I have a slight problem.

Upon removing one of the hoses of the coolant system to make it easier to install my clutch release cyl, I found that there was a huge buildup of white powder in the tube, which I'd assume is from it setting there so long (see signature). When I look in through the rad cap, there seems to be a white gel on the rad itself.....

How serious does this sound, and is there an easy way to dissolve that stuff and get it all flushed?

 

Get some "super" radiator flush,,,,,,,not the "run for 5 minutes" kind.......The "super" flush is for really neglected systems you run (drive) for like 3 hrs. or so IIRC.....I think you need to remove ALL the antifreeze 1st and run straight water (plus the cleaner) so you may want to wait for warmer weather. Be sure to have the heater on when draining and running so it goes through the heater core as well.

 

Gotcha racermike Thanks. I'll look into it, not sure exactly what the stuff's called tho. I do plan to wait for the warmer weather, just getting my info beforehand

Thanks,

 

The stuff hes talking about is simply called "Super radiator flush" its by prestone and you can get it at walmart. That should do the trick, good luck.

 

Yeah, the stuff worked really well for me .

~T.J.

 

That white junk could be mineral deposits from tap water.. fill er back up with distilled water after you do the flush

 

Good call RacerX7fb! Distilled water is the way to go for sure.

 

Gotcha, distilled water it will be then
50/50 mix as usual is the best right?

I know how to drain the system, but once it's drained, how do I get the prestone stuff all the way through the system? I think the mineral deposits (or whatever they are) may be blocking some of the pipes..

 

I always want to "super flush" my cooling system too. But I am always afraid the side effect of the result. When you flush a old cooling system, the system may start leaking. The deposit there was kinda helping the leakage spot, so if you washed those deposit out then it may start leaking.

Anyhow, I am still waiting for someone to convince me to "Super Flush" the system. So, I can use my 4 year old unopen "Super Flush" in the garage.

Actually, anyone has good experience and bad experience on the super flush perform on a 25 year old car w/original radiator?

My 79 GS is not overheating though.

 

I'm afraid to start mine when I finally do get it running because the deposit was so big, it basically looked like it was blocking one of the pipes, and that just scares me!

 

That buildup is a combonation of minerals in the water you're using, and a chemical reaction between the metals in the cooling system...

Think about this... A battery is two different metals immersed in a liquid. (Remember the battery from elementary school... Lemon, Penny, Paperclip...) Look at our cars... Rotor housings are Aluminium. Side housings are Iron. Radiator and Heater core are brass... Ever seen a battery break down? It basically corrodes inside.

Try the flush, but it may be too blocked up to do.

Best bet is replacing the radiator and possibly the heater core. Always, ALWAYS, replace hoses at the same time.

Also, flush the cooling system annually. It helps get rid of those deposits. Use distilled water, as it has less minerals and is fairly close to neutral on the pH scale. Use an antifreeze that is safe for ALL metals. (That's most that're on the market today. Check the label.)

Of course that's all preventative maintenance, so it won't help you at the moment.

 

Lol, true enough.

I understand (and was kinda prepared for) replacing the rad and heater core... but what if the coolant pipes through the engine block are blocked up? Think that the superflush will do that?

Jon

 

How about a radiator rod out? If there still have some life left in the original one, might just send it out to a radiator shop to have it rod out. It will be just as good as brand new. Just a thought.

 

"""but what if the coolant pipes through the engine block are blocked up? :::

The passages in the motor are quite large so I doubt you have any blockages there. Those deposits can also be found on the (inside) housings. Of more concern is if they are thick enough to insulate the coolant from metal and so inhibit heat transfer. The hope is that the flush will reduce them everywhere. I would also say that the flush works better on "goo" than on mineral deposits. I have wondered about using the stuff for mineral deposits around the house in the system but have never taken the chance. What's it called?? "C L R" I think is one name and I think there is another....

"""Actually, anyone has good experience and bad experience on the super flush perform on a 25 year old car w/original radiator? """

I HAVE seen the problem of leaks after a bad system gets clean. I came to the conclusion that it was still worth the effort because if the system will leak after cleaning, it could start leaking anytime, when you least expect it. I'd rather plan for the possibility then deal with the surprize. If it was so bad as to begin leaking, it needed replacement anyway.

I came across a bottle of the flush today. I had bought it last year with the intent of putting through the Bonneville, but it got cold to fast. I may do it this weekend if the now warmer weather holds. BTW, I read the directions again and,,,,,,,,it IS used with water not antifreeze (thourough and complete flushing required before and after) and says to run (drive) the car for 3-6 hours.

 

God..

I'm trying to flush the deposits out *BEFORE* I start the car, because I notice that one of the deposits seemed to block a coolant pipe, and I didn't want the car overheating.... grr.. there goes that plan.