Cleaning tip for coolant systems ....cheep & works!

[gunner]

I have, on many makes & models used automatic dish washer detergent with additive called calgone , in chrystal form mixed with clean water to help clogged heater cores.

Step 1- drain all existing coolant & rinse with fresh water . Coolant must be properly discarded, or recycled.

Step 2 -replace drained coolant with mixture of detergent & water , premixed and top up coolant system , clearing air.

Step 3- run car - better yet a few miles with a "quickened rpm" to allow fast pace turnover of cleaning detergent. Monitor coolant gauge to ensure you don't overheat engine. ( dont do this in colder climates!) The further you drive , or longer it runs the better it will clean. (very inportant to remember you have no freeze protection - so dont froget to drain it )

Step 4- drain & repeat if required , then meerly flush entire system with clear water , I run garden hose in overflow tank, and loosen upper rad hose , with car at idle , t/stat opening untill all soapy water is removed. I also run water thru heater core hoses . RE-connect any hoses to close system.

Step5 - remove water as best you can . You need to add coolant (new) straight up( just a bit) if you think straight water exists in engine then deluted 50/50 , then test antifreeze to achive correct freeze point , run system & top coolant as required to allow air out.

This is effective at reducing scale deposits , change coolant regularly to help eliminate the need.

Hope this helps !

[537playing]

Interesting. But i'll refrain from trying.

[charlyW]

I can see the Calgon working [Thats what most premium coolant cleaning agents are also it is a premium washing machine water softener/limescale remover here in the uk] Cant see the washing detergent doing anyharm as long as its thoroughly mixed before being put in.

Any picture of how well it cleans up?

[gunner]

We used it mostly with cross contaminated coolant systems with excellent results , (transmission cooler failure pumped ATF into antifreeze) as well as older poorer maintained cars at my shop , they had heat in heater core with increased idle, it helped here (20-40%).

Just flush it out well ...there is no harm.

I also personally use coolant additive called nalcool 3000 used in class 8 & 9 trucks designed to reduce scaling inside coolant system , its $10 a small bottle and treats 25 gallons of coolant ... every water cooled engine I own gets this. It stays in coolant. Cheers