radiator acid flush

[LCAM-01XA]

I scored a "new" radiator today, I pulled it off an E350 Uhaul van and it actually held pressure pretty freakin good. I would want to clear the core tubing, what sort of an acid do I need that will eat away the calcium (or whatever els they are) that are forming inside the radiator,and how do Iuse it

 

[jperecko]

I know murietic (pool) acid can be used for rust and have used it on fuel tanks... not sure how it works on calcium or radiators though. Worth a try?

 

[sle2115]

with it off, a vinegar soak and flush with plenty of water would probably do wonders...works on coffed pots!

 

[LCAM-01XA]

I'll try the vinegar thing, as it seems it will be potentially less harmful for the copper tubing. Would pool acid eat away the solder seams between the core and the tanks?

 

[77f250diesel]

We used muriatic acid to clean the joints and tubes for soldering or recoring at the rad. shop I worked at many moons ago.
I have used it 2/3 to 1/3 water to clean the core/tubes.
Just remember you add acid to water, do not add water to acid.

Dennis

 

[LCAM-01XA]

Well right now there are two gallons of white vinegar in the radiator, and the radiator itself is laying horizontal in the bed of my truck. I'll leave it like that for a few days, then flush it out, and if the results are not satisfying then tis muriatic acid time!

 

[maxdiesel]

I did mine with muriatic acid. I purchased it from the local hardware store. It was for etching concrete and was a strong solution. I filled the system part way with water-added about 1/3 gal acid then topped it off with water. I ran the truck until the thermostat opened plus about 10 min to get the block cleaned out. I drained it into a plastic tub and added baking soda to the tub to neutralize the acid. I did the same in the cooling system with a water/baking soda mix a few times until the acid was gone. I think it was worth the effort a huge amount of crap came out when I drained it, the rad core looks like new and when I replaced the thermostat the cast iron in the block looks like new. I did this about 2 years ago and the anti freeze still looks clean and new. If you do this stay up wind of the acid, don't breath any of the vapors or get it on your skin.