How to Clean Cooling Stack on Duramax

Cooling stacks are essential to survive through the summer. However, they are prone to get clogged and dirty quite easily. That is why it is essential for you to learn how to clean cooling stack on Duramax. Only a clean Duramax cooler would work the way you want it to work.

So, what exactly is the process? Well, it is actually quite simple. All you need to do is find the right symptom and solve it accordingly. Remember, different issues will require different approaches. For instance, if the truck is showing signs of overheating, simply replacing the old oil with a new batch will work.

However, there is more to cleaning the stack than meets the eye. And that is exactly what we are here to talk about. So, scroll down below and keep reading!

How to Clean Cooling Stack on Duramax?

There aren’t many steps that you can follow in cleaning the cooling stack on your Duramax. However, you can use the following step-by-step guide to help you make things easier.

Step 1: Removal

Before you can clean the stack, you need to remove a lot of the auxiliary parts so that you can reach the main stack. You also need to disconnect the wire from the engine to prevent any danger of electric shock.

Step 2: Drain the Radiator

Drain the radiator from any previously present oil or liquid by removing the intercooler inlet and outlet. After draining, uninstall the hoses connected to the radiator.

Step 3: Cleaning

Clean each component separately using an appropriate cleaning solvent. Make sure that the solvent is mixed in a ratio of 2:1 along with water. This will reduce the amount of alkalinity the fluid shows under normal circumstances.

Step 4: Reinstallation

Once you are done with the cleaning, reinstall the cooling stack and radiator back. Make sure to connect the hoses to their rightful place and fill the radiator will fuel. You can also choose to lubricate the metal body.

How Do You Clean A Duramax Radiator?

Duramax radiator cleaning isn’t a very complicated process. However, a lot of time and dedication are some basic requirements of this task. As long as you have some basic knowledge of cleaning gears and car engines, you will be able to complete your task in no time.

Below, we have compiled the most convenient step-by-step guide that you follow to finish cleaning the Duramax radiator in the least amount of time.

Step 1: Preparations

The first step is more of a preparatory stage where you need to get a few things down into activation. To start off with, ensure that the vehicle whose engine radiator you will be changing has been left alone to cool overnight. This is a necessary safety measure so that hot gears and oils will not end up burying you.

Step 2: Dilute the Cleaning Solution

The second step can be considered to be a preparatory step since we have yet to work with the vehicle radiator. Pour an appropriate amount of the oil into a container and mix with water to a dilution ratio of 1:2.

Step 3: Cleaning Radiator Fins

Now that we are done with the preparatory steps, you can move on to the main clean stage. First, begin with the fins. Use the cleaning solution to gently brush the fins. Only use small amounts of the solution.

Step 4: Straighten the Fins

It is common for the radiator fins to get bent due to the sudden force you will be applying while cleaning them. You can straighten them back by getting the help of a flathead screwdriver.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Use a wipe to rinse the fins of the radiator. You can also leave it to dry for some time in the sun or in front of a fan.

Step 6: Test the Radiator

Now that you have managed to clean the radiator properly, you can install it back into the vehicle. Carry out a controlled test to check whether the radiator is working properly in a system where the air has been flushed.

What is A Duramax Cooling Stack?  

Large vehicles like trucks and SUVs are prone to getting hot due to the intense energy production in their engine. That is where cooling stacks come into play. Stacks are referred to a wide range of auxiliary appliances like radiator, cooler, condenser, air conditioner, heat transmitter, etc.

In short Duramax cooling stacks are auxiliary pieces of machinery in a vehicle that is responsible for bringing the temperature of the engine down to normal.

How Do I Keep My Duramax Cool?

Although Duramax radiators are intended to keep your vehicle cool, there are times when they might fail and start to heat up themselves. While these situations are unavoidable, you can take care certain measures beforehand to lessen the degree of damage the strike heating might cause.

We have listed some of the tips that you can follow for your potential heating problem in the future.

• If the inlets or outlets cannot allow the smooth flow of water, replace them with a new one.
• Make sure that the gasket connected to the hoses is tightened properly and shows no leaks.
• Oil the radiator regularly for even spreading of heat and prevention of rust.
• Always use the right type of fuel for the radiator that has no contaminations.
• Seal off any source of leaks.

How Do You Clean A Clogged Radiator Fin?

Cleaning a clogged radiator fin is one of the most convenient attempts to clean a radiator without emphasizing the entire machine. You can use the following step-by-step guide to help you out in your ordeal.

Step 1: Make the Cleaning Solution

Simply using the cleaning solution as it is will cause the radiator fins to corrode quickly. That is why you need to dilute it to form a mixture with a container of water in a ratio of 1:2.

Step 2: Apply the Cleaner

Apply the cleaner to the fins with the use of a microfiber wipe or cloth. You can also use thin buds for the very tight corners and edges that your hands cannot reach normally.

Step 3: Brush Gently

Use a feather brush to wipe away any foreign objects like dust and condensed oil that might be the source of blockages in the vents of the radiator, causing the fin to be clogged.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Now that the cleaning is over, you can wipe the entire radiator fins to ensure that no water particles may remain. Leave it to dry for some time, and it is ready to be used. Make sure to test out whether the radiator works or not afterward.

Can the Same Process Used to Clean a Top Mount Intercooler Be Applied to Clean a Cooling Stack on a Duramax?

Yes, the same process used for cleaning top mount intercooler can be applied to clean a cooling stack on a Duramax. The key is to use a gentle cleaning solution and soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and debris without causing damage to the fragile fins. Regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance.

Conclusion

Radiators are vital for every large vehicle, especially ones like trucks and lorries that have a very high energy consumption rate. It is equally crucial that you know how to clean the cooling stack on Duramax for its optimal performance.

However, there are some situations and circumstances where you might not be able to clean the radiator stacks and fins by yourself. In these cases, you are more than welcome to hire a mechanic to help you out.