Very dirty cooling system

[TechnoLoGs]

I believe my cooling system is dirty enough that it is causing problems. I dont have the money to take it somewhere to get flushed/backflushed. It is probably about 40/60 with the lower number being the antifreeze.. Any tips on how to deal with?

All i really have is my screwdriver for the lower hose. And a lot of distilled water.

I could buy another gallon antifreeze but I want to make sure it counts.. Cooling system capacity of 94 4.3? Is it above two gallons? Is it three gallons? ...

 

[Falcon_LS]

This is the Blazer I take it?

I would:

- Take out the thermostat
- Thoroughly flush/back flush with a garden hose
- Replace only the thermostat housing without the thermostat
- Add a gallon of distilled vinegar and refill the rest with water

Go on an hour long drive, preferably highway then:

- Take out the thermostat housing
- Flush/back flush thoroughly
- Install a new thermostat
- Refill with a 50/50 concentration of the correct coolant
- Install a new radiator cap

 

[JHZR2]

MB recommends a citric acid flush and degrease. My 30+ YO MB cars have original radiators, most hoses, and work perfectly, and I attribute it to this. Refer to this DIY and take pics - then post them up here.

Good luck!

http://dieselgiant.com/mercedes_citrus_flush.htm

 

[Donald]

RMI-25.

 

[TechnoLoGs]

GOOD NEWS!! !!!!!!

I have been given permission to use the house garden hose.

Let me see. I will take the upper hose off... -- and flush both ways until I see clear water. (All I can really do. I have the time and the hose.)

Then, take a good long drive with that clear water in, then drain/fill?

 

[TechnoLoGs]

Originally Posted By: Donald
RMI-25.


When I get the money for it.

 

[TechnoLoGs]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
MB recommends a citric acid flush and degrease. My 30+ YO MB cars have original radiators, most hoses, and work perfectly, and I attribute it to this. Refer to this DIY and take pics - then post them up here.

Good luck!

http://dieselgiant.com/mercedes_citrus_flush.htm


JHZR2, maybe I can shop for this at the dollar store when I go for my drive?

The drive can't be an hour due to time constraint but I have opportunity to use, and I asked.. Let me re-read SHOUT!

I will also take pics.

It looks puke brown right now and is not full 50/50 concentration. I may even refill to 60/4- antifreeze. Oh, yes.. I CAN GO TO WALMART ON THE CLEAN WATER DRIVE. Very good!

And I can add in some Prestone Flush from there to the way back...

 

[SatinSilver]

I'd add a gallon of distilled vinegar like Falcon suggested. Easy to find and cheap to buy.

 

[TechnoLoGs]

Originally Posted By: satinsilver
I'd add a gallon of distilled vinegar like Falcon suggested. Easy to find and cheap to buy.


Distilled white vinegar at Walmart!

Leave in for the duration of the ride back, ~20 minutes? I can take the long way to make it that long.

 

[SatinSilver]

Drive for an hour if you can. Highway miles to get it nice and clean.

 

[mount]

Fill with garden hose water. Drive a good number of miles (even days).
Drain water.
> (with garden hose water of course)
Fill with garden hose water. Drive a good number of miles (even days).
Drain water.
Fill with garden hose water. Drive a good number of miles (even days).
Drain water.
Fill with garden hose water. Drive a good number of miles (even days).
Drain water.

Fill with Distilled water. Drive for awhile.
Drain.
Fill with coolant and distilled mix.

 

[TechnoLoGs]

Oh, do I have pics for you guys.

Going to get the coolant and distilled white vinegar.

I did not miss the water park this year.

Now, as to driving days...

One-shot deal with this hose. i need to make it COUNT!

Clock is ticking. *tickticktickticktick*

 

[TechnoLoGs]

Originally Posted By: satinsilver
Drive for an hour if you can. Highway miles to get it nice and clean.


50MPH maybe? I have an idea.

 

[HTSS_TR]

The easiest and least costly is buy a T-Flush and a foot or 2 heater hose, insert T-Flush in middle of the hose then replace the heater hose on the car, run garden hose water through the T-Flush for 4-5 minutes with the radiator petcock and cap open. Close the petcock then add distilled white vinegar and drive for 20-30 miles.

Flush the mixture with garden hose water for 4-5 minutes with the radiator petcock and cap open. Turn off water and leave the petcock open until water drain out completely. Close the petcock and replace the T-Flush hose with original heater hose. Flush the tap water with distilled water, then add concentrate antifreeze to make 50-50.

 

[The_Jeff]

All this vinegar advise assumes OP has lime or other minerals in his water.

I don't know. How is NJ water?

Rust is generated by used-up antifreeze and iron blocks.

Lots of plain water flushes should get it out.

Don't pay for this service; I've seen the back end of it and it's a rip off.

A month from now put your radiator's capacity worth of 100% antifreeze in as a finisher, it will cut the nearly pure water in there down to 50/50.

 

[TechnoLoGs]

 

[The_Jeff]

Please tell me you're trying to catch (and recycle) most of your used antifreeze.

 

[TechnoLoGs]

 

[TechnoLoGs]

^^^ Not sure that was the right video.

Something else is going on, but it feels a little better with the clean new 50/50 mix in there, more like 60/40 ethylene glycol/distilled water...

 

[TechnoLoGs]

System re filled approx. 60/40 AF/distilled water, and appears clean.