Page 1 of 2

Engine block coolant system clean whilst the engine is out

Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 7:04 pm
by hoppi05
evening all

whilst my engine is out i want to give the coolant system a clean as this particular engine looks filthy. is there any guides to do this or has anyone any tips/pointer they can give me as this is something i haven't done before.

i have striped items like the water pump, thermostat etc i was wondering if/how anyone has cleaned the engine block coolant channels whilst the engine is out? i want to avoid fitting everything and then have to run some flush to clean it and then refill the system etc.

i have seen posts online mentioning white vinegar when the system is up and running to flush it out etc? has anyone done this either?

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 6:54 pm
by newkid
There's a big nut at the back of the block near the oil filter, that drains the block of any old coolant.

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 7:15 pm
by prelude91
Use a bottle brush in all the coolant channels to clear any gunge build up. And / or caustic soda (?) Assuming there's no rubber seals or gaskets left on.

Re: Engine block coolant system clean whilst the engine is o

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 7:16 pm
by hoppi05
Cheers buddy ill look and remove that when I blast it

Re: Engine block coolant system clean whilst the engine is o

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 7:16 pm
by hoppi05
Would a karcher be too powerfully to use?

Re: Engine block coolant system clean whilst the engine is o

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 7:19 pm
by hoppi05
Cheers buddy ill grab one of those I had not thought of using one until you said that

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 7:23 pm
by prelude91
JLP sell them, not so easy to get these days as not many home brew outlets left any more. Mine cost 11 quid from the cookware dept. At least you knew I didn't mean the shrub!!

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 7:39 pm
by hoppi05
lol thatnks buddy yeah knew what you meant straightaway but its been a long time since i have seen one!

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 7:51 pm
by prelude91
If you run into difficulties finding one, give us a shout and i'll lend you mine, especially if you're unlikely to use it again. JLP are a good starting point, tho'

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 7:59 pm
by hoppi05
i have been on ebay there are a few on there i am thinking i may need a wire one also so i am going to pop round my local hardware store to see if they have any tomorrow. thanks for the help i cannot begin to count how much cleaning products i have used so far :) hopefully drop the sump and fit the baffle kit this weekend and clean everything that side and then onto the coolant system.