How many cycles will it take to clean my radiator!

So.
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The original owner only used water in his cooling system. I decided to flush it. Using A flush chemical, and letting it soak. I drained the first that included the flush.
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Has ran distilled water through it 5 times. Each time letting it run to operating temp then running the heater. Drain refill , and repeat.
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The water is starting to come out cleaner, but is still pretty nasty.

 

To your answer: Till it gets done. I'd keep at it. Man you sure are doing that cooling system a huge favor. Not sure how much hold back there is when draining. I guess you could look at the capacity in the manual vs how much is coming out. But seems like you still got a ways to go

 

I would disconnect the heater core hoses and back flush it with a garden hose. Then do the distilled water flushing a few times. A lot of that crude is likely from
The heater core

 

I was gonna say leave the radiator bung open and stick a hose in it. with the car running just let it run till the water is clear and Then put your crap in there.

 

Why not just replace the radiator? They’re only about $100, probably less time to replace and refill.

 

https://youtu.be/s--5ft5YiHg

4-5 times should be good, but keep flushing till it comes out clean.

 

Even replacing the radiator wouldn’t do it. The system still needs to be flushed. Otherwise the new radiator would get this hunk in it.

 

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Right the jug in the pic on the far left is from my 5th flush. Pretty close

 

You could use tide powder soap used to do that when head gaskets would leak and oil got in the cooling system.

 

I immediately thought of this video as I I read the question.

 

Right . I’m gonna take some advice and back flush the heater core then give it a few more.

 

Bet that cooling system will like some real deal coolant. I did stupid shit when I was a kid too

 

When a kid we learned to turn the heater to max, remove the radiator cap and the radiator hose at the radiators inlet and stuff a hose in radiators inlet opening. Turn on the water so it's coming out real good, and if needed adjust for more water till its pouring out both radiator holes after you start the motor.

Start the motor and run till clear water pours out from the radiator's inlet hose. Turn off the motor and then the water coming from the house. When done let the motor cool off so all that cool liquid your about to pour in the heated motor doesn't crack the heads or block. Now remove the radiators output/bottom hose (and drain plug if ya feel like it) going to motor and let it all drain out. Now attach everything, leave the heater on max with doors open, pour every thing in the radiator, start the motor and add as needed while standing there watching the flow from the radiator cap opening. When done replace the radiator cap.

Not finished till after you drive it around a few miles with a gallon or two of water with you while the heater's still wide open, go home and pop the radiator cap with the motor running and fill as needed. Your done!

 

Finally got her to my standards. Flushed the heater core, and ran 3 more cycles through her. Amazing the neglect the previous owner served this beautiful girl, but it’s ok she’s in good hands now!.
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Hat tip @empty_lord on this one. The Heater Core hose flush is another key trick already stated above.

2002 4.7 Litre requires about 3.1 Gallons Phosphated Coolant (HOAT). Pink Asian Zerex carries all the Toyota requirements.