How to flush the engine cooling system

Flushing the engine cooling system: 7 methods with different means

Flushing the engine cooling system is an important regular procedure required during maintenance. Controlling the volume of antifreeze in the system (maintaining an average level in the expansion tank) and cleaning the technological channels with special means will ensure optimal temperature and long-term operation of the internal combustion engine.

When is it necessary to flush the engine cooling system?

Contamination of the technical channels of the internal combustion engine is indicated by the constant operation of the fan on the cooling radiator and malfunctions of the heating system. The problem must be resolved as soon as possible. You can do this yourself.

A number of signs indicate the need to flush the engine cooling system:

• regular overheating and problems with subsequent startup of the power unit;
• slow response to the rheostat signal;
• high temperature sensor readings after starting the engine;
• pump operation with constant interruptions;
• change in the color of the coolant in the tank.

If such symptoms occur, it is necessary to immediately change the fluid for flushing the engine cooling system.

The system can be cleaned using household products or special chemical additives.

Causes of clogged engine cooling system

The working coolant has a tendency to “boil over”. Antifreeze, distilled water or antifreeze circulates in the system - these are working coolers, which are monitored by marks in the tank and periodically topped up. Overheating and boiling over leads to loss of coolant properties and the formation of deposits in pipelines and on the internal walls of the radiator.

Possible causes of clogging:

• dust and mechanical inclusions;
• chemical deposits;
• formation of salts (when adding regular water);
• corrosion of the material of the internal elements of CO with precipitation into a clogging sediment.

Changes in color and smell are signals to replace the distillate. If the consistency changes, foreign particles appear, or a contaminated emulsion forms, you must immediately use means to flush the engine cooling system.

General rules

A gentle flush of the engine cooling system can be done with distilled water. To remove scale from the walls of pipelines, special solutions will be required.

The car is placed on the site. The process begins by draining the old coolant. Special drain plugs are unscrewed at the bottom of the radiator and on the cylinder block. Used antifreeze or antifreeze is poured into a previously placed container.

To avoid burns, drain the coolant when the engine is cool.

The system is washed with distilled water or a weak special solution. To prepare you will need one of the components:

• soda;
• vinegar;
• citric or lactic acid.

Sometimes Coca-Cola is used, but you should be careful about this process. “Cola” has an aggressive effect on the internal walls of the radiator.

You will need to start the engine and run the fluid for about 10 minutes. Upon completion of the process, you need to rinse the OS with distilled water, and then add new antifreeze or antifreeze.

Flushing with home remedies

Preventative work to remove scale and dirt is carried out every 6-12 months. In Soviet times, technical channels were regularly cleaned with “acidified” water. Baking soda, citric acid and vinegar were used.

The solution was made in small concentrations so that the inner walls would not oxidize in an aggressive environment. The work was carried out carefully, taking into account the contamination of the canals.

Such methods remain relevant today, and the process demonstrates the desired effect.

If you do not flush the cooling system, you may encounter unpleasant problems:

• breakdown of the distillate heater;
• unstable operation of the heating stove;
• water pump blockage.

To avoid disastrous consequences, you need to figure out how to flush the car’s cooling system. Modern cleaning methods at large service stations are based on the use of special expensive compounds. Their range of use is designed to remove all possible contaminants and allows you to get rid of organic deposits and rust.

Additives are produced on the basis of two-component compositions. There are neutral options consisting of an acidic or alkaline solution. Additives provide a targeted action to eliminate a specific type of contamination.

Rinsing with distilled water

After draining the old coolant, the system is filled with distilled water.

Necessary:

• close the valves on the radiator and cylinder block;
• start the car;
• keep the engine idling for up to 20 minutes;
• wait for cooling and repeat the procedure.

Washing is considered complete when the distillate at the outlet is cleared of foreign inclusions. This method allows you to wash out accumulated dirt, but will not clear the channels and internal surfaces of deposits.

How to flush the engine cooling system with citric acid?

It is necessary to prepare a concentrated solution. The calculation is made in the optimal proportion - 200 grams of citric acid per 10 liters of boiled water. The composition is poured into the expansion tank until the system is completely filled, but not above the maximum level.

For the solution to warm up and react, you need to drive several kilometers.

The coolant temperature is monitored by a sensor. The scale decomposition reaction is effective at a temperature of 80 degrees. After the engine has cooled, repeat the process with a lower concentration of solution (100 g per 10 liters of water). The next flushing is carried out with clean water, and then antifreeze or antifreeze is added.

Washing with acetic acid

The procedure is also effective with 9% table vinegar. A 0.5 liter bottle is dissolved in a bucket of boiled water. The procedure consists of the following steps:

• warm up the engine for about 30 minutes;
• leave the charged system for at least 8 hours or overnight;
• drain the used liquid and rinse with distillate.

When adding antifreeze, bleed any air bubbles from the cooling system.

The option with lactic acid or whey is an effective way to clean OS. The car will need to run in active mode (at medium engine speeds) for about half an hour or drive 40-50 km without stopping.

Homemade serum is more effective than store-bought serum. You will need to strain it several times through a thick layer of gauze. It is possible to filter through a sieve, but with a fine mesh.

The serum is poured into the radiator in its pure form, without dilution with water. After washing, add water and drive again for 5-10 km. This is necessary to remove baked milk products in the technological channels. After making sure that the OS has been cleaned, fill in with clean distillate.

Washing with soda solution

Cleaning with soda is a thorough and special procedure. A careless approach can lead to excessive oxidation of metal and rubber parts. The procedure is used once a year or after traveling 50-60 thousand km. Particular attention is paid to the ratio of the components of the combined solution:

• 3% caustic soda;
• 7-10% soda ash;
• 85-90% boiled or distilled water.

After filling the system, you will need to drive the car up to 100 km, but you should not leave the soda solution in the radiator for more than 1 day.

For 10 liters of water use no more than 1 kg of baking soda.

If you use a sodium bicarbonate solution, you will need to thoroughly flush the system several times. After making sure that dirt and salt deposits have been completely cleaned, fill in a new distillate.

Flushing with Coca-Cola

The folk method involves using the carbonated drink Coca-Cola. This is an effective method with its own nuances. The drink contains orthophosphoric acid, which reacts with the polymer parts of the internal combustion engine CO. The disadvantage of the method is the high sugar content in Cola, which, when overheated, is deposited on the inner walls of the metal elements of the pipeline.

Features of the method:

• Before use, release all carbon dioxide from the soda;
• fluid circulation in a running engine - no more than 15 minutes at a temperature of less than 100 degrees.

Despite the good quality of cleaning, you should not often resort to this option. With frequent use, a negative effect of “Cola” on rubber pipes has been revealed.

Washing using special products

There are several options for CO additives on the automotive parts market. There are 4 types of special products:

• acidic;
• neutral;
• alkaline;
• two-component.

Additives differ in the concentration of chemicals and the aggressiveness of their effect on internal engine parts.

It is prohibited to simultaneously use several additives for flushing internal combustion engine units. It is recommended to flush with only one, specially selected component.

Acid compounds are recommended to remove corrosive deposits, rust and scale. Alkaline options are suitable for removing dirt and coolant decomposition products.

There are several popular manufacturers.

1. LAVR is a domestic manufacturer of automotive chemicals that has earned positive reviews from motorists. The products are sold in containers of 0.43 and 0.98 liters.

The price at various retail outlets ranges from $4-7. The concentrate is used in proportions of 1/20 (diluted in warm water).

Special properties declared by the manufacturer are a 25-35% increase in the service life of antifreeze.

2. Hi-Gear (7 minute) - American-made additive. One cylinder (0.325 l) is designed to prepare 17 l of washing solution. The average price of 1 can is $5-8. Relevant application for diesel trucks. 7 minutes is the time the process takes place in the cooling system with the internal combustion engine running. Feature: neutral effect on polymer car parts.

 Conclusion

The list of methods for flushing the cooling system is quite large. To use folk remedies or use special chemical products is the choice of the car owner.

A number of simple factors should be taken into account: the effects of the product and the principle of flushing the system.

For stable engine operation, it is necessary to regularly monitor the fluid level in the expansion tank and not postpone upcoming maintenance.

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Source: https://motorsguide.ru/system/promyvka-sistemy-ohlazhdeniya-dvigatelya

Flushing the engine cooling system

An important component of the internal combustion engine is the cooling system, which is filled with antifreeze, antifreeze, or water (mostly domestic trucks are filled with water in the North, so they do not turn off the engines throughout the cold period of winter).

The content of the article:

Flushing the engine cooling system

Antifreezes generally have a service life of 5 years or until the engine travels 250 thousand km. Antifreeze has a service life of 2-3 years.

Depending on the operation of the vehicle and the quality of the coolant, if the coolant is not changed or if the coolant is diluted, the radiator channels and cooling jacket become clogged.

Therefore, to increase the overhaul life of the engine, it is necessary to periodically flush the engine cooling system. You can wash it both in car services and at home in your own garage.

Many drivers clean the cooling system with their own hands. Some use citric acid, some use Coca-Cola, some use diesel fuel, some use special equipment (eg Laurel), some use something else.

Anyone who wants to avoid problems with the engine must flush the cooling system regularly at certain intervals. During engine operation, deposits, rust, oil deposits, sediment and scale accumulate on the walls of the radiator and pipes. There will be much more clogging substances if the engine was running at high speed, the temperature almost reached the red mark.

If the radiator channels and pipes are clogged, then circulation will deteriorate accordingly. And poor engine circulation will create additional problems: the engine will overheat (which may cause the cylinder head to be removed to replace the gasket), cool air will blow from the stove, and engine parts are subject to increased wear.

It is advisable to flush the car's cooling system once a year. To change the coolant you need warm weather.

There is a cooling radiator icon on the instrument panel, which, if lit, indicates either a low level of antifreeze or antifreeze, or that the radiator needs to be cleaned or replaced. This icon is found on some car brands.

Signs that it's time to clean your cooling system

If one of the following signs is detected, then it is imperative to clean the engine cooling system:

1. The engine temperature rises sharply, and this happens often.
2. When the engine is at operating temperature, cold air blows from the heater.
3. The pump is not working well.
4. The fan turns on early and runs at high speeds.

If such signs and causes appear, you need to study the flushing scheme, how to flush, what to flush with, and how to correctly fill in new coolant.

Flushing the engine cooling system yourself

The products used to flush the engine cooling system use both special chemicals and folk ones. Folk remedies for cleaning the system are inexpensive and proven many times. Acid-containing products can remove rust and such deposits, and alkaline products can remove scale.

Consider washing with citric acid

Since citric acid (formula C6H8O7) is capable of corroding rust and deposits of oxidized metals, it can be used effectively if water was used as a coolant in the engine cooling system.

How to dilute citric acid for flushing radiators:

1. Take one liter of clean water.
2. Add 20-40 grams of citric acid powder (1-2 tablespoons) to this water - this is for easy cleaning or prevention.

   If the system has not been washed for a long time or is heavily contaminated, then you need to add 80-100 grams of citric acid (8-10 tablespoons) per 1 liter of water. So that the water becomes highly acidic rather than alkaline, that is, the pH level is less than 7.

   If you add this amount of citric acid to distilled water, the pH level will be around 3.

3. Make a volume of the finished liquid that will fit into the empty cooling system. Depending on the engine.

   How many liters of antifreeze, water or antifreeze were poured, the same volume should be used to prepare a cleaning liquid. That is, to prepare 10 liters of lemon aggressive liquid, you will need 10 liters of distilled water and 0.8-1 kg of lemon powder.

Follow by flushing the cooling system:

1. Completely drain the coolant from the system.
2. Pour in the prepared solution.
3. Start the engine, heat to operating temperature and leave for several hours.
4. Drain the cooling system.

5. If the liquid is very cloudy and dirty, then rinse again until the liquid becomes clear.

6. After the drained flushing liquid turns out to be clean, it is imperative to rinse the system with ordinary clean water (preferably distilled or boiled).

The next common folk remedy for flushing the engine cooling system is acetic acid.

An acetic acid solution effectively removes rust. To prepare the washing solution you will need:

• 10 liters of clean water;
• 0.5 liters of vinegar.

The replacement procedure is the same as using citric acid:

• drain;
• pour;
• start the engine;
• let the engine run for about 1 hour;
• drain;
• repeat until the liquid is clear;
• rinse with distilled or boiled water;
• Fill in new antifreeze or antifreeze.

Another folk remedy used as a flushing fluid for all channels of cooling systems is the carbonated drink Fanta.

Fanta contains citric acid. Therefore, some home craftsmen also use it for cleaning.

They drain the old fluid, fill the entire system with this phanta, then let the engine run for about an hour at idle speed, or, if it is heavily contaminated, they operate the car with the phanta filled in for a couple of days.

Then drain and fill with distilled water, and also operate for two days. Then drain and look at the condition of the liquid. If necessary, carry out the procedure until the drained liquid becomes relatively clean.

After flushing, you need to check all the cooling system pipes and the radiator. It happens that rust blocked the holes and the system remained sealed. But after flushing, the radiator or pipes may leak.

Flushing the cooling system with lactic acid or whey

A less common option is to use whey or lactic acid as a flushing fluid for the engine cooling system.

If lactic acid is available, the entire system is filled with it. Start the engine and allow it to idle or under load for some time.

But not everyone has the opportunity to use lactic acid for washing. Therefore, whey is used instead.

The sequence of flushing the cooling system with serum:

1. Find or prepare 10 liters of whey.
2. Strain several times to avoid any pieces of fat.
3. Drain the old coolant.
4. Pour in the serum.
5. Start the engine and hit the road. Drive 50 kilometers, but drive no more than 2 hours.

   Because the serum loses its main good properties after 2 hours.

6. Wear thick rubber gloves to avoid getting burned.
7. Drain off the hot whey. If it cools down, then deposits will again form on the walls of the channels and the jacket of the cooling system.
8. After draining, allow the engine to cool.

9. Pour pre-boiled water into the system.
10. Start the engine.
11. Let it work for 20 minutes.
12. Drain the water.
13. Fill with fresh antifreeze G11, G12, G12+ or G13. It is better to fill from G12 and above.
14. Get the air out.

    This also requires certain knowledge - how to remove an air lock from the cooling system.

15. Check the level, top up if necessary.

The next folk remedy for cleaning the engine cooling system is caustic soda.

Caustic soda, also known as “caustic alkali”, also known as sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, is an effective remedy, but only for, attention! - copper radiators. It is prohibited to pour soda compounds into aluminum radiators or any other aluminum parts. To use this method and follow the instructions, you will have to remove the radiator.

The manufacturer of copper radiators has developed these instructions for washing with caustic soda:

1. Remove the main radiator.
2. Rinse the channels with water.
3. Blow with air under pressure no higher than 1 kgf/cm2 (1 atmosphere).
4. Wear thick rubber gloves and a respirator, as this soda corrodes the skin and harms the lungs.
5. Prepare 1 liter of solution from 10% caustic soda.

6. Heat the solution to +90 degrees.
7. Pour soda solution into the radiator.
8. Wait half an hour.
9. Drain the liquid.
10. Rinse with hot water and blow with hot air alternately. Do this many times, about an hour. Carry out the process in the opposite direction to the movement.

11. Check the radiator for leaks with cold water.

What means are not advisable to flush the engine cooling system?

Coca Cola

Many people know that Coca-Cola can be used to remove scale and clean radiators. There are many videos on the Internet on using Coca-Cola to clean teapots and other items in which deposits form.

Coca-Cola can be used to flush radiators and all channels of the engine cooling system. Coca-Cola contains phosphoric acid, which perfectly removes rust, greasy deposits of oil and additives. But there is one thing. The fact is that in addition to orthophosphorus acid, Coca-Cola contains sugar and a lot of carbon dioxide.

If you chose the Coca-Cola method of flushing the cooling system, then:

1. We need to release carbon dioxide from it.
2. Drain the old fluid.
3. Pour cola.
4. Wait no more than 10 minutes, as it corrodes plastic and rubber products and the surfaces of aluminum parts.

5. Drain the cola.
6. Rinse several times with clean water to ensure no sugar remains in the system. When adding antifreeze, the remaining droplets of sugar may react and the properties of the antifreeze will change.

Fairy

Some may use this chemical to flush the internal combustion engine refrigeration system, but it’s not worth it. It removes grease perfectly, but does not dissolve rust and other deposits. But with the help of fairies you can perfectly wash the outside of the radiator. During the summer, many flies and other insects stick to the front of the radiator.

Calgon

Products such as calgon and others (Mr. Muscle, Tiret), similar to them, are used to protect against scale formation. It is unlikely to be able to remove rust and deposits. It is better to add it to the washing machine so that scale does not settle on the drum.

White

A powerful product for removing dirt, germs, mold with a pungent, persistent odor. White contains sodium hydrochloride, which can corrode the surfaces of aluminum parts. When heated, the white will quickly corrode aluminum tubes. Therefore, you should not use or experience it yourself.

Mole

Mole cleaning agent can only be used in copper main radiators and stove radiators, because it contains caustic soda. It will ruin aluminum surfaces. It also corrodes rubber seals and seals.

After flushing, you also need to be able to fill in new coolant, otherwise an air lock may form. Then you will have to expel this air lock from the system.

Combined method of citric acid, vinegar and soda

There are those who mix various substances in the hope of getting a super solution for flushing the engine cooling system.

Make the following mixture:

• 50% soda;
• 25% citric acid;
• 25% vinegar.

Such homemade chemical mixtures may clean the channels in the system, but at the same time they will destroy the rubber seals.

Special liquids for flushing the cooling system

Those who are not going to try drinks, descalers, as well as folk remedies as a cleaner and do not trust them, they choose auto chemical products.

Manufacturers of auto chemicals are constantly developing new products, so there is a wide range of choice.

Classification of liquids by chemical composition:

1. Neutral. Neutral are those with pH = 7. You can buy a ph meter and check what kind of water we drink (it’s good to drink alkaline water), etc. Neutral liquids do not have various alkaline and acidic impurities. Such liquids by themselves cannot clean the cooling system channels well.
2. Acidic. Such liquids have a pH value of 7.

   Effectively dissolves organic contaminants.

3. Two-component. Such liquids contain both acidic and alkaline elements. Effectively dissolve and remove scale, rust, and various deposits resulting from the breakdown of antifreeze or antifreeze.

It is advisable to use only one liquid based on its chemical composition. Not so, first alkaline, then acidic, or vice versa.

Among the TOP auto chemical products for flushing the engine cooling system are the following:

1. Lavr Radiator Flush Classic (Lavr Radiator Flush Classic) is a chemical product from Russian manufacturers. Effectively used for complete cleaning of the internal combustion engine cooling system. The cost of a half-liter container of Lavra is about 300 rubles.

How to use LAUREL:

1. Drain the coolant.
2. Pour in two-component LAUREL. Volume 430 ml is enough.
3. We fill the system with water after Laurel.
4. We start the engine and let it idle for 30 minutes.
5. Shut off and drain the fluid.

6. Fill with distilled water for rinsing.
7. Start the engine and let it idle for 15 minutes.
8. Drain this liquid and add new antifreeze or antifreeze.

After such cleaning, deposits of scale, rust and dirt will be removed from the system.

The pump and antifreeze will last longer.

2. LIQUI MOLY Kuhler-Reiniger (Liqui Moly Kahler-Reiniger) - a product from a German manufacturer of chemicals for cars. The cost is around 500 rubles for a 300 ml can. There are no aggressive substances in the composition.

If you need to flush the radiator channels and the system as a whole from rust and oil deposits, then Liqui is perfect for this. Does not destroy rubber and plastic products.

To prepare flushing fluid for a car’s cooling system, one 300 ml bottle is enough.

How to use LIQUI MOLY:

1. Drain some of the old fluid from the system.
2. Pour the entire contents of the can directly into the radiator.
3. Start the engine and let it idle for 30 minutes or you can also drive it.
4. Drain the liquid. What usually comes out is a dirty brown liquid.
5. Rinse with distilled or boiled water.

6. Fill with new antifreeze or antifreeze.

3. Hi-Gear Radiator Flush-7 minute - a product from American manufacturers. The price of a 325 ml vessel is about 6 dollars. Used in different countries to clean the cooling system of cars and trucks. The working time declared by the manufacturer is 7 minutes.

There is also a 5-minute action.

After using High Gear Radiator Flush 7, the efficiency of the radiator increases by 1.5 times, fluid circulation in the system is restored, and it does not corrode the seal of the pump and other rubber-plastic products.

Conclusion

As you can see, you can effectively flush the engine cooling system yourself, but I recommend using special auto chemical products after reading the instructions first. Traditional methods can also be effective, but who knows, it may not be suitable for your engine.

Source: https://autostuk.ru/promyvka-sistemy-oxlazhdeniya-dvigatelya.html

The best products for flushing the cooling system: how to flush correctly

The internal combustion engine cooling system must be flushed if it is clogged. CO includes a number of components that must work correctly and interact with each other.

This will allow antifreeze to cool the hottest elements of the power unit. The most vulnerable component of the cooling system is the pipes.

Over time, they become clogged and destroyed as a result of exposure to high loads.

While using the machine, sand, crushed stone, stones from the road, as well as insects can get into the engine compartment, which leads to the formation of dirt on the unit. As a result, some of the contaminants appear in the CO and mix with the consumables.

This contributes to the formation of scale on the metal components of the system, which eventually peel off and get into the pipes.

As a result, the lines begin to become clogged, and this contributes to a decrease in the efficiency of the CO; in some cases, its complete failure is possible.

Dirty CO radiator Scale on the radiator unit Deposits in the CO pipes before and after cleaning

Proper flushing will effectively remove contaminants from the lines.

You can know when cleaning is necessary when the antifreeze indicator appears on the control panel. If the light comes on, this may indicate not only the lack of consumables, but also the presence of problems in the operation of the CO.

Experts recommend performing the washing process at least every two years.

Determining the degree of blockage

There are several ways to determine the degree of CO contamination:

1. Engine inspection. Its overheating may be due to various reasons, but lack of cooling of the power unit is one of the main ones. If the engine constantly overheats, you need to diagnose the cooling system.
2. Checking the expansion tank. The degree of clogging can be determined by the presence of sediment in the tank. But to do this, the container will have to be dismantled. It is unlikely that it will be possible to determine the presence of deposits on a reservoir installed under the hood. You can try shining a flashlight on the container. If a layer of sediment is visible at the bottom, then it’s time to rinse the CO.
3. Monitoring the condition of the coolant. The presence of rust and traces of scale in the coolant indicates the need to replace the refrigerant and clean the CO.
4. Inspection of hoses. Clogged pipes can be determined by disconnecting one of the hoses. Be careful as refrigerant will begin to escape from the line when disconnected. If you see that blockages inside the pipe are preventing consumables from passing through the system correctly, you should flush it.

User VChSLV published a video about cleaning and replacing the refrigerant.

Washing methods

To clean the cooling system, you can use the services of specialists at a service station. But there is nothing complicated in this procedure, so we suggest you find out how to perform such a task yourself. Effective flushing can be done using either special liquids or improvised means. Below we will talk about how you can rinse CO at home.

Using water

Water may not be the best solution, but it is the most affordable option for car owners. But for washing you should use not an ordinary liquid, but a distillate. The fact is that tap water may contain molecules and substances that aggressively affect the rubber elements of CO. If some of the fluid settles in the system, it will destroy the rubber components.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf7p8ubmKxw

The distillate cleaning process is relevant for all cars, be it a Daewoo Sens or a Mercedes, and it is performed as follows:

1. Cool the engine. The procedure is performed on a cold engine, so wait until the engine cools down.
2. We remove the used material. To get rid of old antifreeze, you need to unscrew the plug and wait until the consumable is completely out of the system. Don’t forget to place a container under the drain hole to collect the drained liquid.
3. Fill with water. We tighten the cap and fill the CO with distilled water using the expansion tank. The volume of water must correspond to the volume of coolant drained from the system.
4. Washing process. We start the engine and let it run for a while. You can even travel a little. It is advisable to let the engine run for about 15-25 minutes.
5. Drain the water. If it is too dirty and there are traces of deposits and scale, then it is advisable to repeat the cleaning procedure. When clean water comes out of the system, it will become clear that the result has been achieved. Now you can fill in new antifreeze.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of this method is its availability and low cost. Finding a distillate is not a problem. The disadvantage of this method is that its implementation is more relevant for preventive purposes when the level of pollution is low.

Artem Petrov provided detailed instructions for cleaning CO.

Use of acids

You can rinse CO with citric acid or phosphoric acid solution. This option is especially relevant for those car owners who want to clean the system from residual sealant or oil. The cleaning procedure is carried out in the same way as with water.

To carry out the task of removing acid pollution, the following nuances must be taken into account:

1. Proportions. To make a solution for cleaning a heavily contaminated system, you will need 1 kg of acid and 10 liters of water. For moderate contamination, the volume of acid can be reduced to 800 grams per 10 liters of liquid.

2. Technical features. The procedure is performed in the same way as when washing with water. After pouring the solution into CO, you need to drive the car for some time. Let the engine run both at idle and under load conditions. After the trip, turn off the engine and leave the car with acid poured into CO for 45 minutes.

3. Thorough rinsing. After draining the solution, rinse with CO using regular distillate. To do this, repeat the cleaning procedure 3-4 times.

Advantages and disadvantages

To carry out washing with this method you will have to spend money. In addition to 20 liters of distilled water, you will need to buy citric acid. The average cost of one kilogram is 1-2 dollars. Please note: if you overdo the proportions, the acid can corrode the pipes and gaskets.

Using Vinegar

You can clean the system yourself using vinegar. It is important to observe the proportions here: add half a liter of vinegar to 10 liters of distillate.

Cleaning consists of pouring a solution into CO, further heating the power unit to 100 degrees and stopping it. After this, the car is left for approximately 8-10 hours. When draining the liquid, pay attention to its condition.

If there are traces of rust and scale, as well as dirt, the procedure is repeated. When cleaning is completed, the unit is washed with distillate.

The procedure for rinsing with CO vinegar is presented in a video filmed by the “A Little Bit of Everything” channel.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage is the low cost. Vinegar is cheap, so you won’t have to spend a lot on this type of washing. The main disadvantage is that this process takes a long time. If the engine contamination is serious, you will have to spend several days cleaning it.

Caustic soda

The use of this option is relevant for cleaning the radiator unit and heater. The use of soda is allowed only on parts made of brass or copper.

If your car is equipped with an aluminum radiator, then the use of caustic is not allowed. This product can also be used to clean the cooling system jacket.

When performing this method, follow the proportions: add about 50 grams of soda to one liter of distillate. Before cleaning, the radiator unit must be removed.

Advantages and disadvantages

Its positive properties include its significant cleansing effect. Caustic soda is a strong substance that virtually no contaminants can resist.

The price is quite low, which is also an advantage. The main disadvantage is that the substance is unsafe.

When working with it, precautions must be taken throughout the cleaning procedure.

Milk serum

This product is characterized by the presence in its composition of elements whose chemical properties make it possible to dissolve deposits and scale, without negatively affecting the rubberized components of the cooling system.

Before pouring the whey into CO, it must be strained through a sieve. After adding the serum, you should drive it for about one thousand kilometers.

After draining the fluid, the system must be rinsed with distilled water and filled with antifreeze that meets the engine specifications.

The channel “Dachny Master on All Trades” showed the result of washing the OS with serum.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of the method is its effectiveness. The serum also cleans the cooling system lines and radiator well, as do specialized products. The disadvantage is that the cleaning process takes a very long time.

If you urgently need to flush the system, this method will not work. It is also impossible to perform it in the cold season, since the serum will quickly freeze in the cold, and this can lead to more serious consequences.

In addition, after filling, you will need to check its condition from time to time and be sure to monitor the operating temperature of the internal combustion engine.

Flushing with Coca-Cola

Reviews show that the use of Coca Cola is considered one of the effective methods of combating pollution. The product contains orthophosphoric acid, which quickly removes rust and scale.

Be careful, because Cola also contains sugar, and it clogs the system lines and the radiator device. The washing process is carried out in the same way as with ordinary water.

After using the drink, the CO is cleaned again with distillate.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage is efficiency. But due to the acid content in the drink, there is a possibility of destruction of rubber components and CO pipes. Coca-Cola is a liquid product with gases.

As a result of heating the engine to operating temperature, the gases will expand, and this can have a destructive effect on the operation of the engine.

Before pouring the drink into the cooling system, we recommend unscrewing the cap and waiting several hours until the gases escape. Another disadvantage is the high cost.

Chemicals

For cleaning, you can use special cleaning agents, for example, Hi-Gear or Liqui Moly. The range of such products is large. Mild flushing chemicals do not negatively affect the condition of the radiator and CO hoses, and it allows you to clean the system quite quickly.

There are several types of chemicals:

1. Neutral. The substances contain no aggressive molecules. Such flushes are not as effective compared to other consumables; their use is more relevant for prevention.
2. Alkaline. Reviews show that such products remove organic contaminants well. You will not be able to find them on sale undiluted.
3. Acidic. Very aggressive to the components of the cooling system. Their operation is important for removing scale and inorganic contaminants.
4. Two-component. These products contain alkali and acid. These products are sequentially poured into CO and allow it to be effectively cleaned from any type of dirt.

User Andrey Florida published a video of cleaning the engine OS with Cola.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages include a huge selection of products and their effectiveness. In practice, chemicals always clean the cooling system better than other liquids. Moreover, its use will allow you to quickly achieve results. The disadvantages include the high cost of funds.

Tips and tricks

To prevent problems in the operation of the CO, consider the following nuances:

1. Do not use tap water for rinsing.
2. To create a solution, only the use of distillate is allowed.
3. Fill the cooling system with only high-quality consumables; do not skimp on purchasing antifreeze.
4. Periodically perform a visual inspection of the refrigerant to check for deposits, dirt and scale, as well as traces of rust.
5. Change the fluid in the system at least every 3 years or after 40-80 thousand kilometers.
6. When replacing consumables, perform CO cleaning.

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Video “Flushing CO and replacing antifreeze”

User Lesha Master published a video in which he describes in detail the procedure for cleaning and replacing the coolant.

Source: https://autodvig.com/sistema-ohlazhdenija/promyvka-sistemy-ohlazhdeniya-8563/

How to flush the engine cooling system: tips for drivers

Hi all! Andrey Kulpanov is with you again, and I want to offer a new interesting topic for discussion on the pages of my blog.

Various hard and soft particles accumulate in pipelines that are designed to transport working fluids in a car engine. Over time, they interfere with normal circulation and even lead to the destruction of parts and loss of performance properties.

How to flush the engine cooling system, asks one of the blog’s regular readers. I studied the information and decided to offer several solutions on this topic.

   Why do you need to flush the cooling system and radiator?

Many domestic car enthusiasts neglect washing and completely in vain. The procedure is not labor-intensive and can be done in the garage on your own. Owners of VAZ cars have been doing this on their own for many years, as well as other types of repair work. All recommendations are quite fair and feasible for owners of imported vehicles.

The radiator and pipelines become clogged during operation. Decomposition products of coolants, all kinds of oil and fat deposits, rust particles and other various scales are deposited in them. As a result, the performance of the radiator and the entire cooling system is reduced. It’s better to wash it in time, and then I’ll tell you how to do it.

Radiator malfunctions can cause expensive repairs or even replacement of components.

There are many ways to help get rid of rust and other types of plaque and dirt.

It is recommended to perform the flushing procedure while simultaneously replacing the antifreeze at least once every couple of seasons. The final frequency depends on the operating conditions of the particular vehicle.

   Traditional means for washing

Citric acid is one of the most popular cleaning agents. It is important to prepare its solution correctly, in which case it will not harm the rubber components of the system and at the same time will thoroughly wash it. To do this, take 100 grams of acidic lemon powder and dilute it with a liter of warm water.

In order not to harm the system, it is optimal to do the flushing in several stages. This will avoid chipping off massive pieces of scale. If there is no acid, you can replace it with dairy products - whey. It is believed that such a product is even more gentle on parts of the cooling system that are not made of metal.

Another type of cleaning products can be found in the refrigerator of almost any family. This is the favorite drink of many, Coca Cola. Thanks to the presence of orthophosphoric acid in it, almost any scale can be removed. However, this acid is known to damage soft rubber components.

In addition, the drink contains sugar, which clogs the system. This is why, after rinsing with cola, you need to run distilled water through the system to help dissolve and remove the sugar. Another tip - before using cola, you need to release the gas from the bottle. The expansion of such gas while the engine is running can lead to undesirable consequences.

Caustic soda effectively softens scale deposited on the walls of pipelines and inside the radiator. However, it requires careful adherence to proportions, and it is undesirable to abuse this powder. We take a 5% solution of such soda and dissolve 50–60 grams in a liter of heated water. It is advisable to let the engine run for several hours. After this, the soda solution is removed from the system.

   The use of professional auto cosmetics and its varieties

In addition to traditional household techniques for cleaning a radiator, there are professional cleaning products. They differ in composition and concentration, but they can be found on the shelves of any auto store.

Is it possible to get rid of plaque and deposits with their help? Of course yes, but each of them can be based on different active substances:

• acidic agents are aggressive to rubber and plastic parts. They dissolve inorganic scale well and allow you to quickly get rid of oil if it gets into the system when the cylinder head gasket is broken;
• Alkaline-type preparations effectively combat organic deposits. They do not need to be bred, because... they are sold in a consistency suitable for use;
• acid-base contain different active substances. They are poured into the system sequentially and after the engine warms up, they will successfully clean the cooling system.

Some car enthusiasts prefer to save money and flush the radiator and pipes with water. Despite its availability, it is better not to do this at home. The fact is that the water contains salts that will settle on the walls. Due to the scale that has appeared, you will have to clean the cooling system again. As a last resort, you can use water for this procedure, but only distilled water.

Source: http://avto-kul.ru/tehnicheskoe-obsluzhivanie/chem-promyt-sistemu-ohlazhdeniya-dvigatelya.html