On Mar 25, 11:21 pm, Jim Behning
<jimbehn...@doesthisblockpork.mindspring.com> wrote:

A couple of things:

a) There are stainless steel springs that will fit into such hoses to
prevent collapse. Best is a new hose, of course, but if the radiator
is somewhat restricted this is a viable alternative.

b) First, clean the drains for the heater core. There are specialists
who will also de-mold the system at a healthy cost, however. One may
pour a diluted chlorine bleach solution through the system with the
understanding that chlorine attacks metal, especially aluminum, if
allowed to rest against it.

c) If the alternative is a replacement heater core together with the
removal and/or cleaning of the fan box and so forth, and you are
scrupulously careful you may pour a dilute solution of chlorine bleach
and ammonia through the system. This will produce Chloramine Gas (a
very toxic gas that kills about anything it touches), ammonia also
attacks aluminum, and this is generally a hazardous option when NO
OTHER ALTERNATIVE IS AVAILABLE. Do this outside, do not expose
yourself to the gas released, wear gloves and eye-protection, dilute
the household bleach 3:1 and the household ammonia 2:1. Use CLEAR
ammonia. Do not do this where the drained material will leach into the
ground immediately, or catch it if you can. It is OK for the solution
to go into storm or sewer systems, just not into the ground as (again)
it is temporarily toxic. Do not drive the vehicle for at least 12
hours after this sort of treatment, but it is good to run the fan (all
windows & doors open, and use a house-fan to blow air through the
cabin) during the process to get the chloramine gas through the entire
system. Nasty stuff, but does the trick where Lysol and other
materials do not.

Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA