I want to get ready to start a Great Circle Route cruise in 2006. Over the winter I'm going to clean the cooling system on my 8V71TI's. I plan to have the heat exchangers boiled out at a radiator shop, take off the intercoolers and check for fouling, and take off the shower heads and clean them. The gear oil coolers are under the heat exchanger and don't block raw water flow, so I think I'll leave them alone. That leaves the engine blocks.

What can you use to clean the engine block cooling system channels? The engine oil coolers are part of the captive water system too. I'd guess that automotive radiator flush is safe but not effective. DD sells one that you have to drain the engine block, not just the heat exchanger and elbow. I have heard the OSPHO should not be used in the block.

Suggestions on other things to check and do would be appreciated too!

Doug Shuman