Hi, I am trying to flush my radiator and I have run into a snag. I have a non AC car and my heater control doesn't work. My knobs are stuck so I cannot turn the heat on. I have tried moving them but they lierally will not move to heater and a warm setting. My fan does work, but I assume that doesn't help. I wanted to flush the heater core but maybe that isn't even a good idea and I may cause leaks doing so. Is there a way to get distilled water to flush the heater core with the controls not working? I was thinking on just removing the heater hose and using a pump but maybe there is an easier way. Thanks.
There are flush kits at many auto parts stores. Basically, cutting the supply hose to the heater core, installing a fitting that facilitates connecting a garden hose, you start the flow, start the car and run it for about 20 minutes. The kit has a diverter, you place on the radiator fill opening for the outflow. Keep in mind the thermostat needs to open, or you may not be flushing all the coolant. (Environmentally concerned, would be to drain all the coolant first...) But, all of that likely has anything to do with your controls. You need to look at cables and/or vacuum control as well as the mechanical doors/flaps and blower fan that are likely the cause of your problem.
