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Efferdent?

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Old Jun 26, 2013 | 06:29 PM
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From: Bel Air, MD
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Default Efferdent?

My 91 has got some pretty hellascious dirt issues and as I work on it I try to remove layers of grease and grime.
I am going to do a radiator flush in the AM and will eventually get a new overflow bottle but that isn't on tomorrows list.
I want to clean out the inside of the bottle as best I can as it is just awful.

I was thinking about detaching the overflow hose and filling it up to the correct level and using efferdent denture cleaner to have the bubbles scrub out the inside as best as possible and then flush that overflow bottle extremely well before finishing the flush and fill of the entire system. [keeping all of the contents totally out of any part of the engine etc until cleaned out]

Strange question but has anyone tried this or something similar to clean 23 years worth of crap out?
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Old Jun 27, 2013 | 12:49 AM
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Works better if you put the whole thing in a glass on your nightstand overnight.

That's a new one by me. I've heard of people trying toilet bowl cleaner, that scrubbing bubble stuff..never denture cleaner though. Seems harmless enough.
I usually use automatic dishwasher soap and a baby bottle brush (don't put it back when you're done), cleans the crud out of those plastic tanks nicely.

Last edited by Radi; Jun 27, 2013 at 01:13 AM.
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Old Jun 27, 2013 | 07:08 AM
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If it's original, I'd replace it and be done with it.
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Old Jun 27, 2013 | 07:24 AM
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2 screws. 5/16 size Out the bottle comes. No matter how bad it looks, It cleans out well with dish soap and water.
No need for a new one.
Cascade is what the diesel guys use to flush radiators.
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Old Jun 27, 2013 | 07:46 AM
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Originally Posted by SteveMongr
2 screws. 5/16 size Out the bottle comes. No matter how bad it looks, It cleans out well with dish soap and water.
No need for a new one.
Cascade is what the diesel guys use to flush radiators.
I was referring to the radiator.

Another trick on the bottle is put some rock salt and ice cubes in it and shake it around. Just like you do for the carafe of your coffee maker if you leave it on with little or no coffee.
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Old Jun 27, 2013 | 09:18 AM
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White vinegar does well at removing hard water build-up.
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Old Jun 27, 2013 | 02:53 PM
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Well I tried efferedent and a scrub brush. The brush worked OK and the efferdent didn't do much. Anyways, leaving tonight so the truck has new diff fluid, coolant and oil and all the other fluid levels are where they should be.

Cruiser, I agree, a new radiator is on the short list. Today was more about making sure I could travel safely.


Anyone have feedback of Griffin radiators?

Yeah I know.....google it.


Thanks for those who weighed in on my goofy attempt.
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Old Jun 28, 2013 | 12:40 AM
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Originally Posted by 96ss2283
Well I tried efferedent and a scrub brush. The brush worked OK and the efferdent didn't do much.
I'm sort of relieved, I wasn't looking forward to going to Walgreens to buy Efferdent because it worked really well.

I've never bought a Griffin radiator. Looks nice, but hoo-boy it isn't cheap.
I think my pocketbook would breathe easier with something from Radiator barn, or if you are dead set on all aluminum, perhaps a Champion.
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Old Jun 28, 2013 | 05:31 AM
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Cascade is what you are after. Powdered dishwasher detergent.
It works wonders in the radiator and block.
All the big rig shops use it. Look it up.
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Old Jun 28, 2013 | 07:07 AM
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I got my 97 XJ running a few days ago, so I am flushing the radiator out

every evening with rain water. The coolant was very rusty to start with.

I took out the thermostat first, remove one end of the heater hose, let the engine run, while putting in rain water.
The third evening I used Cascade with the rain water to flush.
Coolant looks great now.
I will do this procedure again before winter, before adding new hoses, anti freeze, etc.
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Old Jun 28, 2013 | 07:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Radi
I'm sort of relieved, I wasn't looking forward to going to Walgreens to buy Efferdent because it worked really well.

I've never bought a Griffin radiator. Looks nice, but hoo-boy it isn't cheap.
I think my pocketbook would breathe easier with something from Radiator barn, or if you are dead set on all aluminum, perhaps a Champion.

You know where it is in Walgreen's, don't you? Right next to where you pick up your Poli-Grip.
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Old Jun 28, 2013 | 09:01 AM
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Cascade, eh? Always wondered what a goods detergent would do versus the Prestone coolant flush stuff.
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Old Jun 28, 2013 | 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by 94JeepCherokeeMan
Cascade, eh? Always wondered what a goods detergent would do versus the Prestone coolant flush stuff.
I'll bet it's high in citric acid.
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Old Jun 28, 2013 | 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by cruiser54
I'll bet it's high in citric acid.
The coolant flush? Dunno...
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Old Jun 28, 2013 | 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by 94JeepCherokeeMan
The coolant flush? Dunno...
Cascade.
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