cleaning the outside of a radiator?

[porteous]

Now my 1953 FM has a nice new engine kit she is still running a bit warm, and I notice the matrix is full of bits of paint and half a centuries dust. I suspect it is also quite fragile after 60 years. Does anyone have any views on the best way to go about cleaning without damaging the matrix? Or would I be better off just going for a re-core?

Thanks guys

[Kiwi Kev]

better off just going for a re-core?

Yes, a new engine deserves a new recore. False economy to not replace clutch plate/clutch bearings, and radiator core when rebuilding an engine.
Kiwi Kev

[fenhayman]

I would blow it through, from the engine side, with a powerful airline ensuring that you don't touch any of the fins.
Have known people brush them out and knock the fins through 90 degrees and block the airflow.
Watch your temp. gauge and water level.
Recore it only if it leaks.

[GregMoore]

Agreed on re-core _if_ needed, while a clutch is a no brainer due to the amount of work to change vs how easy with engine out, a rad is the same either way.. Don't be afraid to flush it, who knows what all has been in it before..

Try to figure out what kind of crude is stuck in the front, if years of just muck, wet it with warm soapy water and keep it wet for an hour or 2 then rinse it out from the back side (NO PRESSURE WASHERS!). If it looks to be old grease, oil etc then follow the same procedure but use varsol, or better WD-40, let it soak for a few hours (and don't let it dry back out) then rinse from other side..

You can usually use a firm round type toothpick to slowly work any bent fins back out. Don't use a screw driver etc as you'll almost certainly nick a main tube somewhere..

This will work for most any copper rad, have never done a Fordson so can't speak to how stiff the fins are but sure have done a few copper rads none the less..