RADIATOR AS 2518371 - Caterpillar

EnginesReference: "Cooling System Cleaner Removes Rust And Corrosion" in the April 6, 1981, Service Magazine on Pages 6 and 7. There have been reports that some 3208 Engines have had several water pump failures. It has been found that many of these failures were caused by problems other than the water pump. Bent or out-of-balance fans, fan belts which are not adjusted correctly, or foreign material in the cooling system are just a few problems that can decrease the service life of the water pump.
If foreign material (rust and scale) is found in the cooling system, it is possible the complete cooling system will need to be flushed to remove the rust and scale. There are several different chemical additives which can be used to remove the rust and scale. The publication "Know Your Cooling System," SEBD0518, has a list of some of these additives.
To flush the cooling system on 3208 Engines the water temperature regulator and the top radiator hose must be removed. The regulator housing can then be installed and the source of water connected to the outlet. The water will flow opposite the normal direction of flow. This will make it easier to remove the rust and scale.
At times it can be necessary to remove the three core plugs from the cylinder block to remove all of the rust and scale.
Make sure that all the foreign material is flushed from the cooling system. If a chemical additive was used, the cooling system must be flushed with enough clean water to remove all of the additive.
Make sure the temperature regulators are installed after the cooling system has been cleaned.