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Miken
Joined: 24 Dec 2012 Posts: 544
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Posted: Wed May 27, 2020 3:37 pm Post subject: Cleaning out waterways. |
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Im rebuilding an iron engine.
Is there a good diy method to chemically clean the water cooling ways?
Phosphoric acid maybe?
Thanks |
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Sumpplug
Joined: 12 Jun 2020 Posts: 2 Location: Chatham, Kent, UK
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Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2020 4:02 pm Post subject: |
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This is my first post on this forum and I am really suprised to see a post that relates to the same problem that I have.
I too have to do a bit of internal cleaning, on a V6 ford engine that's been laying idle for some years to the point where when I removed the thermostat elbow, all sorts of sludge and what looks like crystals came out of the housing.
I really need something that I can fill the cooling system and leave for a time while the "chemicals" dissolve the rusty sludge. Bit like "Fernox" in your house heating system.
This wouldn't involve the radiator though as this procedure would probably wreak it. Any advice gratefully received. |
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Rick Site Admin
Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22446 Location: UK
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Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2020 4:10 pm Post subject: |
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I forget where I read it, but I did read of someone cleaning out an engine's waterways by mixing up one of these rust remover products, the liquid type that you mix in a ratio of approx 1 part product to 10 parts water. I assume this was in an iron block. I'm not recommending this as I don't know what side-effects might be caused by trying this, to the block or sub-assemblies that the coolant passes through, but it might be something to research further.
As I've not read much about this method, I'm guessing that it's not a recommended way of going about the job, but I'd be interested to read if anyone's tried it here.
RJ _________________ Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
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peter scott
Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7118 Location: Edinburgh
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Sumpplug
Joined: 12 Jun 2020 Posts: 2 Location: Chatham, Kent, UK
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Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2020 8:02 pm Post subject: |
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There's some interesting info on there on cleaning your cooling system. They go on about this "evaporust" solution that you can actually run with for a period of time though I doubt it would be a good idea to leave it in there for any length of time, or permanently.
Looking at the stuff that's coming out of my engine, I think I'll need a drain cleaning agent first (diluted) but not left in for long. Then some of this "eveporust" to finish. After that, a good look at the core plugs I think. I'll re-fit my old pump which will be thrown away afterwards. |
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PAUL BEAUMONT
Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 1281 Location: Barnsley S. Yorks
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Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2020 1:54 pm Post subject: |
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I find citric acid is very good if you have loose components. I used it recently in 2 well furred up Jowett Cylinder heads and it did a great job. Set them up level and filled them full with citric acid solution that I had already use to descale my water heater. Left for a couple of days! Its cheap! |
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Penman
Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4756 Location: Swindon, Wilts.
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Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2020 3:26 pm Post subject: |
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Hi
Citric acid crystals are good for descaling kettles as well, and not as pricey, or damaging for the environment, as the commercial descalers.
Even in plastic kettles. _________________ Bristols should always come in pairs.
Any 2 from:-
Straight 6
V8 V10 |
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Miken
Joined: 24 Dec 2012 Posts: 544
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Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2020 6:59 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately when I removed the core plugs from my engine it became apparent that the build up of deposits was so bad that I decided it was beyond any DIY procedure. I decided to remove the engine to have the block head gasket face skimmed following a head gasket failure.
I spent a couple of hours trying to chisel lumps of hard brown clay like deposits out of the water gallery. There was barely any room for the water it was so bad.
I am now having the block professionally chemically cleaned which apparently will produce a casting that looks like new.
All soft metals have to be removed from the casting before dipping or the acid will eat them. So I have removed the brass plugs from the oil galleries and the white metal bearings the camshaft runs in. I have also invested in a new radiator with extra cooling capacity. This is for my Devon pick up truck. |
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