gandro

I recently had the radiator replaced in one of my older vehicles.
It was literally caked with filth and insects - most likely from all of the highway miles I put on.
I'm sure its a good idea to clean the fins when they get so clogged for better engine cooling and radiator life.
I know its easy to bend the fragile fins with any type of physical contact or high-pressure water cleaning.
I'm wondering if its safe to use compressed air from a compressor to clean the fins of the radiator without bending them.

eyezack87

iTrader: (4)

I've known people to use a toothpick lol....but they're beyond OCD in my book

Todd@ProperAutoCare

You may be able to spray them with a chemical to soften them up first, then use a light brush with enough stability to remove them as well. You could use a combination of this and compressed air, just take your time and I am sure you can manage to get it pretty clean!

GlisTech

Honestly, I don't think that the few bugs that won't come out from a degrease and wash with a hose or pressure washer are really worth worrying about on a daily driver.

Just hit the whole radiator with a degreaser to loosen them up, then hit it with a hose or pressure washer to flush it out. The few bugs that remain will have a minor impact on everything. The biggest impact to the radiators efficiency is going to be caked on dirt or other things that are going to seriously impede airflow and heat radiation, not a few bugs here and there.

If this was your concours car, then some time with a toothpick, some brushes, and maybe a couple long q-tips would be worthwhile, but on a daily driver I wouldn't sweat it.

MoeMistry

I would add that you should use a strong vacuum to remove debris and bugs. You don't want to force that stuff back into the fins of the radiator.

slvrboolet

i have been wondering how to clean my intercooler i will try these methods out.