preparing the 49 chevy

Is there a real good way to flush your block out ? I have ordered a new radiator should be here in a day or 2 , just curious about methods of flushing the enging out . This engine is complete and stiill in the car, the car has been setting for a very long time and im sure there is some rust or what have ya in there . New thermostat is in place which i may need to remove for the flushing ?.Also i have a new water pump on the engine . 2nd can you use a standard brake fluid in the brake system . I believe my shop manual show a #9 brake fluid, you can only find 3 or 3 & 4 dot fluid at your local parts store around here anyway . Thanks for any inputs on this ................................

 

No inputs on either of these questions ?

 

i can try and help on your 2nd question.
yes dot 3 will be fine, i doubt that you can find what your manual calls for.

 

I have a Prestone flush kit. probably get one at any auto parts store. you cut a heater hose and install a piece that accepts your garden hose, they also give you one that you stick in the top of the radiator that diverts the water in one direction rather than all over the place.

so you need to have the whole system put together... radiator and all the hoses, then you just turn on the water and run it until it comes out the radiator clean. I usually do it with the motor running, but I spose you could do it without if the car is not running

 

For flushing an engine that old, and especially one that has sat for a long time, I heartily recommend you remove the "core plugs" (aka freeze plugs), as well as the new water pump etc.. Then I would equip myself with some tools, long screwdriver, piece of round rod (maybe 3/16" to 1/4" dia. sharpened on one end and I'd beg, borrow or rent a power washer and go work on the the block. You will be absolutely amazed at how much crud you will likely find/flush out of the block. Use the power washer from different directions (reverse flow) and poke and prod as much as you can through the core plug holes to loosen the junk inside. Bend the end of the rod to go around corners. Don't stop until the water flows clean without chunks of stuff coming out. Then, of course, reinstall pump and new core plugs etc. Now you are ready for a new radiator.......

're brake fluid, yes any Dot 3 or 4 fluid will be fine.

Ray

 

Hey thanks alot everyone , i have used those flushing setups sold at the parts store on cars in the past . But the method of removeing the freezeplugs and manualy doing it with a pressure washer sounds more like what i need . Thanks again