Oil in cooling system, 1.6 td, do I flush or not?

[vag_glen]

Morning guys, just bought my next project, 1988 Karmann Cheetah, The previous owner had a new oil cooler fitted and was advised to have the system flushed but never did, And hence the header tank next to the battery is as black as your hat! What's the best plan of action to clean/flush the system?,I've seen posted before that using engine flush isn't a good idea?.
Any help would be greatfull, it's my first ever oil burner!!!!
Ta Glen.

[HarryMann]

Flush it, what harm can it do, lots of garages use cooling system flush, I did our Micra recently (weeping through head gasket I expect)

.. and change the oil & filter frequently in that TD. I use a 15W~40 semi-synth & buy a 20 litre container every year as my upfront oil cooler and hoses up the total capacity from 4.5 to nearer 7 litres

http://www.nielsencdg.co.uk/acatalog/Co ... ls_6L.html

Make sure the air-filter is clean, can sap power and fuel, should have the big cyclone filter with large tubular cartridge - about a tenner - even the 1.6's pass a lot of air and yours will be working hard alot of the time.

Recommended (& guaranteed to frighten) - an oil temp or pressure gauge, they tend to be much the same thing, just work in reverse to each other....

[vag_glen]

Thank you harrymann, yeah head gasket is suspect and being changed, I just remember reading about not using flushing agents on the 2.1 wasserboxer, did have a look in wiki but just wanted a second opinion.

Glen.

[windysurfer]

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Karmanns are the future