19 replies to this topic

[smurfomatic]

I've been meaning to give the engine a proper flush for ages, and in August I'm going to be unable to drive for a while so can do it then. I've read various threads on here about using CLR as a cleaning agent, and to use dishwasher detergent beforehand to degrease the system.

 

How long should the CLR be left in for best effect? I was planning the following:

 

Flush out with clean water

Add dishwasher tablet, bring up to temperature

Leave for an hour or so then flush out again

Add CLR and leave for...? A week?

Flush out again and add antifreeze

 

Hopefully it'll reduce the overheating issues, which are minor, but currently have to switch on heater in warm weather.

 

[Spider]

Your plan sounds fine.

 

With the CLR, the longer the better, but I wouldn't leave it longer than a month.

 

If you have some time to prepare beforehand you can save some money and do the same with Molasses, however, anything alloy, you'll have to remove from the coolant circuit, eg, thermostat housing and water pump.

 

<EDIT: Also before you fill with CLR or Molasses, I'd suggest you check your drain plugs are clear enough to get some flow out of before starting, at least then the mix will get as far as it can get. >

Edited by Moke Spider, 23 May 2017 - 06:24 PM.

[smurfomatic]

Thanks Moke. I can happily leave it for a couple of weeks as I won't be able to drive it for a month or so.

Probably won't have time beforehand to use molasses. I've never bothered using the drain plug, just undo the top hose and fill & drain from there. I take it that won't be a problem?

Edit - will running the engine briefly while the CLR is in help or hinder the process? Just thinking about turning it over for a couple of minutes after a few days.

Edited by smurfomatic, 23 May 2017 - 06:54 PM.

[cal844]

Thanks Moke. I can happily leave it for a couple of weeks as I won't be able to drive it for a month or so.
Probably won't have time beforehand to use molasses. I've never bothered using the drain plug, just undo the top hose and fill & drain from there. I take it that won't be a problem?
Edit - will running the engine briefly while the CLR is in help or hinder the process? Just thinking about turning it over for a couple of minutes after a few days.

I'd remove the bottom hose from the water pump end to drain the system(be sure to catch it all as its a pollutant to water courses)

I believe(don't quote me!) You can run the engine with the CLR

[smurfomatic]

Thanks Cal. Hadn't realized it was such a nasty substance (although it shouldn't be that much of a surprise given what it'll do to the inside of the engine) so I will make sure it's collected and taken to the tip.

[smurfomatic]

An update on this...

 

Knowing the car would be out of action for most of August I put the CLR solution in two weeks ago. Flushed it out today and there was a lot of crud came out with it! Will be refilling with deionized water and antifreeze early next week.

[Northernpower]

Its good to know its worked.

[Rorf]

Being a dimwit, what is CLR?

[Spider]

Being a dimwit, what is CLR?

 

I dispute that.

 

If you were a 'dimwit' you wouldn't ask.....

 

https://www.amazon.c...over/B000KKKNUW

[postma]

[cal844]

CLR is good stuff ;)

[AeroNotix]

When people are saying molasses, are you literally talking about the gloopy sweet stuff people put in barbecue sauces?

[Rorf]

Thanks for the answer for CLR moke and postma.

 

Another piece of useless information - molasses is also used to prevent freshly mixed concrete from setting.

[smokeycockatiel]

What can we use in england. Would Calgon work ?

 

Any other ideas ?

 

James

[Spider]

Its good to know its worked.

 

Oh, I can't take it straight,,, best mixed with Orange Juice first  (Only Joking - Don't try this!)

 

 

 

Another piece of useless information - molasses is also used to prevent freshly mixed concrete from setting.

 

I know over here, the Concrete Trucks all have a 4 kg bag of sugar in them. If they get delayed for an extended period, or the barrel stops spinning, they are supposed to throw the sugar in to stop the cake from setting on the barrel. We can ad this to the useless info file too.

 

 

What can we use in england. Would Calgon work ?

 

Any other ideas ?

 

James

 

I'm pretty sure if you google it, you'll find CLR in the UK. We have it in Hardware stores and Supermarkets here.