Optimising Cooling System

[ScottH]

So I had a peak in the radiator and wasn't impressed, definate presence of rust in the coolant. I want the system to be tip-top so I've decided to do the following:

-Remove radiator, take it to a radiator repair shop, have them remove an end tank to steam and rod the channels of the core
-Remove the drain plugs at the bottom of the block, replace, remove thermostat, refill, run and drain again
-New thermostat and coolant

Any advice on other things to check would be appreciated as would a photo or description of the drain plug locations as I don't want to accidentally pull the oil drains....

Also after a slimline fan for the aftermarket transmission fluid cooler if anyone has any suggestions? Found a 2.5" thick one but could do with something thinner.

Thanks guys

 

[solarman216]

Drain plug for the block is almost impossible to get at down below the rear of the turbo, and even with engine out the few I have tried are not only very very tight but on removing found it impossibly blocked anyway, engine out you can clear it, in the car very doubtful unless turbo removed, also there is a small pipe that goes to the turbo as it is water cooled this will most certainly be blocked as the return from the turbo goes to the drain plug union and as all I have seen are blocked at this point then the rest of the turbo pipe will be as bad due to no flow, Rick

 

[ScottH]

Thanks bud, sounds like I should leave that well alone unless I have the turbo off at some point.

Do you think the turbo gets cooled adequately by the oil alone?

 

[solarman216]

Thanks bud, sounds like I should leave that well alone unless I have the turbo off at some point.

Do you think the turbo gets cooled adequately by the oil alone?

My two road going do not seem to suffer, and I do a fair amount of heavy towing, to be honest the water pipe is so small (from memory about 8 mm) so doubt it did much anyway, Rick