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Radiator and Bugs

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Old Jul 21, 2013 | 05:05 PM
  #1  
warminwisc's Avatar
warminwisc
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From: wi
Default Radiator and Bugs

Should I be cleaning the outer fins of the radiator of bugs and such? This last trip to the UP od Michigan was bug city. I may even see salt from the BS Wisco winters.

Would I ever use vinegar to clean off the salt? Garden hose no pressure and a gentle brush scrubbing sideways with the grain? Dumb question prolly, anyway I will never meet you guys, LOL!
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Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:15 PM
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Gene01
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Cleaning the radiator & condenser is a good idea. I used a car wash wand attachment for a garden hose that gives a rather good velocity stream and sprayed from the back (radiator) side. This washed the bugs, etc. out from the rear (opposite of the way they went in). Then rinse them out of the pan under the front of the car.
It will be a challenge to get them out of the (small) space between the condenser and the radiator.
I would not use a brush - the fins are easily bent which will obstruct air flow, although you can use a tool that looks like a comb to straighten them if necessary.

I would recommend against vinegar. First, it will not help dissolve the salt - plain water is an excellent solvent for salt. Second, you would have to make sure that you rinsed every piece of metal it contacted really well.
Acids and metals react with the products being hydrogen and corrosion.

Last edited by Gene01; Jul 21, 2013 at 07:16 PM. Reason: improved description of hose attachment
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Old Jul 21, 2013 | 07:23 PM
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Thanks not much on the net. Last one went 200k this one I want 300k!
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