Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: jtmtetat on June 18, 2007, 10:25:07 PM

Title: Rad full of mud
Post by: jtmtetat on June 18, 2007, 10:25:07 PM
My rad is constantly plugging up with silt and mud and causing my jeep to run hot.  I had to stop 3 times to let it cool driving home to Calgary from McLean Creek this past weekend. Staying out of the mud is no fun so has anyone rigged anything up to block the mud from entering their rad but not restrict airflow.  Maybe something you can remove quickly, knock the mud out and put back in place?  Any ideas are appreciated.
Title: Rad full of mud
Post by: BlackYJ on June 19, 2007, 07:08:03 AM
Don't go into the mud so hard, it will prevent it from splashing up
Title: Rad full of mud
Post by: unionjack on June 19, 2007, 07:18:28 AM
get a garden hose and clean it out before you go home, and yeah dont hit the holes so hard and it wont splash up
Title: Rad full of mud
Post by: dubbleJs on June 19, 2007, 05:36:54 PM
I had the same problem a couple weeks ago, had to stop 5 or 6 times and let my heep cool down. We ended up poking holes in the top of water bottles and using them as little spray guns trying to blast the mud out. Another thing you could do is bring water and a super soaker next time...lol sounds dumb but it would be worth it.
Title: Rad full of mud
Post by: Mudhawg on June 20, 2007, 12:27:13 AM
i have this problem in my zuki... expect... i kill my starter and alternator and plug my rad lol i built a little mud block thing outa tin and it kept er clean maylong... now to relocate that alternator
Title: Rad full of mud
Post by: rws on June 20, 2007, 10:41:45 AM
A bugscreen will block most of the mud.
Title: Rad full of mud
Post by: wrenchead99 on June 20, 2007, 09:29:11 PM
hey guys, here's a tip.  I race stock cars on a clay track, and some gets kicked up when in traffic.  to cool the cars between heats and wash the rads, we picked up a pair of rechargeable, water filled fire extinguishers for next to nothing.  they are refilled by unscrewing the lid and filling with water then using compressed air to pressure them up via the schrader valve.  the big ones hold  three gallons (I think) and one extinguisher will wash a full size rad two or three times.  best thing is if you run out of water, refill the unit from a clean source (read stream in a pinch) and use someone's OBA to recharge.  besides, it never hurts to have an extra fire extinguisher on board just in case
Title: Rad full of mud
Post by: TrappersJeep on June 20, 2007, 11:10:40 PM
Whip into Canadian Tire and buy yourself one of those handy garden sprayers.  Think most folks use them for spraying herbicides or pesticides on their lawns/trees - me I fill mine with water and use it wash down my rad while on the trail.  Has some good pressure with the wand and carries a good amount of water (can be refilled at the nearest puddle/body of water too). The mud and crap washes off a whole lot easier when you get at it right away and don't give it a chance to bake and dry up.  However with all that said the best way to keep that rad clean though is to slow down when hitting the puddles - enter slow, exit quick.   :)


A good winch can block some of the rad and keep it clean too. :lol:
Title: Rad full of mud
Post by: dubbleJs on June 20, 2007, 11:30:23 PM
Quote from: "TrappersJeep"
Whip into Canadian Tire and buy yourself one of those handy garden sprayers.  Think most folks use them for spraying herbicides or pesticides on their lawns/trees - me I fill mine with water and use it wash down my rad while on the trail.  Has some good pressure with the wand and carries a good amount of water (can be refilled at the nearest puddle/body of water too). The mud and crap washes off a whole lot easier when you get at it right away and don't give it a chance to bake and dry up.  However with all that said the best way to keep that rad clean though is to slow down when hitting the puddles - enter slow, exit quick.   :)


A good winch can block some of the rad and keep it clean too. :lol:


Are you talking about one of those bottles with the pump on top?
Title: Rad full of mud
Post by: BlackYJ on June 21, 2007, 07:09:54 AM
Quote from: "dubbleJ's"
Are you talking about one of those bottles with the pump on top?


Yep, they work great
Title: Rad full of mud
Post by: JeepInMud on June 21, 2007, 12:19:34 PM
If you are at Maclean and have the mud build up as an issue, I used to stop at the RV dump station not far East of Maclean Creek, they ahve a pressure water hose.
Title: Rad full of mud
Post by: TrappersJeep on June 21, 2007, 02:44:05 PM
Quote from: "dubbleJ's"
Are you talking about one of those bottles with the pump on top?
 Yup, mine's dark green with a three foot hose and  spray nozzle.  Have used it a few seasons already, last time out I was using it clean a buddy's tire who had blown a bead - did a nice job on the tire, calipers, mag and lugs.  I know Gregg's Distributors up here in Edmonton sells them as well.