Clean the AC condenser and radiator

[nissanh]

Here is a tip to keep the radiator/Engine temperature at its best.

Clean the radiator and AC condenser before each summer.
IMPORTANT: apply pressurized water 90 degrees (perpendicular) to the radiator/AC condenser core (fins) otherwise the fins can bend.

All the dirt/bugs/grass came from my new to me cruser!

 

[Tucson4runner]

Geez! How'd that block of wood get wedged in there . I'll have to do this today. Just recharged it yesterday so this will help keep it running.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[diverscale]

could you go into detail of how you cleaned it? used pressure washer or tap water? I also guess you cleaned from interior directing the jet toward the exterior?

I cleaned my condenser while doing my radiator, and used only pressurised air from interior to exterior of truck, but I do admit that it didn't clean it very well

 

[Sunfire3rdGen]

I'm assuming a garden hose is too much pressure?

 

[mtbtim]

I'm assuming a garden hose is too much pressure?

I wouldn't think so. A garden hose on your home water pressure should be fine. I just wouldn't choose a narrow spray pattern with the nozzle you're using. However, a pressure washer with a narrow tip would probably be too powerful and cause damage to the cooling fins.

 

[nissanh]

Start with a cold engine and minimize spraying on to the engine. Please use a plastic bag to cover the alternator.

I used a garden hose with a nozzle. I make sure it goes PERPENDICULAR to the fins at all times. It is best to apply from the engine bay to outside. I go through each row (horizontally). I then apply from out to inside.
Keep the hood open and let air dry before you start the engine.

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

resurrecting an old post:

has anyone in here used or knows of a chemical that can be safely sprayed onto the condenser & radiator to clean the fins and tubes?

 

[thegipper]

resurrecting an old post:

has anyone in here used or knows of a chemical that can be safely sprayed onto the condenser & radiator to clean the fins and tubes?

I use an AC condenser cleaner that is sold at my local Menards. Any home improvement or hardware store should sell cans of it. It's usually found in the HVAC area.

Something like this.

 

[jgue467]

resurrecting an old post:

has anyone in here used or knows of a chemical that can be safely sprayed onto the condenser & radiator to clean the fins and tubes?

I've used this stuff for auto home and RV ACs. On my Runner I remove the skid plate to get between the back side of the AC condensor and the front of the radiator - grass accumulates there.

https://www.amazon.com/SAFE-Foaming...-4-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

 

[3bears]

i have used the coil too and they do work good, Even though some say you don't need to rinse after, I do

 

[JZiggy]

I've used basic foaming coil cleaner many times on these. Agreed that its safest to rinse afterward since the coil cleaner is aggressive. For the evaporator I like to spray the foam a few times and then fill a spray bottle with water and some rubbing alcohol to rinse it off.

 

[aa040371]

For the evaporator I like to spray the foam a few times and then fill a spray bottle with water and some rubbing alcohol to rinse it off.

I am curious...what benefit does the rubbing alcohol have? And how do you get a spray bottle to where you can spray onto/rinse off the evaporator?

 

[JZiggy]

I am curious...what benefit does the rubbing alcohol have? And how do you get a spray bottle to where you can spray onto/rinse off the evaporator?

Helps it dry a little faster and clean off any residual nonsense from the surface of the fins.

Remove the fan, poke the sprayer up into the opening where the fan was.