Hello All,

I want to replace my water pump at 120k as PM and am on the fence whether or not to change the radiator. I figure that I can remove it and give it a deep clean by cleaning the fins and maybe soaking the inside with chemical cleaners to give it a good refresh. Doing a lot of research on the topic and there is a lot of mixed opinions on if I should just replace it as a PM or wait until there is an issue then replace it. I do live in phoenix where it is very hot so at least I could do is give it a good service. I am considering taking it to a radiator shop if they could do a better job of cleaning it although it seems like a lost art as we live in a replace world. The word on the street is that the original one may be better than a new one even if it is a Motorcraft or denso unit.

So i can pull the radiator and clean the fins with condesor cleaner and a garden hose.

What about the internals? I was considering doing a soak and rinse with the hose.
I don't want to damage the radiator trying to clean it.

Some cleaners are not safe for Aluminum.

I have not had any overheating issues.

Thanks all.

BOB

 

If it was mine and the coolant looks good, the only thing I might do is to change the coolant and check all the hoses.

I myself wouldn't change the water pump just as a PM

 

Thank you for your response,

I agree that sometimes it's best to leave things alone but that is not my nature. Also, this is my go-to car for long distances I sometimes drive. I refer to it as my new car. I recently changed the hosed behind the engine and want to give it a good 18-year refresh. It's been a great little truck and I enjoy having it be as perfect as possible, sort of a hobby. It does not make sense to most as to why bother but I have been this way since I was a teenager with my first car and likely won't change as I am stubborn, some say not in a good way.

BOB

 

The Prestone flush always worked well for me. That and those T-fitting you put in the coolant line to flush it easily with a garden hose.

 

I always flush with Prestone Flush when I change coolant. I think they have a couple levels of flush. I am at 280K miles and have zero problems with engine temperature. I use my AC in extremely hot weather and even when climbing when signs recommend turning of AC to prevent overheating. The temperature gage is very steady once warmed up and stays a little below half scale. I think one thing that is important is to use Distilled or DI water with Anti-Freeze when changing coolant and when topping off.

I replaced my water pump at around 260K miles. It was still in good condition, but I do a lot of long off-road adventures in remote areas and don't want to get stranded there.