Member Since: 01 Jun 2020
Location: Horndean
Posts: 214
Coolant system clean
A while back I had a defective oil cooler which leaked oil into the cooling system.
The oil cooler was replaced and the system flushed a number of times.
However, I am still getting left over oil transiting into the coolant reservoir and there is still quite a lot stuck to the insides of the cooling hoses.
Can anyone advise on the best way to clear this out? I’ve flushed the system a number of times with radiator flush additives etc.
The car has been to the garage and I’ve had it confirmed that there are no more leaks but their advice was that the only way to completely sort the problem is to replace all the hoses and do a full flush through the block and radiator ; coming back with a coat of approx £2k - which I simply can’t afford at present.
Car runs perfectly, temperature always normal etc.
Any advice on how to improve / remove the worst? Just keep regularly flushing with flushing additives?
Thanks in advance for any advice.2005 Disco3 HSE Auto 😁
27th Sep 2021 10:38 pm
defector
Member Since: 23 Feb 2009
Location: Greater Manchester
Posts: 1451
I've used washing up powder in a couple of vehicles where the oil cooler leaked oil into the cooling system.
Works a treat, although had to do it a couple of times.
Don't ask me if it was bio or non bio, that's the lady's territory.
27th Sep 2021 11:53 pm
PROFSR G
Member Since: 06 Mar 2017
Location: Lost
Posts: 4985
A thoroughly dissolved dishwasher tablet and lots of hot water will work well too. You may need several flushes (3 tablets) and I usually disconnect the heater pipes and flush that separately.
Run the engine for about 10 min max then drain and repeat. Thoroughly flush all the detergent out of the system as it can harm aluminium alloy and components!yµ (idµ - eAµ) ψ=mψ
28th Sep 2021 12:12 am
Bubblehead
Member Since: 01 Jun 2020
Location: Horndean
Posts: 214
Thanks for both replies. Shall try that next then.
defector wrote:
I've used washing up powder in a couple of vehicles where the oil cooler leaked oil into the cooling system.
Works a treat, although had to do it a couple of times.
Don't ask me if it was bio or non bio, that's the lady's territory.
How much did you add? And literally just pour into the reservoir and then run for a bit?2005 Disco3 HSE Auto 😁
28th Sep 2021 6:51 am
defector
Member Since: 23 Feb 2009
Location: Greater Manchester
Posts: 1451
I used a couple of cupfuls as some cooling systems hav a lot of water.
I put the powder into a empty 5 litre cannister and filled it with water and shook it about a bit until most was dissolved and then poured it in.
28th Sep 2021 1:14 pm
lynalldiscovery
Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274
I have used TFR CTFR, and brick acid for extreme cases on boats.
28th Sep 2021 7:42 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8184
Washing up liguid with detergent is the best solution for removing oil, it is even used for oil spillage at sea, only downside is it contains salt and must be well flushed with tap water. it is essential to do it as oil will destroy rubber hoses.It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
28th Sep 2021 8:03 pm
OvalAutos
Member Since: 28 Dec 2018
Location: Cradley Heath
Posts: 382
Dissolved soda crystals and dishwasher powder works well. You'll need to flush the antifreeze out first and run it with just water (and detergent) for a few days, then repeat until it's clear.
Unfortunately the coolant expansion bottle will remain stained.Joe
Logically, dishwasher tablets and/or washing powder should be OK for the engine as they're designed for use in systems with mixed metals/rubbers/plastics BUT are likely to interfere with the antifreeze, so thorough rinsing is a good idea.
They each shift greases differently... dishwasher tablets are great at cleaning washing machines! ... so a flush with each sounds like a plan..
Dean
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... All LED interiors lights, DRLs, Spare Wheel protector.
