Most radiator/aircon shops will also accept used coolant gratis, and check with schools that have automotive repair programmes...
For a flush tee, I made one out of brass bits because I was tired of buying plastic ones.
PARTS:
- 3/8" NPT T-fitting
- 3/8" NPT close nipple
- 3/8" NPT x 6" pipe nipple
- 3/8" NPT to hose bibb adapter fitting
- metal hose bibb cap (mine is also brass) with O-ring to seal.
- PTFE/Teflon pipe paste.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Cut 3/8"x6" pip nipple in half and deburr cut ends. There is no need to rethread.
- Apply PTFE and screw half of the nipple you just cut into the "run" of the T fitting (the crossbar of the letter T.)
- Apply PTFE and screw the close nipple into the "branch" of the T fitting (the "stem" part, or whatever you wish to call it.)
- Apply PTFE and screw the hose bibb adapter onto the other end of the close nipple.
- Insert O-ring into underside of hose bibb cap, and install cap. PTFE is optional here - but you can usually get the O-rings in packets of ten or so, I find it easiest to just replace the thing every time I take the cap off.
Let the PTFE set up overnight, then install the whole fitting into the same place you would install the plastic fitting. Refill system & return to service.
USE:
- Run your flush of choice through the system.
- You can (naturally) connect the garden hose to the thing out of hand, then turn it on to flush the system. I find it helpful to pinch off the hose between the T fittign and the firewall - this makes the water flow backwards through the system, and frees up more crap (think "fish scales" - and running your hand over the scales forwards, and again going back.)
- Drain all tap water out of the system before filing - the radiator drain will get most of it, but not all. There should be a drain plug down behin the exaust, but it takes an 8m/m square drive. Fashion this by using an 8m/m or 5/16" hex key, and grinding down opposite corners unti it fits (it doesn't take much. I've been able to make these in the space of a couple of minutes using a hand grinder.)