Tool review: Hecat Coolant 'Pulsator'

Aug. 20, 2007
Hecat Coolant Pulsator gets thumbs-up from PTEN reviewer Joe Marconi

Hecat's Coolant "Pulsator" was developed as a simple and effective cleaning process for clogged heater cores. After a chemical cleaner has circulated through the system and the antifreeze has been recovered in the proper manner, HECAT's "Pulsator" uses only air pressure and clean water to scrub the internals of the cooling system. High flow and hard hitting "water hammer" action is employed to dislodge and remove restrictive sludge deposits from the heat exchangers and the engine block, allowing for the return to proper system flow, cooling, and heating. Other features include:

• Pulsating gun assembly with regulator.
• Backflow Preventer.
• Large rubber tip for radiator and blocks.
• Small rubber tip on whip hose for direct access to heater core tube stubs.
• 5/8" and 3/4" barb fittings to flush a heater core or engine block.
• Dimensions: 17" x 14" x 5"; shipping weight: 9lbs.
• Packaged in a durable protective storage case.

The review
Joe Marconi, owner of Osceola Garage in Baldwin Place, N.Y., and PTEN Innovation Award panelist, did a hands-on evaluation of the Hecat Pulsator. This is what he had to say:

"This tool is a great asset when conventional coolant flush machines cannot thoroughly clean sludge and buildup in radiators, engine blocks and heater cores. We see a lot of clogged heater cores and sludged-up radiators, and we definitely welcome this tool.

"Regular coolant flushing cannot always clear the passages in the heater core and radiator. With the HECAT Coolant 'Pulsator,' you can perform a thorough cleaning using the unique pulsating pressure action.

"I think this tool allows shops to give options to the customer who may not want to go through the expense of replacing a partially clogged heater core or other cooling system components. While in many cases replacing the heater core or radiator may be the proper fix, helping the customer by attempting to repair the clogged area is a viable alternative.

"In addition, it can be used to flush cooling systems as a preventive service, which is another benefit to the customer. We all know that in order to satisfy the needs of our customers, we need to invest in the proper tools and equipment. I recommend the Coolant 'Pulsator' as an addition to your tool arsenal."

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