lime scale removal

juke joint johnny

juke joint johnny

Well-known member
Whats the best way to clean lime scale from a radiator?

Will the Vinegar treatment work or is that just for rust?

It's an original 29 Round tube rad that doesn't leak so anything is worth a try

John Cochran
 
There is a product available here for the removal of Calcium, Lime and Rust deposits. It's called CLR and is available from hardware stores and some groceries. Ask around - I'd be surprised if there is not something similar over there.
I cannot comment of whether vinegar will help.
 
Other info - Best to treat with Washing Soda (not baking soda) or Dawn dishwashing detergent to initially get grease/oil out of it 1st.


If treating with vinegar while in the car and running the motor/cooling system, if leaks occur it most likely will ruin any paint it gets on. I am not sure what happens with CLR, may want to do a spot test somewhere 1st.


When using White Vinegar or anything acidic always do a final fill/flush with baking soda/water to neutralize the acidic content that has permeated within the cooling system.
 
I don't know if I would use Dawn or any other like product. It is concentrated so you could easily get too many suds. You would have to rinse it out with cold water a few times.
It is great stuff with hot water for cleaning out grease though.
 
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Cool Hand Lurker said:
I don't know if I would use Dawn or any other like product. It is concentrated so you could easily get too many suds. You would have to rinse it out with cold water a few times.
it is great stuff with hot water for cleaning out grease though.
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Suds can be an issue of you're driving any distance. The suds mean the coolant doesn't work properly an the engine overheats. I use a tablet from the dish washer. Removes the grease and no foam.
 
Oxalic acid works great, downside not very environmentally safe, get it on paint etc not good. Have to be very careful wearing gloves and do not get any on you or your cloths. Plus might be harsh on an original 29 round tube radiator, might cause it to leak.


I've used the dawn, works well, do not remember how much but yes do not overdo it. Did not leave it in long, performed the cleaning with the car sitting still at fast idle and kept an eye on the temp. Then used a hose/adapter/garden hose to back flush for an extended period. CLR or vinegar or what ever else used should flush out the dawn and should have no continuing suds issues.


I've also heard teh dishwasher tablet works well, but have not personally tried it.
 
And we still have not answered the OPs original question. Does White Vinegar remove scale?


Hopefully someone knows and will post the answer.
 
Yes, it will clean scale. I use it to clean my coffee pot, but have never had the need for my "A". Google it........... lots of info
 
I worked for ford 43 yrs. and used oxalic yearly on my cars to remove foundry fallout. Had no problems with paint. Just use some gloves to keep the burn down if you have a scratch or small cut Just my 2 cents RAY
 
Vinegar will work. But be careful about about starting leaks. Vinegar usually is 5% ascetic acid and it can start a pinhole leak. Don't ask me how I know !
Terry
 
Yes Vinegar will work. Somewhat slowly. CLR is a bit quicker. Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid) is much quicker, but don't leave it in too long... use it at about a 4:1 dilution. (4 parts water.)
 
abachman3 said:
Yes Vinegar will work. Somewhat slowly. CLR is a bit quicker. Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid) is much quicker, but don't leave it in too long... use it at about a 4:1 dilution. (4 parts water.)
Click to expand...
Now, there is a safe way, and a dangerous way to mix an acid and water.
Which is the safe way?
 
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