the Zerex brand) as it's basically compatible with any system especially systems with brass/copper radiators and aluminum engines, or iron engines with aluminum radiators as it's very good at preventing electrolysis...that's why you get the whiteish slime in the radiator which we've all seen.