Hi!
I've been doing my own repairs over the past month, having fun with learning about cars.
My car has been running hot, so I was going to replace the radiator tomorrow. I've checked most other elements and there's nothing left but the radiator. Rather than drive 10 miles to a radiator specialist and pay $100 to learn it's clogged, I'll just replace it with a new one for $100.
But what I was wondering is, is there still a benefit to running water and a quart of corrosive coolant flush? Will that clean out scales in the engine block to improve coolant flow, as well as scales in the (soon to be replaced) radiator? If the engine block doesn't really clog like the radiator, and the purpose is really just to clean out the radiator I'm about to discard, then I won't bother.
Second question.
I'll be doing my own oil for the first time, too; it's been about 3000 miles since I bought this car and it was supposed to have just had an oil change.
They also make an engine flush; is this worth running through the engine? I have no particular reason to worry about my engine, it's running smoothly; but I'm wondering if this is a good part of general maintenance? The car's 20 yrs old with 112,000 miles.
Or, if these chemicals can also damage the engine, then perhaps I shouldn't.
Finally, just curious how often I should take off the oil pan and replace the gasket, check the seals? I'm just looking for new ways to pamper the car, and learn a few more mechanics while I'm in the mood for doing more car repairs.
I've been doing my own repairs over the past month, having fun with learning about cars.
My car has been running hot, so I was going to replace the radiator tomorrow. I've checked most other elements and there's nothing left but the radiator. Rather than drive 10 miles to a radiator specialist and pay $100 to learn it's clogged, I'll just replace it with a new one for $100.
But what I was wondering is, is there still a benefit to running water and a quart of corrosive coolant flush? Will that clean out scales in the engine block to improve coolant flow, as well as scales in the (soon to be replaced) radiator? If the engine block doesn't really clog like the radiator, and the purpose is really just to clean out the radiator I'm about to discard, then I won't bother.
Second question.
I'll be doing my own oil for the first time, too; it's been about 3000 miles since I bought this car and it was supposed to have just had an oil change.
They also make an engine flush; is this worth running through the engine? I have no particular reason to worry about my engine, it's running smoothly; but I'm wondering if this is a good part of general maintenance? The car's 20 yrs old with 112,000 miles.
Or, if these chemicals can also damage the engine, then perhaps I shouldn't.
Finally, just curious how often I should take off the oil pan and replace the gasket, check the seals? I'm just looking for new ways to pamper the car, and learn a few more mechanics while I'm in the mood for doing more car repairs.
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