cooling system maintenance - 1956 - 365 cid

[lipper]

Would like some advice on best way to do a cooling system flush that can be done at home. Years ago I used to use a kit from Prestone where you plumbed in a garden hose attachment, but I'm not keen on cutting into my hoses. I don't think it's even legal to spill or flush glycol outdoors anymore.  What about using a wet/dry vacuum on any number of hoses to completely draw everthing out?

Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks

ML

[Tom Magdaleno]

Drain the radiator and pull the block plugs and drain those too.  The block drain plugs can be a real pain so what I usually do is: drain the radiator, remove the radiator hoses and heater core hoses along with the thermostat and put your garden hose in the engine and let it run for a while (the garden hose).  If your persnickety about water, like myself sometimes, pour in distilled water and flush with that.  I use distilled water for my 50/50 mix and I use the green antifreeze.  Be careful about flushing the heater core with the hose, it can cause a leak.