Flushing the engine cooling system is an important regular procedure required during maintenance. Controlling the amount of antifreeze in the system (maintaining an average level in the expansion tank) and cleaning the process channels with special tools will ensure optimal temperature and long-term operation of the internal combustion engine.

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When to flush the engine cooling system

The contamination of the technical channels of the internal combustion engine is evidenced by the constant operation of the fan on the cooling radiator and malfunctions in the heating system. The problem needs to be fixed as soon as possible. This can be done by hand.

A number of signs indicate the need to flush the engine cooling system:

• regular overheating and problems with the subsequent launch of the power unit;
• slow response to the rheostat signal;
• high readings after starting the engine;
• pump operation with constant interruptions;
• changing the shade of the coolant in the tank.

If such signs occur, it is necessary to immediately change the fluid for flushing the engine cooling system.

You can clean the system with household products or special chemical additives.

The working coolant has a tendency to "boil away". Antifreeze, distilled water or antifreeze circulate in the system - these are working coolers that are controlled by marks in the tank and are periodically topped up. Overheating and boiling off leads to the loss of properties of the coolant (coolant), the formation of plaque in the pipelines and on the inner walls of the radiator.

Possible causes of clogging:

• dust and mechanical inclusions;
• chemical deposits;
• the formation of salts (when adding ordinary water);
• corrosion of the material of the internal elements of CO with precipitation in a plugging deposit.

Changes in color and odor are signals to replace the distillate. If there is a change in consistency, the appearance of foreign inclusions or the formation of a contaminated emulsion, it is necessary to immediately use means for flushing the engine cooling system.

General rules

Gentle flushing of the engine cooling system can be done with distilled water. To remove scale from the walls of pipelines, special solutions will be required.

The car is installed on the site. The process begins with draining the old coolant. At the bottom of the radiator and on the cylinder block, special drain plugs are unscrewed. The spent antifreeze or antifreeze is poured into a previously substituted container.

To avoid burns, drain the coolant when the engine is cold.

The system is flushed with distilled water or a weak special solution. For cooking, you will need one of the components:

• soda;
• vinegar;
• citric or lactic acid.

Sometimes Coca-Cola is used, but such a process should be carefully considered. "Cola" aggressively affects the inner walls of the radiator.

The engine will need to start and drive the liquid for about 10 minutes. At the end of the process, you need to rinse the OS with distilled water, and then fill in new antifreeze or antifreeze.

Washing with home remedies

Preventive work to eliminate scale and dirt is carried out every 6-12 months. In Soviet times, regular cleaning of technical channels was carried out with "acidified" water. Used baking soda, citric acid and vinegar. The solution was made at a low concentration so that the inner walls would not oxidize in an aggressive environment. The work was carried out carefully, taking into account the contamination of the canals. Such methods remain relevant today, and the process demonstrates the desired effect.

If you do not flush the cooling system, you may encounter unpleasant problems:

• breakdown of the distillate heater;
• unstable operation of the heating stove;
• blockage of the water pump.

To avoid disastrous consequences, you need to figure out how to flush the car's cooling system. Modern cleaning methods at large service stations are based on the use of special expensive compounds. Their range of use is designed to remove all possible contaminants, allows you to get rid of organic deposits and rust.

Additives are produced on the basis of two-component compositions. There are neutral options, consisting of an acid or alkaline solution. Additives provide a directed action to eliminate a specific type of pollution.

Washing with distilled water

After draining the old coolant, the system is filled with distilled water.

Necessary:

• close the valves on the radiator and cylinder block;
• start the car;
• keep the engine in idle mode - up to 20 minutes;
• wait for cooling and repeat the procedure.

Flushing is considered completed when the distillate at the outlet is cleared of foreign inclusions. This method allows you to wash the accumulated dirt, but will not clean the channels and internal planes from deposits.

How to flush the engine cooling system with citric acid

It is necessary to prepare a concentrated solution. The calculation is made in the optimal proportion - 200 grams of citric acid per 10 liters of boiled water. The composition is poured into the expansion tank until the system is completely filled, but not above the maximum level.

In order for the solution to warm up and react, you need to drive several kilometers.

The coolant temperature is controlled by the sensor. The scale splitting reaction is effective at t of 80 degrees. After the engine has cooled down, repeat the process with a lower concentration of the solution (100 g per 10 liters of water). The next flush is carried out with clean water, and then antifreeze or antifreeze is poured.

Washing with acetic acid

The procedure is also effective with table 9% vinegar. A bottle of 0.5 liters is dissolved in a bucket of boiled water. The procedure consists of the following steps:

• warm up the engine for about 30 minutes;
• leave the charged system for at least 8 hours or overnight;
• drain the waste liquid and flush with distillate.

When filling antifreeze, bleed air bubbles from the cooling system.

Whey wash

The lactic acid or whey option is an effective way to cleanse the OS. The car will need to work in active mode (at medium engine speeds) for about half an hour or drive 40-50 km without stopping.

Homemade whey is more effective than store-bought. You will need to strain it several times through a thick layer of cheesecloth. Filtration through a sieve is possible, but with a fine mesh.

Serum is poured into the radiator in its pure form, without dilution with water. After flushing, fill with water and drive again for 5-10 km. This is necessary to remove cured dairy products in the process channels. After making sure that the OS is clean, fill in clean distillate.

Cleaning with soda is a thorough and special procedure. A careless approach can lead to excessive oxidation of metal and rubber parts. The procedure is resorted to once a year or after passing a mileage of 50-60 thousand km. Particular attention is paid to the ratio of the components of the combined solution:

• 3% caustic soda;
• 7-10% soda ash;
• 85-90% boiled or distilled water.

After filling the system, you will need to drive a car up to 100 km, but you should not leave the soda solution in the radiator for more than 1 day.

For 10 liters of water, use no more than 1 kg of baking soda.

When using a sodium bicarbonate solution, you will need to thoroughly flush the system several times. After making sure that the final cleaning of dirt and salt deposits, fill in a new distillate.

Flushing with Coca-Cola

The folk method involves the use of Coca-Cola carbonated drink. This is an effective method with its own nuances. The drink contains phosphoric acid, which reacts with the polymer parts of CO ICE. The minus of the method is the high sugar content in Kolya, which, when overheated, is deposited on the inner walls of the metal elements of the pipeline.

Method features:

• release all carbon dioxide from the soda before use;
• fluid circulation in a running engine - no more than 15 minutes at t less than 100 degrees.

Despite the good quality of cleaning, you should not often resort to this option. With frequent use, the negative effect of "Cola" on rubber pipes was revealed.

Washing with special products

There are several options for CO additives on the automotive parts market. Special tools are of 4 types:

• acid;
• neutral;
• alkaline;
• two-component.

Additives differ in the concentration of chemicals and the aggressiveness of the effect on the internal parts of the engine.

Before we proceed to a direct description of certain means, I would like to remind you how important it is to regularly flush the car's cooling system. The fact is that, depending on the coolant used, rust, oil deposits, antifreeze decomposition products, and scale accumulate on the walls of the tubes that make up the radiator. All this leads to difficulty in the circulation of the coolant and a decrease in heat transfer. And this always has a bad effect on the characteristics of the engine and increases the wear of its individual parts with the risk of premature failure.

It is worth noting that flushing the system can be both internal and external (external cleaning means flushing the radiator from the outside from particles of dirt, dust, and insects present on its surface). It is recommended to do an internal flush of the cooling system at least once a year. It is best to do this in the spring, when there are no more frosts, and a hot summer is ahead.

On some cars, there is a light on the dashboard with a picture of a radiator, the glow of which may indicate not only a decrease in the level of antifreeze, but also that it is time to change it. This can also serve as a signal that it's time to clean the cooling system. There are also a number of indirect signs of the need for such cleaning:

Radiator icon indicating a problem with the cooling system

• frequent engine overheating;
• problems with the pump;
• slow response to rheostat signals (inertia);
• high temperature readings from the corresponding sensor;
• problems in the operation of the “stove”;
• The fan always runs at high speed.

If the engine is very hot, then it's time to select a tool in order to flush the cooling system, and choose the time and opportunity for this.

HOW TO FLUSH THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

The process of flushing the cooling system is quite simple, and it consists of the following steps: The car engine warms up a little, then turns off and you need to wait a while until it cools down a little; Next, the plug is unscrewed, the old coolant is drained from the motor. Attention: Do not drain the coolant on a hot engine - this is fraught with burns and spray antifreeze under pressure; After that, you need to fill in the agent for cleaning the cooling system. Some of them need to be diluted with distilled water. If you are using citric acid or Coca-Cola for flushing, specific recommendations for using these engine flushes will be given below.

In the case when specialized products are used, it is necessary to follow the instructions on the package; Then, for some time, it is necessary to let the engine work with the liquid filled in to clean the cooling system. The time recommendation depends on the type of fluid being used; After washing, the liquid is drained and clean water is poured into the cooling system to remove detergent residues. The procedure for draining and filling water may need to be repeated several times; The last step is to fill the cooling system with new coolant. Attention: it is better to choose antifreeze the same one that was filled in the cooling system before flushing. Thorough flushing of the cooling system is necessary to remove the formed deposits, dirt, corrosive elements and harmful impurities that can lead to a violation of the stability of the system. We strongly recommend that after flushing the cooling system, fill in new antifreeze, because in the old fluid, even if the car has not driven so many kilometers, there are particles of contaminants.

How to flush the engine cooling system at home?

You can flush the engine cooling system with the following fluids:

distilled water;
Acidified water;
Special means for flushing the engine cooling system.
The choice of cleaning agent depends on the condition of the vehicle.

You need to flush the engine cooling system either in the summer on the street or in the winter in a warm box. First, drain the old antifreeze from the system - this process is described in great detail in the instructions for replacing the coolant. In short, the algorithm of actions is as follows:

If the motor is hot, it must be allowed to cool down.
Park the machine on a level surface.
To protect your hands from hot elements of the engine and cooling system, it is better to wear gloves.
Open and lock the hood.
Under the radiator you need to put a container to collect the old coolant.
After removing the drain plugs, drain the antifreeze in turn from the engine and radiator.
By the type of drained liquid, conclusions can be drawn about the state of the cooling system as a whole. Different particles (scale, rust, etc.) may be present in the drained antifreeze.

Chemistry for flushing the engine cooling system

LAVR agent for cleaning the cooling system The main thing when flushing the cooling system is to observe safety measures and clear instructions. If we compare "folk" remedies with special factory formulations, then, of course, the latter are better. What cooling system flushes are on the market? Various. From very penny to expensive, from unknown to brands with a name. In principle, there are no frankly terrible compounds among them, unless it is a liquid from clandestine production. To make it clear what to take, we will designate some of the best flushes of the engine cooling system. Flushing the cooling system with Liqui Moly, like other brand products, has proven itself well. Usually sold as a concentrate, which must be diluted with water (three hundred grams per three liters) or added to old antifreeze.

Drive through the system for ten to thirty minutes, then drain, rinse with distilled water. From a whole class of seven-minute flushes, the Hi Gear cooling system flush can be distinguished. It gently cleans and even softens the rubber parts of the system. It is poured for seven minutes, diluted with water, the dosage of which depends on the volume that a particular cooling system can hold (there are seven-liter and sixteen-liter engine cooling systems). Flushing the cooling system with Lavr means different compositions: for different levels of pollution, with different additives, different duration of action, means for flushing the radiator of the engine cooling system. Each tool is accompanied by instructions that describe in detail how to proceed.

Folk remedies for flushing the cooling system

As we indicated above, there are two types of flushing agents - folk and special. Let's start with the first, as cheaper and more proven.

Lemon acid

Using citric acid to clean the cooling system

The most common citric acid, diluted in water, is able to clean the radiator tubes from rust and dirt. It is especially effective if ordinary water is used as a coolant, since acidic formulations are effective against rust, and alkaline formulations are effective against scale. However, remember that a solution of citric acid is not able to remove significant contaminants.

The composition of the solution is as follows - dissolve 20-40 grams of the substance in 1 liter of water, and if the pollution is strong, then the amount of acid per liter can be increased to 80-100 grams (a larger volume is created in a similar proportion). The ideal option is when adding acid to distilled water pH level is around 3.

The cleaning procedure itself is simple. It is necessary to drain all the old fluid and fill in the new solution. Next, you need to warm up the engine to operating temperature and leave it for a few hours (and preferably at night). Next, drain the solution from the system and look at its condition. If it is very dirty, then the procedure must be repeated 1-2 more times until the liquid is clean enough. After that, be sure to flush the system with water. Next, fill in the agent that you plan to use as a coolant.

Acetic acid

Using acetic acid to clean the cooling system

The effect of this solution is similar to that described above. A solution of acetic acid is great for flushing rust off the cooling system. The proportions of the solution are as follows - half a liter of vinegar per bucket of water (10 liters). The cleaning procedure is similar - we drain the old fluid, fill in a new one and warm up the car to operating temperatures. Next, you need to leave the car with the engine running for 30-40 minutes so that chemical cleaning takes place in the radiator. Next, you need to drain the cleaning fluid and look at its condition. Repeat the procedure until the liquid is clear. Next, you need to flush the system with boiled or distilled water, and then fill in the coolant that you plan to use on an ongoing basis.

Fanta

Using Fanta to clean the cooling system

Similar to the previous point. However, there is an important difference here. The fact is that, unlike Coca-Cola, where orthophosphoric acid is used, Fanta uses lemon acid, which has a lesser cleaning effect. Therefore, some car owners pour it instead of antifreeze to clean the cooling system.

As for the time during which you need to drive like this, it all depends on the degree of contamination of the system. In particular, if it is not very dirty, and cleaning is done more for prevention, then it is enough to let the engine run for 30-40 minutes at idle. If you want to wash the old dirt well, then you can ride like this for 1-2 days, then pour distillate into the system, ride some more, drain it and look at its condition. If the distillate is dirty, repeat the procedure until the system is clear. At the end, do not forget to thoroughly rinse it with water and fill it with new antifreeze.

Please note that if there are small holes or cracks in the stove pipeline, but the dirt “tightened” them, then when flushing, these holes may open and a leak will form. Therefore, after flushing, make an audit of the pipelines of the system.

Lactic acid or whey

An excellent option for flushing the cooling system of a car engine is lactic acid. However, a significant problem lies in the fact that it is very difficult to get lactic acid today. But if you manage to get this substance, then you can pour it into the radiator in its pure form and ride it for a while (or let the car stand with the engine running).

A more affordable alternative to lactic acid is whey. It has similar properties for cleaning the radiator and other elements of the cooling system. The algorithm for using serum is as follows:

Use of whey

• prepare about 10 liters of whey in advance (preferably homemade, not from the store);
• strain the entire purchased volume 2-3 times through cheesecloth in order to filter out large pieces of fat;
• first, drain the coolant from the radiator, and pour whey in its place;
• drive 50-60 kilometers with it;
• it is necessary to drain the serum in a hot state so that the dirt does not have time to stick to the walls of the tubes again ( be careful!);
• let the engine cool down;
• pour pre-boiled water into the radiator;
• start the engine, let it warm up (about 15-20 minutes); drain the water;
• let the engine cool down;
• fill in the antifreeze that you plan to use on an ongoing basis;
• bleed air from the system, if necessary add more coolant.

Please note that the serum has its cleansing properties for 1-2 hours. Therefore, the mentioned 50-60 km must be covered during this time. It does not make sense to drive longer, as the serum mixes with the dirt in the system.

Caustic soda

This substance is popularly called differently - sodium hydroxide, "caustic alkali", "caustic soda", "caustic" and so on.

The substance can only be used to clean copper radiators (including stove radiators). Baking soda should not be used on aluminum surfaces.

In accordance with the official instructions of the manufacturer of copper radiators, it is necessary to act according to the following algorithm:

Caustic soda

• remove the radiator from the car;
• rinse its insides with plain water and blow it with compressed air (not exceeding a pressure of 1 kgf / cm2) until clean water flows out of the radiator;
• prepare about 1 liter of 10% caustic soda solution;
• heat the composition to at least + 90 ° С;
• pour the prepared composition into the radiator;
• let it brew for 30 minutes;
• drain the solution;
• for 40 minutes, rinse the inside of the radiator with hot water and blow it with hot air alternately (at the same time, the pressure should not exceed 1 kgf / cm2) in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the pump.

Remember that caustic soda causes burns and corrodes living tissue. Therefore, it is necessary to work outdoors with gloves and a respirator.

As a result of a chemical reaction, white foam may appear from the radiator pipes. If this happens - do not be alarmed, this is normal. The tightness of the cooling system after cleaning must be carried out on a cold engine, since hot water evaporates quickly, and it will be problematic to find the intended leak.

Flushing the engine cooling system with distilled water

We want to note right away that this is the most inexpensive method of flushing the engine cooling system, but at the same time it is also the least effective. In terms of time and effort, washing with distilled water is also not the first place. However, in some cases, this method will be fully justified.

Naturally, plain tap water cannot be used to flush the engine cooling system. Only distilled water should be used or, at worst, boiled for at least 20 minutes (it contains a minimum of salts).

Flushing the cooling system is carried out elementarily:

Pour distilled water into the radiator.
Start the car and let it idle for about 15-20 minutes.
Stop the engine and drain the water from the cooling system.
This procedure must be repeated several times until the water is clear. This method is only suitable if the car is relatively new, and no obvious contamination is visible in the drained antifreeze.

All motorists agree with the undeniable truth that the engine is the main unit in the car, the performance of which must be carefully monitored. The only pity is that for many of them, it comes down only to regular oil changes.

But in addition to oil, for the smooth operation of the motor, one more liquid is needed - a coolant, it can be antifreeze or antifreeze. Periodic replacement of this fluid and flushing of the engine cooling system are no less important for the trouble-free operation of the engine, as is oil change.

While agreeing that it is necessary to change the antifreeze, some drivers are perplexed when it comes to flushing the cooling system - why is this needed? To understand this issue, it would be useful to understand: how the cooling system is arranged, which antifreezes are preferable to use, why the system is clogged and the signs of this, the better it is to flush it and how you can do it yourself.

When the engine is running, a lot of heat is generated for removal, which is served by the cooling system of the car, consisting of the following components:

• 1 - Furnace radiator.
• 2, 3 - Outlet, underwater branch pipes of the heater.
• 4 - Pump hose.
• 5 - Pipe coming from the expansion tank.
• 6, 12 - Steam outlet hoses.
• 7 - Tank cover.
• 8 - Expansion tank.
• 9 - Thermostat.
• 10, 19 - Outlet pipes.
• 11, 13 - Inlet pipes.
• 14 - Cooling radiator.
• 15 - Radiator drain plug.
• 16 - Radiator blower.
• 17 - Pump.

Coolants

Now there is a large selection of antifreezes and antifreezes that do not freeze at different temperatures and differ in their properties.

We will not delve into what this or that liquid consists of and thoroughly analyze their properties here. Let's touch on only some of their features that affect the cooling system. There are two types of antifreezes and antifreezes:

• Carboxylate - containing additives based on organic acids. Which, enveloping a thin layer of the surface of the cooling system, are absorbed only in those places where corrosion has begun to occur.
• Silicate fluids - containing silicate additives, which, during heating, create scale that clogs pipes, radiator cells.

Causes of pollution

First, as can be seen from the above, certain types of antifreeze can contribute to the formation of pollution inside the car's cooling system.

Secondly, the use of a sealant can become such a factor. When leaks appear in the radiator of a motor or heater, many use this remedy to eliminate the leak. But the use of sealant is not as harmless as it seems, sealing leaky places, it can simultaneously clog pipes and radiator cells.

Therefore, after applying the sealant, flushing the engine cooling system is mandatory. If flushing does not help, then manual cleaning of the pipes and radiator from sealant residues cannot be avoided.

Thirdly, do-it-yourself cleaning and rinsing may be required after pouring low-quality liquid into the system. Impurities in it can easily clog pipes and radiators. Also, such a liquid can provoke the appearance of rust on metal elements, which does not contribute to the cleanliness of the system.

Another reason for flushing can be oil getting into the coolant. Flushing is possible only after the malfunction has been eliminated. This happens when a cylinder head gasket burns out or a crack in the block.

Signs of System Contamination

You can determine that the moment has come when you need to clean the system by the following signs:

• The radiator fan is almost non-existent.
• In winter, the stove does not heat well.
• The temperature sensor reading jumps or constantly shows an overestimated temperature.
• There are signs of oil in the reservoir.

These are the first hints that the time has come to clean the pipes and the radiator, because the next sign will be the banal boiling of the coolant.

What and how is used for washing

For this process, you can purchase various flushes specifically for the car's cooling system in many stores that sell auto chemicals.

If the financial situation does not allow spending money on store funds or there is no confidence in them, then improvised solutions can be used. Which are made by hand, in this case, the main thing is to correctly observe their concentration.

Below we will look at how to flush the engine cooling system with solutions: vinegar, citric acid, whey.

Vinegar flush

• When using this product, make a do-it-yourself solution based on the proportion of 0.5 liters of vinegar per 10 liters of water.
• After draining the old liquid and pouring this solution, start the engine, bringing its temperature to operating values, turn off and leave the filled substance for 8 hours.
• After draining the acetic solution, the motor is washed with distilled water, a new antifreeze is poured.
• In very advanced cases, undiluted vinegar can be poured.

Washing with citric acid

• It is better to prepare such a solution at the rate of about 100 gr. citric acid per volume of distilled water, which is poured into the car's cooling system.
• Gulf, this tool instead of the old antifreeze, you need to travel for about 6 days. Then drain it, rinse with distilled water the remaining citric acid solution.

Serum wash

• Initially, the whey is filtered through cheesecloth to remove any sediment.
• Having received the required amount of liquid equal to the volume of the system, fill it through the expansion tank.
• The total distance that is traveled for cleaning in this way, constantly monitoring the temperature of the motor, should not exceed 1500 kilometers.
• It is necessary to control the degree of whey contamination by checking it every 150 km. If there are signs of contamination, replace the serum with a new one.
• After all procedures, you can rinse the car's cooling system with distilled water.

The most difficult dilemma is flushing the system after the oil. After oil enters the cooling system, it is very difficult to wash it with your own hands with ordinary mixtures. Of all the variety of means, the best will be the use of an industrial detergent - Pentmash.

The solution is prepared from the proportions of 10 liters of water 300 grams of the product. Having poured it into the system, we start the engine, let it run for about 5 minutes to wash out the remaining oil. After the flushing process, drain the composition and flush the system with distilled water.

The importance of flushing the engine cooling system is obvious. If one of the drivers still does not understand this, then immediately change to a horse-drawn transport, it will definitely not overheat and will not let you down.

From the article you will learn how to flush the cooling system with water, citric acid, vinegar, caustic soda, lactic acid, whey, Coca-Cola, special auto chemicals, let's talk about mistakes that should not be made.

Consequences of improper maintenance of the cooling system

The cooling system (CO) is an important element of any car, especially if the cooling of its engine is liquid.

Improper functioning of it can lead to irreparable consequences, and this:

1. , and as a result, its complete failure;
2. Breakdown or other similar device;
3. Pump failure;
4. Inefficient work.

As a rule, the reason for the inefficient operation of the liquid cooling system of any car lies in the contamination of the radiator, pipes, and cavities of the cylinder block cooling jacket.

If we could get inside this system, we would see an interesting picture.

Rust, scale deposits on the walls, remnants of decomposed coolant, greasy oil stains and other troubles.

It should be noted that we are talking about engines that have been in operation for 2 years or more. We are not talking about new cars here.

When should the engine cooling system be flushed?

It must be understood that any coolant (coolant), be it antifreeze or antifreeze, loses its performance over time.

The liquid decomposes into separate chemical elements, some of which precipitate and partially block the channels through which it circulates, others settle on the walls in the form of scale.

As a result, after one or two years of operation, antifreeze or antifreeze, per unit of time, begin to take less heat from the engine.

The period of circulation of the liquid in a circle increases and the efficiency of the entire system decreases.

Therefore, so that you do not have problems with engine overheating on the road, flushing the entire system should be done with each new coolant change.

Which washing method to choose

You need to understand that there are several ways to flush the engine cooling system:

1. Distilled, boiled or acidified water;
2. Washing with special means.

Depending on the degree of contamination, various washing methods are used.

Determine the degree of pollution.

In this case, to obtain the maximum result, you will have to use acidified water or special products.

If the used coolant has more of a light shade than a dark one, without a clear observation of precipitation, then distilled or boiled water can be safely used.

Flushing the cooling system with water

Wear rubber gloves so that the skin of your hands does not come into contact with the harmful liquid. Raise the hood and open the expansion tank.

Drain the old coolant from the system. To do this, unscrew the plug (bolt) on the cylinder block and open the tap on the radiator.

Return the plug (bolt) and the faucet to their original position. Don't squeeze them hard.

Pour distilled or boiled water through the expansion tank according to the norm.

Start the engine. 15 - 20 minutes of his work at low speeds will be sufficient.

Drain the water paying attention to its condition. If the water is dirty, then repeat the procedure. Ensure that the drained water is clean.

Only then fill in fresh antifreeze or antifreeze.

Use of acidified water

If particles of scale, rust, etc. are observed in the old coolant, then we can conclude that ordinary water cannot cope with cleaning the cooling system.

You need to use more aggressive means and acidified water is suitable here.

Vinegar, citric acid, caustic soda or lactic acid can be used as an oxidizing agent.

The fact is that citric acid reacts only at high temperatures, 70 - 90 degrees.

It is also very important to properly prepare the solution so as not to harm rubber products and metal.

Usually 100 - 120 grams of citric acid are poured into 5 liters of water, respectively, for 4 liters - 80 - 100 grams. If you do not want to take risks, the proportion can be reduced.

Other drivers, on the contrary, increase the proportion. But these figures are the most optimal.

The algorithm of actions is the same. Drain the old coolant and fill in the prepared solution. Next, start the engine and warm it up. Drive a car for a couple of kilometers.

This is done so that the temperature of the solution rises to the desired temperature of 70 - 90 degrees and the necessary reaction occurs. The engine should run for 30-40 minutes.

At the final stage, flush the cooling system with distilled or boiled water to remove any remaining citric acid.

If you decide to use table vinegar, then here you also need to know the correct proportion of the solution.

For example, 500 ml of table vinegar is poured into 10 liters of water. The resulting solution is poured into the cooling system. Start the car and warm up the engine to operating temperature.

After that, turn off the ignition and leave the heated solution in the engine overnight or 8 hours.

Merge, look at the result. Repeat if necessary. At the end, be sure to rinse with distilled water.

In very severe cases, some drivers immediately pour 9% table vinegar without diluting. For several times you will have to buy 20 bottles of 0.5 liters.

If you use acetic acid, then it has a 70% concentration, keep this in mind.

Caustic soda is used only for washing the removed copper radiators of the engine cooling system and radiators for the passenger compartment stove.

If you have aluminum devices, which is typical for many modern cars, then forget about this option.

The engine is not washed with caustic soda, since many people know that the cylinder head is made of aluminum, and the gaskets under the head will be corroded.

If your radiator does not fall under the aluminum category, then you can use a caustic soda solution per 1 liter of distilled water, 50 - 60 g, to flush it. substances. But before washing it is desirable to remove it.

This method gives a good result, but here you also need to be able to properly prepare the solution.

But the problem is not even in this, but in where to get lactic acid, because it is difficult to find it in free sale.

If your city has the opportunity to get it, then great.

Also on specialized auto forums, especially on used cars, you can find people who sell lactic acid. In general, as they say, there would be a desire.

To clean the cooling system, you need a 6% solution of lactic acid. As a rule, the concentrate has 36%.

But the calculation here is simple, we make the ratio 1:5, i.e. pour 1 kg of concentrate into 5 liters of distilled water, thus obtaining the desired percentage.

1. Pour in a solution of lactic acid and wait until the release of carbon dioxide stops, then drain the exhaust mixture;
2. Drive the car for several kilometers, then drain the dirty mixture.

Many drivers drive with lactic acid filled in for a day, drain, fill again and drive again.

This can also be done, because lactic acid does not act so aggressively on aluminum and rubber products.

However, at the same time, it was noticed that the engine starts to get very hot, more than usual.

This is because, when released, carbon dioxide creates so-called air locks in the pipes and cylinder block.

Therefore, you need to be careful and more closely monitor the readings of the instrument panel.

Finally, don't forget to neutralize the acidity. To do this, it is better to use a 0.5% chrompic solution or distilled water. The engine should run for 10-20 minutes.

Only then fill in new coolant.

Serum.

Good alternative to lactic acid. First, the whey is filtered into a container of at least 5 liters.

Then it is poured through the expansion tank into the cooling system.

They drive with serum 1000-1500 km, then it is drained. If necessary, the cycle is repeated. However, every 100-200 km it is recommended to check the degree of contamination of the whey.

You need to constantly monitor the temperature of the engine.

Sosa cola.

Strange as it may sound, but before flushing the cooling system with Coca-Cola gave a good result.

The effect was achieved due to the phosphoric acid included in the drink.

But according to rumors, now this acid is not added to Coca-cola, so the past effect can no longer be expected.

But no one canceled the rechecking of rumors; Sosa-sol will definitely not cause harm to the engine.

Used means - auto chemistry

The advantage of flushing the cooling system is that they keep up with the times.

Their composition is designed in such a way as not to harm the engine. For example, some products were used for copper radiators, now for aluminum ones, others. Or combined for all types of engines.

They are inexpensive, so almost every car owner can afford to buy such a tool.

Flushing the engine cooling system is one of the key procedures for keeping the car running, but most motorists often neglect this not too laborious process.

This can lead to disastrous consequences: the radiator device is subject not only to external pollution - it can also become clogged from the inside. Rust, grease and oil deposits, decomposition products of antifreeze, scale formed when washing with non-distilled water - all this can cause pollution, and, as a result, a drop in radiator performance.

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Why and how often do you need to flush?

Radiator failure leads to engine failure and vehicle failure. Therefore, keeping the radiator clean will help both keep the engine in proper condition and avoid costly repairs or even replacements. This process may take some time, but it is not difficult. There is a sufficient amount of textual materials and videos on how to properly and safely carry it out.

Flushing with a complete replacement of antifreeze or other coolant is recommended to be done on average once every 2 years, adjusted for the make and manufacturer of the car, as well as its service life. This frequency helps prevent the accumulation of decomposition products of coolants and rust in the system.

Untimely flushing of the cooling system can lead to engine damage.

What can be washed?

Now there is a wide choice of cleaning products. The most accessible of them is water. However, it is also the least suitable remedy. Due to the salts that are in the composition of the water in a dissolved state, scale may form after washing, which in the future will cause contamination and repeated cleaning. For this reason, it is worth using only distilled or, in extreme cases, boiled water.

Special flushing liquids

The range of cleaning liquids of various composition and concentration is quite extensive. Most of them allow you to qualitatively clean the engine cooling system. But the choice of means should also be taken seriously, since substances of different composition are needed to remove different types of dirt.

Cleaning products can be divided into 4 categories:

• Neutral - do not contain aggressive components, are less effective in cleaning the cooling system than other liquids, and they are most often used for preventive purposes.
• Acid - almost never found in its pure form due to their extreme aggressiveness to the details of the system. Acidic flushing liquids are well suited for neutralizing scale and inorganic formations.
• Alkaline - like the previous category of substances, they are not found in an undiluted state. Effectively remove organic contaminants.
• Two-component They contain both acid and alkali. Consistently poured into the system and well cleaned it from all types of pollution.

Coolant racks

It is better not to use two different products at the same time, since acid and alkali are neutralized when interacting, which may not only not bring the expected result, but also cause a malfunction. Also, do not use substances with a high concentration of acids or alkalis, as they can damage rubber and plastic parts.

Lemon acid

One of the popular "improvised" cleaning products is a solution of citric acid. With the right proportions, it copes well with scale inside the radiator and does not damage rubber components. The optimal ratio is considered to be 100 g of acid per 1 liter of water.

Citric acid can be replaced with whey. It contains a sufficient concentration of lactic acid for effective and gentle cleaning. Also, whey washing is more gentle on non-metallic parts of the radiator.

As in the case of compositions specifically designed for cleaning, the process itself is best carried out in several short steps - this will help to avoid breaking off large pieces of scale.

Flushing the OS with serum

"Coca-Cola" and the consequences of such washing

Another common cleaner. Phosphoric acid, which is part of the drink, effectively removes scale from internal parts. However, such a tool should be used carefully, because in addition to the aforementioned acid, Coca-Cola also includes sugar, which can clog the system. Therefore, after using Coca-Cola, it is necessary to re-flush the system with water to remove the remaining sugar. The concentration of phosphoric acid has a negative effect on rubber and parts.

Another disadvantage of Coca-Cola as a washing liquid is the gas content. Expansion of gas due to heating during engine operation can lead to negative consequences for the car. Therefore, if you still decide to use Coca-Cola as a cleaning liquid or do not have the opportunity to use more suitable substances, you must get rid of the gas contained in it.

Coca-Cola for flushing the cooling system

Keeping the engine cooling system clean is one of the important factors in the health of the car. To do this, a wide range of specialized cleaning fluids are available, which, with the right choice, will help maintain the optimal condition of this system, as well as all sorts of alternatives at hand. But when using the latter, you should be careful and resort to them in the absence of more suitable substances.

Video "Instructions for replacing the coolant and flushing the cooling system"

For more information on how to change the coolant and flush the engine cooling system, see our video on the example of a VAZ.

What washer do you use?