prey
Part of things
Posts: 856
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Oct 24, 2011 14:38:46 GMT
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just been told about flushing coolant systems with citric acid powder in solution (500g for a flush) and apparently it's good stuff - any negatives or reasons why i shouldn't put this through an '85 e30? it won't eat away at anything it shouldn't for instance?
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Oct 24, 2011 15:35:58 GMT
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I've always used plain old water. Forward and reverse.
If the water flows clear, I don't see what you'll gain with this.
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prey
Part of things
Posts: 856
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Oct 24, 2011 15:37:41 GMT
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supposedly dissolves any buildups/blockages that cant just be pushed out by water - i think my head/inlet manifold pipework is rather restricted as even a jetwash won't improve it.
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Oct 24, 2011 17:33:31 GMT
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I used citric acid (powder intended for wine making from Boots) to clear a completley lime scale blockled Austin A35 rad. Worked brilliant.
FWIW cheap, thin bleach is also good for clearing out waterways if contaminated with oil sludge after a blown head gasket.
Paul h
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ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,194
Club RR Member Number: 170
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Oct 24, 2011 18:52:25 GMT
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My only concern about these acids is how various alloy components and rubber hoses will react to them. I admit that it will not affect iron blocks and heads mind you.
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prey
Part of things
Posts: 856
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Oct 24, 2011 19:13:31 GMT
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thats my reason for asking - just wanted to make sure its not going to start dissolving the head or heater matrix or random other bits
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bl1300
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,678
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Oct 24, 2011 20:54:51 GMT
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Citric acid is pretty strong stuff. Although I doubt its a match for cast iron. I'm not sure id trust it with rubber pipe work though.
I think if it was me id just use a bonafied rad flushing solution.
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Current fleet.
1967 DAF 44
1974 VW Beetle 1303s
1975 Triumph Spitfire MkIV
1988 VW LT45 Beavertail
1998 Volvo V70 2.5
1959 Fordson Dexta
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Oct 24, 2011 21:08:04 GMT
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I've used half a tube of denture cleaning tablets to good effect. It was a tip from Mystery Machine Chuck in header tank/rad. Run up to temp. Leave overnight to cool and fizz away deposits. Flush back and forward like you normally would. Refill and doing any bleeding stuff as you normally would.. Minty fresh  |
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...proper medallion man chest wig motoring. |
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Oct 24, 2011 22:19:37 GMT
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I've used half a tube of denture cleaning tablets to good effect. It was a tip from Mystery Machine Chuck in header tank/rad. Run up to temp. Leave overnight to cool and fizz away deposits. Flush back and forward like you normally would. Refill and doing any bleeding stuff as you normally would.. Minty fresh Exactly what I was going to say. |
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Oct 24, 2011 23:03:35 GMT
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I read somewhere that mercedes actually recommended using citric acid in older mercs, 190 etc to safely clean out the system safely, I bought some last winter as the heater was bad, but it seemed to cure itself so not used it yet.
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Yo got me thinking which to use, base or acid? Years ago I learnt that it's safe to clean the system by using dishwashing detergent tablets. It was said that since they are alkaline, they won't attack metals like acid does. I'm not sure if it's a good idea to put acid in a system that has so many different metals in it. The block and head(s) will probably be fine but what about an aged heater matrix (brass/copper soldered with lead/tin) etc.
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Citroën DS 21 '66, Renault 16 TS '73, Scimitar GTE '74, Audi 80 '87, Merc 190E '88, Peugeot 205 GTI '88, BMW 735iL '89, Merc 230TE '89 , BMW 320i '92
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prey
Part of things
Posts: 856
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Oct 25, 2011 12:40:09 GMT
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i have the heater matrix bypassed and the radiator off right now - so was going to flush it like that just to try and clean the headways out more than anything. paranoid about maybe dissolving something i shouldnt lol
teeth tabs are a good idea tho, might try that first - and cheap!
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Oct 26, 2011 14:33:34 GMT
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What about that calgon stuff ???for washing machines.
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Oct 26, 2011 15:48:30 GMT
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Citric acid is pretty strong stuff. Although I doubt its a match for cast iron. I'm not sure id trust it with rubber pipe work though. I think if it was me id just use a bonafied rad flushing solution. me too |
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bortaf
Posted a lot
Posts: 4,549
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Oct 26, 2011 17:36:45 GMT
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This is whats in wynns rad flush Water >60% Sodium Nitrite <1% Sodium Borate <1% Sodium Molybdate <1% Other non-hazardous ingredients - <1% No idea what the other 34% is  air? dog poop? baby vomit ? and nulon rad flush sodium metasilicate 10-30% water softener 1-10% dye <1 water >60 They all seem sodium based |
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Last Edit: Oct 26, 2011 17:41:01 GMT by bortaf
R.I.P photobucket
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