Cooling system

[Crocodile Gunn D]

I've managed to rouse myself into activity again, so. Been musing on wether there is a recommended additive to flush out the cooling system to clear the smaller water paths and general de-sludging, and do these products actually work?

next, I imagine the pH of the coolant would have quite an effect on internal corrosion, what would be the optimum pH value of the coolant that stays in the system?

I have access to water at a pH of 3.6, if Iran withthis for a while, would it loosen the debris for flushing later?

[seaside bill]

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Zardoz wrote:

next, I imagine the pH of the coolant would have quite an effect on internal corrosion, what would be the optimum pH value of the coolant that stays in the system?

Low PH will accelerate corrosion, but high PH can be just as bad particularly when localised boiling occurs which produces an effect called 'caustic scouring' which will damage metal surfaces. These are the sort of processes that eventually kill your domestic boiler. However, a good corrosion inhibitor in the right concentration will drastically reduce rusting and scaling irrespective of the PH value as they effectively provide a passive barrier between the corrosive elements and metal surfaces.

[les M]

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If you know that you are going to loosen debris then you must be sure that you are able to ether remove the debris from the system? or dissolve the debris into the system. I don't think that running your cooling system with water of a PH of 3.6, will do the system or any of the many different component's within the system any good. However it may well move sludge ect, so that it can be flushed out.

Seaside Bill is spot on with the PH thing I believe that in a mixed system such as the stags the PH should be in the region of 8.3 to 8.7 to give optimum protection. ( however I will stand correctedon this point)




Les.

[Crocodile Gunn D]

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Les, that was my point. That running for say a week with slightly acidic coolant would hopefully disolve the crud which could then be flushed out. I was wondering if it was a good idea.

The bit about the optimum pH was to elicit views as to how important it was.
Dave

[Bob Heritage]

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I flushed my engine through with a domestic central heating de-scaler/ sludge remover, run up to temperature 3 times over 3 days then removed the thermostat and gave it a good flush through, Disconnected one heater hose and fitted the water hose to it to clean out the heater matrix, it ran through the system without any slowing or obstruction. I am convinced all is clear. Buy a water butt, keep it clean and fill the radiator with it, much cheaper than distilled water.

Bob

[les M]

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Dave

slightly acidic coolant would hopefully dissolve the crud

It's the "hopefully dissolve" part that I see as a problem, if the PH3.6 dislodges but not dissolve then you could have a problem. But best of luck with it.


Les.

[022Dave]

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Hi Dave,

I use St Austell's HSD. Flushes me out every time.

Dave

[seaside bill]

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Doombar and a good chilli has the same effect on me :?

[022Dave]

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Ahhhhh, now you're talking! Filled up with it at Christmas. I'll have to wait until Easter for the next dose.