Debris in the Radiator

[KJRGT]

Over the weekend I was changing wheels/tires with the GT on the 4 post lift.
It had been awhile since I had been up close and personal with the radiator, and had a road kill's eye view right in front of me.
Wow, so much debris was stuck in between the cooling fins! I could not believe it.
Mostly it was those tiny little stones that get stuck in there....although I think I spotted some remains of those butterflys we hit to and from Austin and the Texas Mile in Goliad at Rally 4! :lol
I would think this would diminish the cooling capabilities of the radiator...is it enough to worry about?
And if so, what is the fix? Take the radiator out and somehow try to blast the stones and such out with a pressure washer or something like that?

 

[BlackICE]

Soroush and Ed Sims use a dental tools and a lot of patience. :lol

 

[KJRGT]

Oh man....you are killing me! :willy

 

[Lorenzo]

Soroush and Ed Sims use a dental tools and a lot of patience. :lol

Although im not a dentist thats exactually what I do. Then i follow it up with high heat black paint.

 

[Empty Pockets]

DO NOT USE A HIGH PRESSURE WASHER!!!!!!!!!!! You'll bend the beejeebers outta the fins!

You might try to use a NOZZLELESS garden hose on the radiator from the BACK side and try to flush things out that way, but, other than that, use a small pick or stiff toothbrush of some kind to clear the crudd.

Nitpicky Pockets did the wooden toothpick and toothbrush thing on the rad once a month or so...depending.

 

[KJRGT]

EP, got it, no pressure washer.
But....what in the heck is a "beejeeber"???

 

[Empty Pockets]

But....what in the heck is a "beejeeber"???

It's a........:skep........waaaaait a minute! :slap

 

[KJRGT]

:lol:lol:lol

 

[RALPHIE]

Kevin -

I bought one of the GT Guy radiator screens in order to (1) reduce the size of any material getting to the AC condenser, (2) protect the system from the posssibility of ingesting a large object which could do major damage, and (3) make it look like an earlier 2005. It is easily removed at the track for greater cooling air flow. I see no increase in temps during street or highway travel. Highly recommended.

 

[ViperJoe]

My 05 has screens, plus I use a Speedlingerie mask which has fabric screens. 3,500 miles later, my radiator is as clean as it was on day 1.

 

[KJRGT]

Thanks guys.
Looks like I have a tedious job ahead of me.
I'll check out the GT Guys' screen.