Just curious if this method can be used with all vehicles or is Mercedes specific.
Found following method on one of the Mercedes forums,
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Re: Citric acid
If you need to clean your cooling system first, here's the procedure courtesy of Len Sokoloff:
MB recommends a two step process:
1. First deoil the system - use Mercedes-Benz product specifically for de-greasing the cooling system. It is Part # A.001.986.21.71 a 500gram container of "trioxosilicate disodique pentahydrate" . Per the label - mix 50 grams per liter of warm water. Fill the cooling system, warm it up and flush VERY well. When flushing, fill the system up with clear water, get it up to temperature again and drain. Do this several times until you are sure it is all flushed out.
2. Decalcify the system - dissolve a pound of citric acid in hot water and pour it in. Get it up to temperature and thoroughly flush again. Citric acid can be obtained from most pharmacies or use MB brand of Citric Acid Powder, part # A.000.989.10.25 for 500gram container. (Yes - it's still available)
After you have thoroughly flushed the system and only residual water is left in the engine and heater, re-connect all disconnected hoses and close all drains.
Then add 8 ounces of Redline Water Wetter (to enhance coolant heat removal) and 6 ounces of water pump lubricant. Since you want NO MORE than 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water, add no more than one half of the cooling system capacity of MB brand antifreeze. Don’t try to mix 50/50 in a container and expect to get it all to “fit” in your cooling system – there is always some water left in the engine block and heater after flushing with a strong stream from your garden hose. So the system will already have some water left inside, so add 40% to 50% of capacity. Top off the system with water, leave off the radiator cap and start the engine. As it warms up you may have to add more water to bring the level to the specified mark on the coolant tank. Check the level again after a day or so and top up as necessary with water.
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Regards,
George Murphy
MBCA Technical Director
865-482-9175
1999 C43 AMG