And they found that the coolant has darkened or it contains some kind of impurities, plaque. Another situation - for several years you have not done maintenance to the engine cooling system. Not many people know that the cooling system must be flushed periodically, they think about it only when problems appear. So, how to flush the engine cooling system?

Distilled water

Distilled water

The best tool for flushing the engine cooling system is distilled water. Namely, distilled, since simple forms scale after passing several circles. Please note that even after using other liquids to flush the engine cooling system, it is necessary to run distilled water through the system from one to three times. The Sens engine cooling system, although it differs from the usual cooling system in structure, is also washed.
The action algorithm is as follows:

Distilled water does not leave scale in the engine cooling system.

1. We drain into a large clean container (in order to assess the degree of contamination) the coolant from the radiator (plastic screw from the bottom or from the lower pipe) and from the cylinder block (metal bolt in the center, its location has a lot of variations).
2. We twist the drain plugs.
3. Pour distilled water into the expansion tank (and into the radiator, if there is a separate cap).
4. Drain dirty water.
5. If the water is very dirty, we make another circle for 15-20 minutes, drain again - look. Repeat the procedure until clean water.

In general, it is recommended to flush the system in this way at each complete coolant change.
Flushing the engine cooling system with distilled water will never harm your car. However, water is not always able to cope with the plaque formed inside the pipes and radiator grilles. If the pollution is strong, then you should think about other methods of washing. What is the best way to flush the engine cooling system, so that it is effective and safe?

Lemon acid

Lemon acid

The old and proven old-fashioned way of flushing the cooling system from rust and scale. Subject to the necessary proportions, citric acid does an excellent job with flushing the engine cooling system. These proportions are important, since with a larger percentage of acid in the solution, it is able to corrode plastic and rubber elements.
So, the washing solution should consist of one hundred grams of citric acid and five liters of water. Accordingly, ten liters of water account for two hundred grams of acid, and so on. Small errors are possible.

Subject to the necessary proportions, citric acid does an excellent job with flushing the engine cooling system.

1. We drain the coolant (if you are flushing the Saab 9-3 engine cooling system, then you need to disconnect the large upper and lower couples from the radiator, fill in liquids through the upper pipe).
2. We twist the plugs.
3. Pour the finished solution (note that pouring water and pouring acid is prohibited, the solution must be prepared in advance and thoroughly mixed).
4. We start the engine for 30-40 minutes.
5. Drain the liquid, if necessary (heavy contamination) repeat.
6. Screw the plugs into place.
7. Pour in distilled water.
8. We start the engine for 15-20 minutes.
9. We merge.
10. We twist.

Milk serum

Milk serum

Flushing the engine cooling system with whey is a long process.

Another safe way to flush with acid. To use whey as a reagent, you need to strain it well. The liquid must be homogeneous, without pieces, otherwise there is a risk of clogging the system with "cottage cheese" in addition to rust, oil and sealant.
Flushing the engine cooling system with whey is a long process. It is poured in instead of the main fluid and they drive it for a thousand kilometers, periodically checking its appearance, color, and also. If something went wrong (the whey began to curdle, the engine “boiled”), the acid is drained.
It is recommended that after the serum, nevertheless, rinse the system with water for further use of antifreeze without unnecessary impurities.

Vinegar

table vinegar

Flushing with acetic acid is a more serious technique, it can better flush the engine cooling system.

The use of acetic acid for flushing is already a more dangerous undertaking, however, and more effective and faster.
When flushing the cooling system with vinegar, it is important to strictly observe the proportions (vinegar 9% - 0.5 liters, water - 10 liters) and prepare the solution in advance.
Instead of the old antifreeze, a ready-made solution is poured in, the engine starts for about fifteen minutes (up to operating temperature), it is turned off and left for the night (or for eight hours). The acid is drained, the system is flushed with distilled water, fresh coolant is poured.
Flushing with acetic acid is already a more serious technique, it is able to flush the engine cooling system from oil better than the previous two.

Coca Cola

Coca Cola Radiator Flush

Flushing the cooling system with Coca-Cola is very effective, but at the same time very dangerous.

Coca-Cola is phosphoric acid with various impurities. So, if you are interested in how to flush the engine cooling system after sealant, know that Coca-Cola is able to dissolve pieces of sealant that have got inside.
Flushing the cooling system with Coca-Cola is very effective, but at the same time very dangerous. The drink contains a large amount of sugar, which, with prolonged exposure, destroys the system. Therefore, washing (preferably repeated) with water after using cola is required.
Soda contains a lot of carbon dioxide, which becomes even more when heated. This threatens with serious consequences and can lead to leaks and. To avoid this, release all the gas from the bottle.
Coca-Cola, with skillful use, gives excellent results in cleaning the cooling system.

Chemistry for flushing the engine cooling system

LAVR cleaner for 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.

Flushing the engine cooling system is a simple operation. The main thing in it is the observance of safety measures (do not open the expansion tank on a hot engine; do not drain the liquid immediately, but let it cool down a bit) and clear instructions.

A modern car is not only a luxury and a means of transportation, but it is the most complex mechanical device, every detail of which is important and integral. The car consists of many parts that interact with each other, setting it in motion. The engine cooling system is also an important part of the design and every car owner understands this. During movement, a constant detonation of the fuel-air mixture occurs inside the engine, which leads to its gradual heating. It is the cooling system that allows you to maintain the normal operating temperature of the engine (gasoline or diesel) and prevent it from overheating, maintaining a normal operating temperature. The degree of heating of the engine also depends on the time of year. For example, in winter, heating is much slower due to the low ambient temperature, but in summer a non-working cooling system can lead to a rapid overheating of the engine and its failure.

To avoid trouble, regular maintenance of the car should be carried out, paying special attention to its cooling system.

During regular operation of the car, its cooling system gradually becomes clogged and a large amount of substances form on its walls that prevent normal engine cooling. Gradually, this significantly reduces both its service life and productivity. Regular overheating can lead to completely different consequences, up to its wedge and the need for major repairs, which will cost the car owner a decent amount.

The car cooling system is a complex system consisting of many elements - pipes, radiator, pump, thermostat, etc. In each element of the system, unwanted plaque gradually accumulates, which significantly impairs heat transfer and increases the fluid pressure in the system. During engine operation, the coolant is heated, which circulates through the cooling system, which leads to the gradual formation of scale with particles of metal and rubber. Do not forget about the various debris that could get inside the system and much more.

In addition, the coolant itself can lead to an oxidation process, as a result of which deposits form on the walls of the entire system.

How often is the engine cooling system flushed?

The degree of contamination of the engine cooling system can depend on many factors, including the age of the vehicle, all its parts (especially ODS), the quality of the coolant, driving style and operating conditions. Oddly enough, but all this has a direct impact on the frequency of the need for flushing.

Experts recommend flushing the cooling system with each coolant change. However, often car owners neglect this and only add evaporating liquid to the system. In the case of a complete replacement of the fluid, it is necessary to pay attention to the degree of contamination. The color of the drained antifreeze from the cooling system should practically not differ from the one that was filled in. And to make it more convenient to examine the used antifreeze, it is recommended to drain it into a transparent container, which will allow you to consider both its color and the presence of sediment.

In the event of the appearance of sediment in the form of rust, or other debris, flushing is necessary, otherwise it can lead to costly repairs to the car engine.

The engine cooling system is clogged, which threatens the car

The cooling system is one of the main ones that maintains the operating temperature of the engine. To avoid its failure, maintenance of the SOD should be carried out periodically, otherwise it can lead to unpleasant consequences. The driver of any vehicle must monitor the temperature reading, which is located on the instrument panel. This will allow you to notice the malfunction in time and quickly eliminate it.

Some types of engine cooling system failures are visible to the naked eye, such as an external leak. This may be accompanied by the appearance of the smell of the antifreeze itself in the car, or smudges under the engine compartment. For example, internal leakage can be identified by the color of the oil inside the engine. To do this, the dipstick is examined for changes in the color of the oil, and if it becomes whitish, this indicates the formation of an oil-water emulsion. Any malfunction leads to a gradual difficulty in the passage of antifreeze through the system and a violation of the operating temperature of the car engine, significantly reducing its service life.

Means for flushing the engine system with your own hands

Almost every car owner wants to make the maintenance of his car less expensive, but at the same time no less high quality. The process of cleaning the engine cooling system is quite simple, however, it all depends on the degree of contamination. If you carry out regular flushing, then you can do this with the help of a self-made tool.

Car owners should understand that it is strictly forbidden to flush the cooling system with ordinary water, since in this case it will be impossible to cope with scale and corrosion that has appeared. For example, alkali can easily remove scale from the inner walls of the SOD, and acid will fight rust. You can flush the engine with the help of improvised means.

lemon acid

The easiest way to deal with a contaminated cooling system is citric acid. To do this, you need to make a special solution by mixing 10 liters of water and 1 kg of citric acid. Before starting the flushing process, it is necessary to drain all the old antifreeze from the cooling system, and then pour the solution prepared in advance into it. Next, the car engine starts and a small load is given. To speed up the process, you can drive a short distance, while monitoring the temperature readings, which should not exceed 70-80 degrees Celsius. After 40 minutes, the lemon-water solution is drained and distilled water is poured into the system, the engine warms up again, and then drains again. It is advisable to carry out the procedure at least 3 times to get rid of the acid in the system.

coca-cola

Today, the well-known sweet carbonated drink Coca Cola is very popular among car owners for flushing the engine cooling system. Washing technology is the same as when using citric acid. However, in this case, it is enough to warm up the engine for only 5-10 minutes, then drain it from the system and rinse thoroughly with water, since in addition to acid, this drink contains sugar.

Choosing a place to work

The choice of a place for replacing the coolant in the system must be approached so that it is as convenient as possible for such work. It should be understood that the drain plug is often located in a hard-to-reach place - at the bottom of the radiator.

Do not forget that the drain plug is a metal part of the engine cooling system, which is constantly exposed to high temperatures and can easily boil. This greatly complicates its unscrewing and for these purposes you need a more convenient place to approach it and rip it off the thread. For these purposes, it is advisable to start working on a special pit, or overpass. This will make it easier and faster to replace antifreeze and flush SOD.

How to drain old antifreeze from the cooling system

Draining antifreeze from the cooling system is an essential step in replacing and flushing it. The very process of replacing the coolant is very simple, not requiring much knowledge in mechanics. Do-it-yourself antifreeze can be replaced within just a few hours. To do this, you should follow several important rules, after which the work of replacing it will not only bring pleasure, but will also save money.

In order to quickly drain the old antifreeze, you must install the car on a flat area. It can be a pit, or a flyover where you can work comfortably. After that, you should wait for the engine and antifreeze to cool down, which will avoid possible burns. When the antifreeze is heated, the pressure in the system rises, which can cause it to splatter when opened.

The next step is to find the drain plug, which is often located at the bottom of the radiator. Under the drain, you should put a previously prepared container into which the waste liquid will drain and start unscrewing the plug, or drain pipe. This must be done slowly to avoid splashing antifreeze.

After most of the liquid has already left the system, it is necessary to unscrew the cap on the radiator filler neck, which will speed up the drain process and turn the starter several times using the ignition key. Such a procedure will allow you to completely remove all the used coolant from the SOD.

Flushing the cooling system with distilled water advantages and disadvantages

Flushing the cooling system with distilled water can be carried out only if there is no excess debris in the form of metal dust, scale and rust in the drained antifreeze. In this case, the color of the liquid should not differ significantly from what it was when it was filled into the system.

Distilled flushing water is poured into the system after the waste liquid has been completely removed from there. After that, you should tighten the drain plug, or return the unscrewed pipe to its place and fill the entire system with distillate through the filler neck. This is done gradually, allowing the liquid to squeeze the air out of the SOD.

Then you need to start the car and let it run for about 10 minutes so that the water can completely pass through the system. After that, distilled water is drained again. The procedure must be repeated according to the above method several times.

The main advantage of this type of washing is its cheapness. If we talk about the disadvantage, then this method of cleaning the system is the most inefficient.

How to flush the cooling system with acidified water, advantages and disadvantages

Flushing the cooling system with acidified water is one of the longest, but it is worth spending about 6 hours to get rid of scale and improve engine heat dissipation for a long time. In the event that traces of scale or dirty sediment were found in the drained antifreeze, then such a cooling system must be flushed with a special solution without fail. Often, motorists use an acidified solution to more effectively deal with contaminants in the system.

The flushing procedure is not too complicated, it is longer than with other cleaning products. First you need to prepare a slightly acidic solution with distilled water and acid, then pour it into the cooling system. When all the liquid is in the system, you should tighten the filler neck, envy the engine and leave it to run for about 15 minutes.

When the engine is turned off, the oxidized liquid should be left inside the system for about 3 hours, so that all the scale can be removed from the walls of the pipes. After 3 hours, you can drain all the liquid and repeat the whole procedure again. Finally, flush the system again with distilled water.

There is one big drawback in this method - if you add too much acid to the water, it will not only remove scale, but will also be absorbed into the rubber pipes, which will gradually corrode them.

how to acidify a solution

In case of severe contamination of the cooling system, it must be cleaned with an acidified solution.

You can make such a solution with your own hands, while adding the following active ingredients to the liquid:

• citric acid;
• lactic acid;
• vinegar essence;
• caustic soda.

When adding each substance, proportions should be observed, due to which the created mixture will be gentle on rubber pipes.

Special detergents

Today, in any automotive store you can buy a large number of special tools for flushing the engine cooling system. Relatively neutral cleaners, which do not include acids and alkalis, are more popular. They have different efficiencies, some of which are used only for prevention, preventing the appearance of scale, others - allow you to remove strong contaminants in the SOD.

All modern means used to flush the cooling system are a complex set of active substances. In addition to simple cleaning agents, they include special inhibitors that allow you to efficiently fight metal corrosion and agents for gentle washing of plastic and rubber, etc.

You can also find universal products that can clean any type of pollution. At the same time, if you choose the right cleaning agent, you can cope with almost any pollution.

acid agents, advantages and disadvantages

One of the types of cleaning agents for SOD are acidic, capable of overcoming even the most serious consequences of corrosion. To clean corrosion, such products are often used, diluted with distilled water. This type of cleaning will have a number of advantages and disadvantages.

The advantage of acidic SOD cleaners is that they do an excellent job of controlling corrosion in the system. Another important advantage of such compositions is the creation of a protective film by them. It envelops the metal and prevents the appearance of new rust formations.

If we talk about the shortcomings, then they are also present here. After using acidic cleaning compounds, it is necessary to flush the cooling system more thoroughly. The very process of using acid washes is quite dangerous, and inhalation of vapors can cause burns to the respiratory system. To avoid such injuries, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment - gloves and masks.

The film that forms as a result of the use of acidic compounds is not durable. It is quite thin and there are no special guarantees to protect the metal parts of the structure from the reappearance of corrosion. Often, manufacturers add special inhibitors to the composition that prevent oxidation, which subsequently do not cope with their task.

alkaline agents, advantages and disadvantages

Alkaline cleaner is another type of cleaner for cooling systems. Such protective equipment is used if a large amount of oily stains and sediment are present in the replaced antifreeze. It is alkaline products that allow you to quickly and effectively clean SOD. The disadvantages of alkaline products include the fact that after washing several times it is necessary to re-clean the system.

The use of alkaline solutions is quite difficult. The time of their use is often limited by the manufacturer and this figure is very important to observe. Otherwise, it will be necessary to use additional cleaners that will neutralize alkaline products.

To date, alkaline cleaners for engine cooling systems are unpopular, because they have a negative effect on SOD in general - on rubber pipes and plastics.

two-component means, advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of two-component means for cleaning cooling systems is their versatility. The composition of such a tool includes active ingredients from acid and alkaline washings. This composition allows you to quickly cope with metal corrosion inside the engine cooling system, as well as remove oily stains and oxidized areas.

The composition of two-component products is balanced in such a way that it contains acid and alkali in certain proportions. This composition allows you to quickly clean the contaminated SOD and normalize the heat transfer of the engine.

If we talk about the shortcomings of such products, then they are poisonous, therefore, when working with them, it is necessary to pay sufficient attention to personal protection. In addition, you should fully adhere to the instructions for use indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. This is what will allow you to qualitatively clean the cooling system, while not harming it.

neutral means or mild washing, advantages and disadvantages

The most popular type of SOD purifier today are neutral, or, as they are also called, soft washes. These products do not contain strong acids and alkalis. There is a huge selection of such products on the market that have different effectiveness: some are used only as a prevention of pollution, others allow you to get rid of pollution, and only some allow you to get rid of serious problems.

Any modern cleaning agent is a complex complex of all kinds of substances. In any automotive store, you can pick up a high-quality cleaning agent that can clean engine cooling systems of absolutely any design and degree of contamination.

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Untimely replacement of the coolant or the use of water as such leads to a large amount of deposits inside the radiator and pipes. However, even with proper operation, various contaminants appear over time inside the cooling system. For this reason, it should be washed periodically.

A sign that the system needs to be flushed is a rapid loss of coolant properties. Passing through contaminated channels, even fresh antifreeze or antifreeze rapidly darken. The engine then starts to overheat more often.

In this situation, a complete replacement of the coolant will not help. It will only delay the problem. In addition, the cost of such a solution is too high. The best option is to determine how and how to flush the engine cooling system.

How to flush the engine cooling system

To flush the cooling system, use homemade and special products. Home remedies include:

• lemon acid;
• vinegar;
• milk serum;
• fanta.

Each of these products has a different degree of cleansing effect. So, washing with citric acid or vinegar will not solve the problem with scale and a lot of dirt. But acids are great for rust in the system. Fanta proved to be an excellent remedy: it also contains a large amount of citric acid.

Whey cleanses the system quickly and effectively. The only nuance of its use as a cleaning agent is the need for repeated preliminary filtering.

As for special tools, their wide range is presented in auto chemical goods stores. Conventionally, they are divided into four groups:

1. Group of neutral liquids. Their chemical composition does not contain aggressive acids and alkalis. Such liquids are used for preventive purposes.
2. A group of acidic liquids. These products are designed to remove rust.
3. Group of alkaline liquids. They are used for descaling.
4. Universal cleaners. They contain both acids and alkaline compounds. Thanks to this, all types of contaminants are cleaned.

In fact, only universal cleaning compounds cannot be made at home. Otherwise, there is no need to purchase special tools. The result from their use will be the same as from home.

An important nuance: only one type of product can be used to flush the system. You also need to observe the proportions, do not make too much concentration. System elements made of plastic or rubber can be easily damaged by aggressive acids or alkalis.

Gentle flushing of the engine cooling system

In addition to the tools described above, not so long ago an innovative product appeared on sale. They call it a soft flush of the engine cooling system.

The principle of operation of this tool is based on its unusual chemical composition. This washing liquid does not contain acids or alkalis in principle, that is, it has a neutral acid-base balance. The system of catalysts in its composition slowly dissolves contaminants without harm to the cooling system.

Soft flushes are presented in auto chemical goods stores in two types:

• special additives;
• coolant concentrates.

Such funds are poured into the cooling system and operate the car, as before. After several thousand kilometers, the cooling system will be completely cleaned. From this point on, you can completely change the coolant.

Cleaning the radiator from contaminants with a gentle flush is an effective and harmless way. Its only drawback is the relatively long cleaning time.

Washing agents

Most modern motorists prefer to purchase a ready-made flushing agent in the store, rather than bother with solutions and proportions. Popular liquids in the Russian auto chemical goods market are represented by three brands:

• "Laurel";
• Liqui Moly;
• Hi Gear.

Briefly about each of them. The most popular is Lavr with LAVR Radiator Flush Classic. Lavr is a Russian manufacturer of auto chemicals, surprisingly successful and at the same time inexpensive. It is the combination of "price - quality" that attracts buyers of this product.

Reviews on the forums of motorists about this tool are overwhelmingly good. A half-liter bottle of this liquid is enough for a complete cleansing of the entire cooling system. The cleaning procedure takes an average of about an hour.

Liqui Moly manufactures LIQUI MOLY Kuhler-Reiniger, which is the soft wash described above. Despite the gentle composition, it cleans the system pretty quickly. The whole procedure takes 45 minutes.

The properties declared by the manufacturer are present in full. This tool really copes with all types of pollution. At the same time, it cleans without damaging any fragile parts of the system.

And finally, Hi-Gear with Radiator Flush - 7 minute. Based on the name, it can be understood that this flush is designed for the fastest possible cleaning. Like LIQUI MOLY Kuhler-Reiniger, it does not contain aggressive substances.

All of these tools are reliable and easy to use. They improve the efficiency of the cooling system and also contain a corrosion inhibitor.

How to flush a radiator without removing it

It often happens that there is simply no time to remove the radiator. There is nothing to worry about: you can rinse it well without removing it. This should be done in two stages, washing from the outside and from the inside.

In order to flush the radiator from the outside, you need to remove the protective grille. After that, numerous contaminants are first removed with a Karcher or a compressor, and then with a brush with gasoline. On this external cleaning can be considered finished.

After cleaning the outside, move on to the inside. To do this, use any of the flushing fluids listed above. First, the spent coolant is completely drained from the cooling system. After that, flushing is poured and the machine runs for the period of time indicated by the instructions at idle. On average, this is about 30 minutes.

The flushing fluid should be drained in the same way as the used coolant. After that, fresh coolant is poured into the system, and protection is put on the radiator.

The following procedures should be carried out, adhering to the safety rules:

• use protective gloves and goggles;
• drain the fluid after the engine has cooled down.

Conclusion

Flushing the cooling system is a mandatory and simple procedure. Every car owner can do it at home. The choice of means for cleaning the cooling system is wide, and their cost is very affordable.

The invention and use of antifreeze as a liquid for the car's cooling system saved car owners from a number of rather serious problems. Firstly, when exposed to negative temperatures, therefore it is safe to use it in the winter, without worrying that the liquid that is not drained after freezing will cause serious damage to the power plant. Secondly, there was a large amount of salts in the water, which, after heating, settled in the form of scale in the channels of the system, significantly reducing its performance.

Causes and consequences of contamination of the cooling system

But still, the use of antifreeze did not completely solve the pollution problem, but only reduced it. Yes, there are no impurities in its composition that can be deposited in the form of scale. But on the other hand, it contains additives that precipitate after the resource is exhausted, which is why it is recommended to periodically replace the coolant.

In addition, it often happens that another brand of antifreeze is used as topping up. Because of this, a conflict of additives of two liquids is possible, which also results in the appearance of sediment.

It also happens that there was no antifreeze at hand, and ordinary water was added to the system. And this is a guarantee of scale formation.

And the liquid itself will in any case react with the environment, despite the additives preventing this. And this will ensure the formation of compounds that usually become a precipitate. Do not forget that other technical fluids, such as oil, can get into the antifreeze through leaks.

All this leads to the fact that a significant amount of all kinds of dirt is formed in the channels, which settles on the walls of these channels, and if their cross section is small, then blockage is completely possible.

As a result, the thermal regime of the engine is disturbed, since the existing layers of deposits impede heat transfer. Because of this, components and mechanisms operate in conditions of increased temperature tension, which affects their resource.

In addition, the coolant is not able to quickly remove heat, because the throughput of the channels drops due to dirt. And since the pump performance remains the same, the pressure in the system rises, and in some cases it can increase so much that it will break the system pipe.

Video: How to flush the cooling system CHEAPLY (for example, VAZ 2101)

The problem with blockage of channels is also not encouraging. Tubes of small cross section are available only in two elements of the system - radiators (the main one and the interior heating system). At the same time, their throughput is reduced, which leads to a drop in the efficiency of their work. Due to blockage of part of the channels of the main radiator, the overall temperature of the engine increases, and the likelihood of overheating of the motor increases.

If the radiator of the interior heating system is clogged, then the stove does not heat well, and traveling in winter without a stove is still a pleasure.

In general, the problem of contamination of the cooling system remains relevant for car owners and they have to deal with it.

Signs of contamination of the cooling system

In order to reduce the likelihood of the formation of a large amount of pollutants, only high-quality antifreeze should be filled in, used for topping up, and also replaced in a timely manner. But even this is not able to fully protect against the appearance of dirt in the channels. Therefore, it is recommended to also flush the system using all kinds of means.

The main signs that the cooling system is heavily contaminated and requires flushing are:

• antifreeze after replacement very quickly changes color (it becomes a brown opaque liquid);
• third-party elements are clearly visible in it;
• the temperature of the power plant in a warm state is above normal;
• the interior heating system does not heat up.

It is worth noting here that the degree of contamination of the cooling system can be different. These signs appear only with severe contamination.

Depending on the degree of contamination, the washing method is selected. For example, if the car is new and it is simply decided to flush the system for the sake of prevention during replacement, then it is enough to fill in ordinary distilled water and drive it through the system, and then fill in “fresh” antifreeze. This will be enough.

Video: Flushing the cooling system.

Conventionally, flushing the cooling system can be divided into incomplete and complete. The first case is applicable for prevention or for medium pollution. But the full will have to be carried out if all these signs appear. It should also be carried out in the case of buying a car in the secondary market (after all, it is not known how the operation and maintenance of the car was previously carried out, so it is better to be safe).

Means for flushing the engine cooling system?

Since flushing will be carried out not for prevention, but to remove deposits, flushing agents will have to be used.

They can be bought at the car market (for example, a Hi-Gear cooling system flusher, etc.). But you can use folk remedies. The first case is more preferable, since in such a tool (if it is not a fake) an optimal package of cleaning additives is assembled, and if the instructions for use are followed, no troubles will arise. As for folk remedies, here you have to act at your own risk.

The most commonly used folk remedies for flushing the system are:

1. Lemon acid.
2. Whey (product of dairy products processing).
3. Drinks "Coca-Cola", "Sprite".

The peculiarity of all these products is that they contain an acid, which, reacting with deposits, leads to their exfoliation and removal from the system. With citric acid, everything is clear, whey contains a weak concentration of lactic acid, and in these drinks - orthophosphoric. As for the last remedy, it is better to refrain from it, since in addition to acid there are other components in drinks (the same sugar), and its presence in the system is not desirable.

How to flush the engine cooling system

Flushing the cooling system with medium contamination is very simple. Consider how this is done using the Hi-Gear tool. For washing you will need:

• cleaning agent;
• distilled water (about 20-25 liters for an engine with a 5 liter cooling system);
• new antifreeze.

Washing technology is as follows:

1. Before starting work, open the damper of the radiator of the cooling system (so that the liquid drains completely).
2. We unscrew the drain plugs and drain the used antifreeze from the system.
3. We prepare a washing solution (we add the product to the water in the indicated proportions).
4. We close the plugs and pour the prepared solution.
5. We start the engine and let it run at medium speed (2500-3000 rpm) until the power plant is fully warmed up.
6. We turn off the engine and drain the solution.
7. We completely fill the system with distillate, start the engine so that the pump drives water through the system. We merge.
8. Repeat rinsing with water 2-3 times. This is necessary in order to wash off the remnants of the cleaning solution, as well as dirt. Rinsing should be done until clean water comes out.
9. We fill in new antifreeze.

All work should be done carefully so as not to get burns from heated drained liquids.

The technology for washing with citric acid and Coca-Cola drinks does not differ from that described. But in the first case, it is important to properly prepare the solution (100 g of acid per 1 liter of water), while making sure that the acid is completely dissolved. When using a drink, no solutions need to be prepared; for flushing, the system is completely filled with Coca-Cola. After that, be sure to flush the cooling system with distilled water several times.

Video: Flushing the VAZ cooling system (Maintenance of the VAZ 2106)

As for whey, washing with it is carried out in a slightly different way. Since the concentration of acid in it is small, short-term washing with this agent will not give any result. Therefore, the system is washed with it like this: the system is completely filled with whey and the engine is operated with it as a coolant. After a run of 100-150 km, it merges, the system is flushed with distillate, and then coolant is poured.

Flushing the cooling system with severe contamination

With severe contamination, there is a possibility that a large amount of dirt washed off the walls during flushing can clog channels of small cross section. And to prevent this from happening, you should do a complete flush.

It boils down to the fact that after using the flushing agent, it is necessary to dismantle the radiators from the car and rinse them additionally.

That is, we do this:

1. Washed with a means, drove the distillate through the system.
2. They removed the radiators, washed them inside with a good stream of water (until it comes out clean at the exit).
3. We put everything in place.
4. Flush the system again with distilled water.
5. We fill in new antifreeze.

In order to avoid heavy contamination in the future, a preventive flush should be carried out every time.

June 10, 2018

Overheating of an automobile motor happens for many reasons - various malfunctions, low-quality antifreeze filling, leaks, and so on. On used cars with decent mileage, an additional problem often arises - a banal clogging of narrow ducts and thin radiator tubes. The troubleshooting method is relatively simple and does not require large financial costs - you need to flush the engine cooling system. You can do the work yourself, right in your own garage or on the street.

About the causes and consequences of pollution

The motor and elements of the cooling system of the new car are absolutely clean. Heat exchange in the radiators and the water jacket of the engine is as efficient as possible. Over time, deposits form on the internal surfaces of the channels, which impair the transfer of heat from the coolant. The reasons for the phenomenon are as follows:

• natural oxidation and decomposition of antifreeze;
• filling the system with untreated water rich in metal oxides (salts);
• use of low quality antifreeze;
• a crack in the gasket between the main engine block and the cylinder head (cylinder head), through which engine oil penetrates into the cooling channels.

Note. The circulating hot liquid also interacts with gaskets and various sealants, gradually washing away material particles. The latter travel through the system and clog the bottlenecks - radiator honeycombs.

The process of decomposition of antifreeze is considered natural and is observed on all cars. The result is a deposit in the form of a slippery coating on the inner walls of the pipes and ducts. The phenomenon has practically no effect on heat transfer until the insulating layer becomes too thick (10–15 years of car operation).

Other reasons arise due to improper maintenance of the vehicle or engine breakdowns. Separately, it is worth mentioning the filling of ordinary water - scale forms from its contact with the cold surface of the heat exchanger tubes. This is a durable heat-insulating coating, often blocking the flow of fluid through the engine cooling radiator.

Clogged cooling system pipes cause overheating of the power unit. Further it is clear - the wear of the cylinder-piston group accelerates sharply, the motorist has to repair the engine ahead of schedule.

When to flush?

Removal of contaminants from the engine cooling system is carried out as needed, there is no clearly established regulation. If the machine is properly maintained during operation, and the water jacket and heat exchangers are filled with high-quality antifreeze, then sedimentation and deposit accumulation remain minimal. It will take 8-10 years before such a need arises.

A number of signs indicate clogging of the auto cooling elements:

• the motor constantly works at a temperature close to the limit, the electric fan often turns on;
• after pouring fresh antifreeze, the liquid becomes dark brown in just a few hours;
• deposits are observed on the inner surface of the filler caps;
• the interior heater heat exchanger slightly warms the air;
• antifreeze boils away quickly, it has to be topped up often.

Note. Symptoms correctly reflect the picture only when the pump and thermostat are in good condition, and there are no leaks at the connections.

As a rule, the listed signs appear simultaneously, since clogging particles and salts are evenly distributed throughout the system. But first of all, it is the salon heat exchanger that “overgrows” - its tubes are the thinnest. Just flushing the radiator is not enough - you need to remove deposits from all channels and assemblies.

Tools used

The simplest and cheapest remedy - distilled water - is used for the purpose of preventive washing in the process of replacing antifreeze. The procedure is extremely simple - the antifreeze that has exhausted its resource is drained, the cooling network is filled with distillate, after which the engine warms up to operating temperature. The system is then re-emptied and filled with new anti-freeze fluid.

Prevention gives results in the case of constant use - with each replacement of the coolant. It is unrealistic to wash off scale that has been deposited for several years with water. For major cleaning, experienced drivers use the following tools:

• distilled water with the addition of weak acids (citric, acetic);
• the same with the addition of caustic soda or sodium hypochlorite, better known as "Whiteness";
• factory-made cooling system flush chemicals sold in automotive stores.

Factory chemicals are divided into 2 groups - strong and soft flush liquids. The choice and application depends on the degree of clogging. The question is how to define it? You can't see pollution from the outside. Here you should be guided by two signs: deposits on the plug of the main radiator and the efficiency of the stove.

If the cabin heater practically does not heat up or the lower part of the radiator cap is covered with a dirty coating, it is better to flush the system with a strong two-component composition in two stages. The first is made on an acid basis, the second is on an alkaline basis, when cleaning chemicals are poured in turn. Otherwise, you can limit yourself to a soft flush liquid.

The use of a folk remedy - acidified distillate saves money and also gives an effect, but takes much more time. It is necessary to allocate from 4 to 7 hours to remove perennial dirt.

Soft cleaning method

To do the work yourself, you will need a minimum set of tools:

• wrenches for unscrewing drain plugs;
• the largest syringe you can buy;
• capacity for emptying the water jacket of the motor;
• protective rubber gloves.

Factory products designed for soft cleaning do not corrode gaskets, sealants and rubber products. In addition, the chemical allows you to save up to 90% of the flooded antifreeze, after the operation you will not have to change it.

An example of a popular chemical of this type is the Russian-made Motor Resurs liquid, tested by many motorists on their own cars.

Flushing is done without removing radiators and other parts of the cooling circuit according to the instructions:

1. On a cold engine, unscrew the cap of the main radiator or expansion tank. From there, take antifreeze in an amount of 200 cm 3 with a syringe.
2. Shake well the composition in the bottle and pour into the open neck. Reinstall the plug.
3. Keep driving the car until you have driven 2000 km or see a decrease in engine operating temperature - whichever comes first.
4. Drain all antifreeze from a warm engine, including from the stove radiator. Let the liquid stand for 2 hours - during this time a precipitate will fall on the bottom of the container.
5. Carefully pour 80-90% of the antifreeze back into the cooling system, do not pour out the sediment. Top up the cooling circuit with coolant to the correct level and operate the machine with peace of mind.

Reagents from other manufacturers act in a similar way, only some are filled 1-2 thousand km before replacing the coolant. Additional rinsing with distilled water is not required.

How to do a major cleanup?

If the channels are covered from the inside with a thick layer of plaque, a gentle flushing of the engine cooling system will not give a tangible result. In such cases, a two-component strong agent and water for intermediate cleaning are used. The application technology is as follows:

1. Empty the cooling circuit. The remains of antifreeze from the stove are removed by blowing through one of the nozzles.
2. Heat the desired volume of distillate, pour into the motor and add component No. 1. Start the engine and warm up to operating temperature, let it run for several minutes (the flushing period is indicated on the package).
3. Drain the contaminated solution, refill the system with water and warm up the power package.
4. Remove the water again and fill vial #2 plus distillate. Repeat the flushing operation and empty the system.
5. Do another flush with distilled water in order to remove any remaining scale from the radiators and engine. Fill the circuit with fresh antifreeze.

Warning! When cleaning the channels of the units with strong chemicals, be prepared for the leakage of heat exchangers. The reagent will open microcracks covered in mud, through which antifreeze will seep.

You can rinse the radiator, engine and pipes with citric acid or vinegar essence. No more than 100 grams of food "lemon" or a liter bottle of "Whiteness" is added to the volume of 10 liters. It must be understood that such solutions are quite aggressive and can also cause heat exchangers to leak.

The cleaning technology is similar - the old antifreeze is drained, flushed with acid and distillate. The difference compared to the factory chemical is poor efficiency. It will take several washes to remove a strong blockage, so the intermediate use of distilled water becomes pointless.

Experienced drivers recommend leaving citric acid in the engine for 1-2 hours after warming up the engine. The goal is to allow the chemistry to interact with the scale until the liquid has cooled. If you decide to clean the system with "Whiteness" or another strong agent, then drain it immediately after processing and quickly fill the units with water. Be sure to wear a respirator - chlorine vapor is very caustic and harmful to health.