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Cummins/Onan — Cooling system cleaning and flushing

Maintenance

From a Cummins/Onan service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.

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Before you start

  • Never pour cold water into a hot engine; doing so may crack head or cylinder block.
  • Cleaning solutions can cause burns; read warning labels.

Procedure

  1. Drain system and fill with clean water and approved chemical cleaner.
  2. Follow cleaner supplier instructions for cleaning.
  3. When cleaning is complete, drain cleaning solution and flush system.
  4. Reverse flush engine and radiator or heat exchanger for best results.
  5. Allow engine to cool as much as possible before flushing with cold water.
  6. If optional water jacket tank heater is used, drain and flush it also.

Tools required

Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.

Source: Cummins/Onan service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.

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