Flushing Coolant System Radiator Removed ? Advice Needed

[Bluespanner]

Im replacing my radiator after it sprang a leak. I'm thinking is it a practical option to attempt to flush through the system with the radiator removed and does anyone have any tips on doing this ?
Before Im pounced on, Im fully aware of the seriousness of the bleeding process and have watched all 3 of the youtube clips and will many times again. Also have written it down like a recipe. Thanks in advance

[daveblueozzie]

It is a good idea to flush the system out i used a hose pipe on quite high pressure to remove any debris in the system, then gave my self a few hours to bleed the system properly using red coolant.
If you can, also fit a new Mazda thermostat.

[Simon Jones]

See my post here for something which you could make to assist with flushing system: http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... sh#p517058

[wonkanoby]

i would be sure to backflush the front heater rad as well

[haydn callow]

Disconnect one of the rear heater pipes and flush both ways from there

[Bluespanner]

Is there a diagram of the coolant system floating around anywhere ? that might help as I'm not entirely sure what pipe and what hose is what at the moment. I was wondering whether I could stick the garden hose down one of the large hoses that lead off the main radiator. The ones that head towards the engine block. Thanks

[wonkanoby]

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... heater+fan

follow advise in there and you will see were 2 stubs of front heater stick out through the bulkhead

for rear heater look under van about 3 feet back from drivers door the stubs poke out through the floor

[wonkanoby]

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... ng+diagram

pretty pictures

[Bluespanner]

Thanks Wonkanoby, just the job

[Bluespanner]

Thats a great little peice of diy Simon. is the end bit (garden hose connector) held on by silicone sealant?

[Simon Jones]

I used a glue gun, but silicone sealant would probably do the same job once it has cured. If you have any old pipes lying around, they can easily be modified such that you can connect it up to the garden hose and let it run for as long as you like.

Ideally, you need to be getting water to flow from several points such as top & bottom of radiator and the expansion tank. Flushing is best done with the water going from bottom to top so you dislodge the gunge that settles on the bottom of the system or radiator, but then alternate it with fresh water going in at the top so it forces out the stuff previously dislodged.

Don't be too tempted to crack open every hose joint otherwise you may find they don't seal up quite eo well after being disturbed.