VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 radiator cleaning

I'm doing a little maintenance on my 29 Chevy and I would clean the radiator (water orange).
I already changed the water several times and now is clean.
I'd like to know if is possible clean all cooling system with some detergent (the water is clean but the radiator is still orange) and if I can use a protective modern anti-freeze.
Sorry for my English and saluti dall'Italia

You should not use a detergent or soap to remove rust or corrosion. A weak acid followed with rinsing with clear water, neutralization with dilute baking soda mixture and then final clear water rinse(s) will remove corrosion and hard water deposits. Several acids can be used depending on availability and local laws. Detergent can remove oil and grease but will be difficult to remove so foaming is not a problem.

The answer to your second question is yes, use modern anti-freeze mixed with water 50/50. This recommendation is in many other discussion threads in the Chatter forums.

Cheers, Dean

Darn got too distracted and forgot to answer the second question. Yes you can use antifreeze. Don't use the extended life but the "universal" or product intended for all vehicles, farm tractors and off road equipment. I am not familiar with European brands or specifications so can't give more specific advice.

what are some acid type? How strong? Should you get a cheap pump and recycle through the radiator several times. Flush and clean , Flush and Clean? Thanks in advance. jmm

The old book I have suggust a mix of quarter pound of lye in about two and a half gallons of water. Strain the liquid through a cloth and pour in the radiator. Run the motor for about five minutes, then draw off the solution through the radiator drain cock. Fill the radiator with fresh water and run the motor again for several minutes, then drain off the remains of the solution and refill with fresh water.

Concering the Anti-freesing Solution: The same book suggust usiing Prestone (ethylene glycol). I think the concern here is the effect of it on the gaskets.

Would muradic acid work? I know it does real well on old cast 1 cyl. engines

I had been experiencing some overheating so I was going to use muriatic acid on my '30, but thought I'd try just plain old white vinegar first. I was amazed out how much "stuff" it cleaned out. I put it in at about 50/50 with distilled water and let it circulate through the motor for about 15 - 20 minutes. I did this twice (drained and refilled), then ran distilled water with baking soda to neutralize what was left, then ran distilled water a couple of more times. Finally I blew air through the system with the exhaust from a shop-vac to flush out the remainder of the water. Refilled with a 50/50 anti-freeze mix and no more problems.
Oh, and by the way alfredodemo, your English is a whole lot better than my Italian!

Happy Motoring,

Dan

1:10 or 1:20 dilution of muriatic acid is about right. Make sure to add the concentrated acid to water NEVER water to acid. You can also use citric, acetic, oxalic or several other weak acids.

Dan, Vinegar is acetic acid. One of the weak organic acids that work relatively well in removing rust and hard water deposits. Molasses ferments to ethanol and then acetic acid which is why it can be an inexpensive rust remover. It takes days to weeks to produce enough acid to remove much rust. It depends on temperature and enzyme concentration. Not I don't recommend adding molasses to clean radiators. Works okay on rusted metal parts if you have the time and can stand the odor.

Hi, thanks you all.
I try to clean the radiator and ... we hope well.
If it melts the radiator and all engine I go in USA and ...
Saluti dall'Italia