Hi, I am new to the forum, just got a 2003 C4S last summer. I decided to clean the radiators today, after taking it out of winter storage. I can't believe the things I find trapped in there. Had to brush, then hose out.

Took about 1.5hrs, the most work is to take the bumper off.

 

I need to start cleaning mine out too. haven't check it since bought the car...my temp gauge go past the 0 mark sometimes even with the 3rd radiator...

 

I agree. Recently cleaned mine out. Found a dead bird in mine.

 

Generally, you don't need to remove the bumper cover. Simply get a vacuum hose and blow it out. Can do it in about 10 minutes.

 

IIRC, you also want to (slightly) separate the A/C condensers from the radiators; there's often a ton of crud that builds up at that interface. All of the brushing and vacuuming in the world, without pulling the bumper cover and separating the two pieces, won't get that stuff out.

One of these days when I'm feeling energetic I'm going to tackle this job on my '02 Cab.

Thanks for sharing!

 

You have to pull the bumper cover to really clean them. You will be very surprised of all the crap you will find. Pulling the bumper cover is very easy. There is a youtube video show you how to do it.
I will say that I did NOT see my temps drop after cleaning them though.

 

I don' t think I will see much of a diff in temp, since it doesn't get that hot here in the summer. I did unscrew the condenser from the radiator to get to the stuff in between. There was alot in there also. One of the screws broke due to rust... There are still 3 other screws holding everything together.