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Cleaning radiator 3126b

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Scott Hinote:
Hi everyone I was reading some post By Dave A , and there was a person having problems with over heating . At the end of Dave’s recommendation, he said that there was a post somewhere in BAC forum as to how to clean the radiator. I can’t seem to find it and was wondering if anyone might know where it is ? Thanks everyone

David T. Richelderfer:
Perhaps this post and thread...

http://beaveramb.org/forum/index.php/topic,4755.msg35509.html#msg35509

Steve Huber:
Scott,
Here's the approach I used to clean my 3126B rear radiator coach.
1.   Start engine and feel air flow at radiator to ID sections that need most attention. Be sure the baffle surrounding the radiator is in place.
2.   Let the engine run until the radiator is warm.
3.   Route a garden hose with a sprayer tip up through the engine so you can access it from the bedroom engine access port. 
(Following steps 4-6 are done from the bedroom engine port).
4.   Wet the radiator down using the hose being sure to get the complete unit wet. Not fun but doable.
5.   Apply a detergent via spray bottle. I preferred Dawn but Extreme Simple Green is also good. Let it sit and work for a few minutes.
6.   Spray the radiator to remove the soap and complete the cleaning. Take your time and give it a good rinse to ensure all debris is removed.
7.   Remove the radiator baffle, clean the engine side and ensure it seals and doesn’t allow significant air to escape around the radiator.
8.   Reassemble and repeat step 1 to ensure cleaning was effective.
Notes:
•   Never use a power washer as it can/will bend the radiator fins and decrease cooling efficiency.
•   If radiator is extremely dirty and oily in areas, consider having it steam cleaned.
•   Check where the crank case breather weep hose exits the engine. Most are near the crankcase which allows the liquid to be picked up by airflow and blown into the radiator. I used PVC to route it to the rear beyond the radiator so it collected on the
 engine side of the mud flap. Just be sure it has a downward slope. Don’t use heater hose as any low spots will collect the liquid and clog.
•   Spray the radiator after long trips and follow the above procedure annually.

Steve

Joel Ashley:
If you use it, be sure you get ”Simple Green Extreme for Motorsports” which, unlike regular Simple Green, is friendly to aluminum radiators.

Carl Boger:
Steve,

In step 7 where you state to remove the baffle, are you referring to the radiator shroud or am I missing something on my radiator?

My fan shroud totally encloses the fan except for maybe 1/2 inch of the engine side of the fan.  I did just recently scrub the oil residue off of both sides of my fan blades.  Took 2 rolls of paper towels, 2 spray bottles of grease cleaner, and about 3 hours of my time.  I have verified air flow through all areas of my radiator, but really can you ever have to much airflow?  I will say that the outer areas of the radiator have more airflow, but I suspect the fan blades are moving more air there.

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