Cooling System Servicing: Maintenance: Cleaning
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1988 Pontiac 6000, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, 1988 Chevrolet Celebrity, and 1988 Buick Century. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
A good cleaning compound will remove most rust and scale. Follow manufacturer's instructions in the use of cleaner. If considerable rust and scale has to be removed, flushing should be used. Clean radiator air passages by blowing with compressed air from back to front.
CAUTION:
Some manufacturers may use an aluminum/plastic radiator on some models (identified by a note below the filler neck). According to manufacturer's recommendations, material used for cleaning and flushing must be compatible with aluminum.