Air Filter Replacement+Radiator Cleaning Recommendations? Ford Focus

[Deactivated] on 02/08/2019 - 12:49
Last edited 02/08/2019 - 12:50

I have a Ford Focus S 2013

Mechanic suggested my air filter is very dirty and be replaced, and my Radiator fluid is brown and needs should be flushed. However charges were something like $250.(I opted for just the basic service)(basically you pay the extra for warranty through the workshop)

I assume they basically add some chemical in the radiator and then flush it? A bit like injector cleaning when workshops charge you $100 for a $15 product.

Air filter looks simple to replace myself if it's needed

Any suggestions for either? Thank you

Automotive

Comments

  • HighAndDry on 02/08/2019 - 12:58
    +1

    A bit like injector cleaning when workshops charge you $100 for a $15 product.

    A bit like that, yes, but they're also charging for doing the work.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/08/2019 - 13:06
      +1

      Off course, and I understand that. However I'd rather save $200 and do it myself. If it was something more serious, I wouldn't even attempt 🤣

  • Bid Sniper on 02/08/2019 - 13:16

    youtube it

    • [Deactivated] on 02/08/2019 - 13:33

      I meant any recommendations for air filters or brands of Radiator cleaners :)

      • brad1-8tsi on 02/08/2019 - 13:52
        +1

        I like Mahle and Mann, mainly because they are the OEM supplier to the factory that made my car so I know the quality is OK and they will fit. Crazy idea but have you priced genuine Ford?

        Coolant: You shouldn'y mix coolants so I'd flush with Nulon radiator flush then run it for 500-1000km on distilled water (it's cheap at Colesworths), then drain and refill with Nulon The One (compatable with 99% of vehicles) & distilled water in the correct mix.

        Things to note;
        are there any special drain techniques or tricks.

        Are there any special refill tricks (bleed valves, having car at a certain angle, running for X minutes with radiator cap off, etc. Nissan engined VL Commodores and current 2.0L VWs are notorious for air locks if you don't do them right.

        • [Deactivated] on 02/08/2019 - 13:59

          I will have to google, and research. Thank you for the information.

          I thought you ran flush for 20 minutes and drain it? I only drive 200-300kms a week.

          • brad1-8tsi on 02/08/2019 - 14:21

            @[Deactivated]: It doesn't always drain properly.

            I like my way (obviously) but there's a dozen ways to do it.

            Have you got a price from a radiator specialist? They have a machine that forces water through and guarantees it's clean.

            Keep in mind 5L of quality coolant is ~$50+.

            • [Deactivated] on 02/08/2019 - 14:52

              @brad1-8tsi: I noticed, but do they flush the coolant or just what's in the radiator? The coolant looked fine, he just said in the radiator it was brown. I'll check to be sure
              .
              Last time Ford recommended an injector clean, however most people said there's no need.
              I don't mind spending a little bit of cash to keep my car in good condition, I don't love it aka it's my work daily but I generally like to keep things well looked after.

              I did figure
              Air filter $30
              Radiator clean $10-15
              Coolant $40-50
              $100, is affordable and ok instead of $250+

              I'm fine with that

              • brad1-8tsi on 03/08/2019 - 13:09

                @[Deactivated]: If it's brown in the radiator, it's brown in the engine… they are all connected. That's why I like to drive around with just water for a couple of weeks if DIYing as the cooling system has many passages and a simple flush doesn't allways do the job.

                Don't forget to open up the heater tap.

                I also like to remove the overflow and give it a good scrub out.

  • Bid Sniper on 02/08/2019 - 13:40
    +1

    Ah, Ryco filters are good I use them. Castrol rad fluid is fine. To flush, I just filled with water, ran it for 10min, dumped the water and filled with coolant.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/08/2019 - 13:42

      Thanks for the response, appreciated

    • bhubb18 on 04/08/2019 - 12:10

      I use the water trick, but an actual radiator flush additive will dissolve stuff that tap water won't remove. Personally, on a newer car, I would definitely use a chemical flush. If you're going to do it, do it properly.

  • TRAVELO on 02/08/2019 - 14:20
    +1

    Ryco for the air filters. Do a radiator flush with the air con on high heat idle. Then make sure you put the correct coolant in and let the engine suck the coolant as you will need to refill it again. As above, Nulon for the flush. I would recommend SparesBox on eBay for your parts and eBay have a garage section where you can see what items are selling and if they fit your vehicle.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/08/2019 - 14:54

      Appreciate all the feedback!

  • aussieprepper on 02/08/2019 - 18:21

    That's not a bad price seeing as materials could be close to $100 or more depending on the parts used. Plus the flush takes time they will hook a hose up to the radiator with a special radiator cap and flush water through the system.
    Plus if you leave air in the system your car may over heat and you can blow the engine.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/08/2019 - 19:12

      It seems like a pretty simple task to me?
      Parts are roughly $20 for standard air filter, $13 radiator cleaner, and decent coolant on special $35 for 5L
      Under $70, and his charge was $260.

      My car also sounds much deeper in 2nd 3rd gear, I wonder if it's the way he refitted the air filter? Generally it's tinny, but it's much much deeper when I drive it now! Odd.

      • aussieprepper on 03/08/2019 - 22:28

        Yea but you need to understand that some cars can be a pain to properly bleed air out of the system especially German cars. Its not always as easy as opening the radiator cap because you can still get air trapped in certain areas. Plus flushing the system is a pain you have to get rid 5+ liters of original coolant plus the extra 5+L you use to flush the system. Usually id just attach a hose to flush the system take out a radiator pipe.

        Try and find your coolant bleeder valve.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join