I need a radiator flush desperately, and I know that it's a bit of a long process to do it all at once (multiple drains and fills, etc.). My problem is I live in a complex that frowns on people working on their cars. I also don't have anyplace to hook up a hose, and I don't know that I could get away with making a rusty lake in the parking lot.

How would it work if I span it out over a couple weeks? I'd drain and refill; drive it for a few days; do it again; drive a few more days; and maybe a third time. Would that effectively get rid of all the sludge currently in the system? I would eventually replace the radiator if I am confident I can do it fairly quick, and without raising the ire of management or neighbors... but I'd want to make sure I have all the junk out of the system before I do.

Normally, I'd want to do the water pump and hoses along with it. I have to change out the crank position sensor, which requires getting behind the pump pulley as well. I don't know how quick I could possibly do all of that.

 

You should just find a reputable shop and have them do it and then its done. A radiator flush is usually under a $100.00. I had mine done a few years ago becasue I didn't want to try and dispose of the anti-freeze.

 

X2. If you've got legitimate sludge in there, I wouldnt screw around with a bunch of smaller drain / refill sessions. I'd take it somewhere that'll actually clean it out properly in one shot and be done with it. Also if a new radiator is even remotely on the radar, do it now. If the current one is gunked up, theres no telling how well it'll clean up with all of those tiny passages.

I'd also avoid doing any kind of repairs in a place where you're contractually forbidden from doing so. Last thing you want to do is be forced to stop mid job and have it towed somewhere to finish it, or even worse get evicted for breach of contract. I get the likelihood is probably low, but you don't want to find out the hard way that someone in property management has a sore spot for that kind of stuff.