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[GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #247979] Sun, 20 April 2014 17:42 Go to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
G'day,

I forgot I had promised to do this awhile back! Bob de Kruyff sent me a summary of how he flushes the engine cooling system in his
GMC and I put together this step by step procedure.

GMC COOLING SYSTEM FLUSH PROCEDURE

Background: The cleaner a cooling system in a vehicle is the better it will perform. The following procedure will outline how to
flush the engine cooling system in a GMC Motorhome to have it perform at its best.

MATERIALS REQUIRED

Oxalic Acid Crystals:

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/koz3krz

http://www.amazon.com/Oxalic-Acid-99-bag-C2H2O4/dp/B007HUR0EK/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hg_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1J7JJW7SR89088HPWR2T

eBay: http://tinyurl.com/mjwwpez

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oxalic-Acid-99-pure-2lb-/261334376485?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cd8be2025

Baking Soda - Local purchase

Distilled Water - Local purchase

Anti-Freeze - Local purchase

PROCEDURE

1) Open any valve(s) installed in the lines to / from the heater core and to / from the house water heater.
2) Open the drain on the radiator to drain the cooling system and remove the anti-freeze water mix.
3) Close all drains and fill the system with fresh water.
4) Start the engine and allow it to run long enough to remove the air from the cooling system.
5) Shut off the engine and check the radiator and fill with fresh water as required.
6) Start the engine again and allow it to idle for a few minutes to verify that there is no air in the cooling system.
7) Shut the engine off and open the drain on the radiator to drain the cooling system again.
8) When water stops draining close the radiator drain valve.
9) Heat 2 quarts of water and dissolve 2 cups of oxalic acid crystals in the hot water.
10) Pour the oxalic acid / water solution into the radiator then fill the system with fresh water.
11) Start the engine and allow it to idle until normal operating temperature is reached.
12) Shut off the engine and allow the GMC to sit for a couple of hours.
13) Start the engine and take the GMC for a drive until it reaches full operating temperature.
14) Return home and drain the cooling system.
15) Fill the cooling system with domestic water while leaving the radiator drain open and the radiator fill cap off.
16) Regulate the input water so that the radiator stays full with the drain open and radiator fill cap off.
17) Start the engine and allow it to idle with radiator drain open and the radiator fill cap off.
18) When the drained water becomes clear stop the engine and shut the radiator drain.
19) Heat two quarts of water and dissolve 4 cups of baking soda in the hot water.
20) Pour the dissolved baking soda / water solution into the radiator and fill the system with fresh water.
21) Start the engine and allow it idle until it reaches normal operating temperature.
22) Shut the engine off and open the radiator drain valve.
23) Drain the cooling system.
24) Close the drain and fill the system with fresh water.
25) Start the engine and allow it idle until it comes to normal operating temp.
26) Shut the engine off and drain the cooling system.
27) Fill the cooling system with 50/50 antifreeze / distilled water.

Please feel free to review this procedure and comment if something is not clear, you disagree with anything I've noted, or have
anything to add or subtract.

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie


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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #247988 is a reply to message #247979] Sun, 20 April 2014 18:05 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Otterwan   United States
Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...
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Senior Member
Unless there is something majorly wrong with your cooling system, that seems like an excessive amount of work. I've always just drained the old fluid, added fresh water, runt the engine, drained again, and added fresh antifreeze (diluted 50/50 with water). And I've always used tap water, although we are lucky to have extremely soft water here. If the first drain doesn't look rusty I will just add fresh antifreeze and forgo the flushing.

Your system might be good for an extremely corroded cooling system, but then I would be concerned that all the cleaning might cause leaks.


1977 Birchaven, Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."
Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #247992 is a reply to message #247988] Sun, 20 April 2014 18:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
David,

Agreed, this procedure was written for GMC's that have cooling problems.

Agreed again, the oxalic acid could / would dissolve pockets of corrosion in the radiator and lead to leaks, however, sooner or
later those pockets of corrosion will begin to leak on their own and would you rather have that happen in your driveway or in the
middle of nowhere?

Agreed, if it's not broke don't fix it! ;-)

Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia

-----Original Message-----
From: David Orders

Unless there is something majorly wrong with your cooling system, that seems like an excessive amount of work. I've always just
drained the old fluid, added fresh water, runt the engine, drained again, and added fresh antifreeze (diluted 50/50 with water). And
I've always used tap water, although we are lucky to have extremely soft water here. If the first drain doesn't look rusty I will
just add fresh antifreeze and forgo the flushing.

Your system might be good for an extremely corroded cooling system, but then I would be concerned that all the cleaning might cause
leaks.


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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #247994 is a reply to message #247979] Sun, 20 April 2014 18:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
George B. is currently offline  George B.   United States
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
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Senior Member
Great write up for an engine flush. You reminded me that my system is way over due for that maintenance. Thanks.

Only problem I would have here in California is what to do with the drained fluids. First would have to set up a work area with a liquid barrier and berm to contain any spilled fluids and guard against contaminating the ground water. Would have to get a barrel from a hazmat company with proper permits and correct shipping manifest and pay to have the drained fluids hauled away for proper processing and disposal. Oh I forgot, would need a permit from local code enforcement to start work and have a pre-job inspection to insure proper protective measures are in place.
Oh I forgot #2, would need a chemist to classify and certify the contents in barrel.

Otherwise risk jail time due to the danger posed to the endangered Mohave Desert Spotted Cactus worm (and others).


George Butts Las Vegas Nevada 73 "Custom 26' Q" & 76 23' Birchaven 71 Honda 600 Coupe & 01 Tracker Toads
Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #248001 is a reply to message #247994] Sun, 20 April 2014 18:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
George,

Good Point!

I did not include the issue of properly disposing with the fluid and contaminants removed from a GMC cooling system that underwent
the procedure; however, now that you mention it I will revise the procedure to include the following statement:

"Dispose of any fluid and contaminants removed from your GMC in accordance with all Local, State, and Federal regulations. The
author accepts no responsibility should you not do so and get caught, prosecuted, and wind up in jail! Keep in mind that the author
lives in Australia and you'll play merry hell getting him extradited!"

Besides I am sure ALL GMCer's are responsible environmentalists and would not do ANYTHING to endanger the environment!

Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia

-----Original Message-----
From: GEORGE BUTTS

Great write up for an engine flush. You reminded me that my system is way over due for that maintenance. Thanks.

Only problem I would have here in California is what to do with the drained fluids. First would have to set up a work area with a
liquid barrier and berm to contain any spilled fluids and guard against contaminating the ground water. Would have to get a barrel
from a hazmat company with proper permits and correct shipping manifest and pay to have the drained fluids hauled away for proper
processing and disposal. Oh I forgot, would need a permit from local code enforcement to start work and have a pre-job inspection
to insure proper protective measures are in place.
Oh I forgot #2, would need a chemist to classify and certify the contents in barrel.

Otherwise risk jail time due to the danger posed to the endangered Mohave Desert Spotted Cactus worm (and others).
--
George

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #248010 is a reply to message #248001] Sun, 20 April 2014 19:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Otterwan   United States
Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Around here you can take old used antifreeze to the transfer station (formerly known as "The Dump"). They have containers where it is collected and recycled. Many of the county vehicles used recycled antifreeze. Same for oil, oil filters, wet and dry cell batteries, metal, cardboard, fluorescent bulbs, and scrap lumber. All for free.

1977 Birchaven, Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."
Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #248013 is a reply to message #248010] Sun, 20 April 2014 19:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
G'day,

I trust everyone realized my last message was a bit tongue in cheek regarding disposing of the drained anti-freeze. Here in Sydney
we have centers just like David has in Lynwood. That's where any of the materials noted below I come up with wind up!

As a member of the Owners Corporation Executive Committee (OCEC) for the 50 unit factory complex where my workshop is I have called
the local council and turned in a number of factory owners / tenants who have dumped various and sundry fluids down the storm water
drains. Actually I would do it even if I wasn't on the OCEC!

All the suburbs in Sydney have at least two bins, one for garbage and one for recycling (glass bottles, aluminum cans, cardboard,
paper). Helen and I note we generate very little garbage but we have LOTS of recycling!

Some councils issue bins for garden waste as well.

Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia

-----Original Message-----
From: David Orders

Around here you can take old used antifreeze to the transfer station (formerly known as "The Dump"). They have containers where it
is collected and recycled. Many of the county vehicles used recycled antifreeze. Same for oil, oil filters, wet and dry cell
batteries, metal, cardboard, fluorescent bulbs, and scrap lumber. All for free.

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #248024 is a reply to message #247988] Sun, 20 April 2014 21:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Otterwan wrote on Sun, 20 April 2014 17:05

Unless there is something majorly wrong with your cooling system, that seems like an excessive amount of work. I've always just drained the old fluid, added fresh water, runt the engine, drained again, and added fresh antifreeze (diluted 50/50 with water). And I've always used tap water, although we are lucky to have extremely soft water here. If the first drain doesn't look rusty I will just add fresh antifreeze and forgo the flushing.

Your system might be good for an extremely corroded cooling system, but then I would be concerned that all the cleaning might cause leaks.

It may sound like a lot of work but it really isn't. It's a great way to restart or renew your system. Many times we do half way maintenance and let overheating gradually sneak up on us. If you follow Rob"s procedure you will be amazed at what comes out !


Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #248033 is a reply to message #247994] Sun, 20 April 2014 22:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
n6mon is currently offline  n6mon   United States
Messages: 421
Registered: January 2004
Location: San Lorenzo, CA
Karma: 0
Senior Member

On 4/20/2014 4:35 PM, GEORGE BUTTS wrote:
> Only problem I would have here in California

George, while it is EASY to criticize California (and I live there an
am a Native), this is probably true in 50-75% of the states.
Most of what you reference is federal EPA regulations.

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Terry Taylor
'74 ex-Eleganza SE
San Lorenzo, CA
http://www.n6mon.org
http://dldesignstore.com
Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #248041 is a reply to message #248033] Sun, 20 April 2014 23:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
hal kading is currently offline  hal kading   United States
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Registered: February 2004
Location: Las Cruces NM
Karma: 4
Senior Member
Rob,

Please add that the anti-freeze is very poisonous and unless it is the newer bitter type, it tastes good to animals with deadly results.

Hal Kading 78 Buskirk Las Cruces NM
Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #248042 is a reply to message #248041] Sun, 20 April 2014 23:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Hal,

Excellent point!

Regards,
Rob M.


-----Original Message-----
From: Hal Kading

Rob,

Please add that the anti-freeze is very poisonous and unless it is the newer bitter type, it tastes good to animals with deadly
results.

Hal

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #248408 is a reply to message #247979] Thu, 24 April 2014 21:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GMC.LES is currently offline  GMC.LES   United States
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Registered: April 2014
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Senior Member
This is a question mainly for Bob.

Is the the oxalic acid primarily used to remove calcium deposits, or does it effectively remove rust as well? How well does it work on a cooling system that has been contaminated with oil?

I've got a VW TDI to fix that has had the water cooled oil cooler go bad, contaminating the cooling system with oil. Looking for a safe, thorough way to clean the entire system without busting the bank.

I know that Cummins recommends using two coolant system cleaning products, first one to de-grease, second to remove rust, scale, and calcium deposits. The stuff is $$, but highly recommended.

Les Burt
Montreal
1975 Eleganza 26ft
A work in Progress



On Apr 20, 2014, at 6:42 PM, "Robert Mueller" <robmueller@iinet.net.au> wrote:

G'day,

I forgot I had promised to do this awhile back! Bob de Kruyff sent me a summary of how he flushes the engine cooling system in his
GMC and I put together this step by step procedure.

GMC COOLING SYSTEM FLUSH PROCEDURE

Background: The cleaner a cooling system in a vehicle is the better it will perform. The following procedure will outline how to
flush the engine cooling system in a GMC Motorhome to have it perform at its best.

MATERIALS REQUIRED

Oxalic Acid Crystals:

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/koz3krz

http://www.amazon.com/Oxalic-Acid-99-bag-C2H2O4/dp/B007HUR0EK/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hg_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1J7JJW7SR89088HPWR2T

eBay: http://tinyurl.com/mjwwpez

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oxalic-Acid-99-pure-2lb-/261334376485?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cd8be2025

Baking Soda - Local purchase

Distilled Water - Local purchase

Anti-Freeze - Local purchase

PROCEDURE

1) Open any valve(s) installed in the lines to / from the heater core and to / from the house water heater.
2) Open the drain on the radiator to drain the cooling system and remove the anti-freeze water mix.
3) Close all drains and fill the system with fresh water.
4) Start the engine and allow it to run long enough to remove the air from the cooling system.
5) Shut off the engine and check the radiator and fill with fresh water as required.
6) Start the engine again and allow it to idle for a few minutes to verify that there is no air in the cooling system.
7) Shut the engine off and open the drain on the radiator to drain the cooling system again.
8) When water stops draining close the radiator drain valve.
9) Heat 2 quarts of water and dissolve 2 cups of oxalic acid crystals in the hot water.
10) Pour the oxalic acid / water solution into the radiator then fill the system with fresh water.
11) Start the engine and allow it to idle until normal operating temperature is reached.
12) Shut off the engine and allow the GMC to sit for a couple of hours.
13) Start the engine and take the GMC for a drive until it reaches full operating temperature.
14) Return home and drain the cooling system.
15) Fill the cooling system with domestic water while leaving the radiator drain open and the radiator fill cap off.
16) Regulate the input water so that the radiator stays full with the drain open and radiator fill cap off.
17) Start the engine and allow it to idle with radiator drain open and the radiator fill cap off.
18) When the drained water becomes clear stop the engine and shut the radiator drain.
19) Heat two quarts of water and dissolve 4 cups of baking soda in the hot water.
20) Pour the dissolved baking soda / water solution into the radiator and fill the system with fresh water.
21) Start the engine and allow it idle until it reaches normal operating temperature.
22) Shut the engine off and open the radiator drain valve.
23) Drain the cooling system.
24) Close the drain and fill the system with fresh water.
25) Start the engine and allow it idle until it comes to normal operating temp.
26) Shut the engine off and drain the cooling system.
27) Fill the cooling system with 50/50 antifreeze / distilled water.

Please feel free to review this procedure and comment if something is not clear, you disagree with anything I've noted, or have
anything to add or subtract.

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie


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Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #248413 is a reply to message #248408] Thu, 24 April 2014 22:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
Senior Member
""This is a question mainly for Bob.

Is the the oxalic acid primarily used to remove calcium deposits, or does it effectively remove rust as well? How well does it work on a cooling system that has been contaminated with oil?

I've got a VW TDI to fix that has had the water cooled oil cooler go bad, contaminating the cooling system with oil. Looking for a safe, thorough way to clean the entire system without busting the bank.

I know that Cummins recommends using two coolant system cleaning products, first one to de-grease, second to remove rust, scale, and calcium deposits. The stuff is $$, but highly recommended.

Les Burt
Montreal
1975 Eleganza 26ft
A work in Progress"'

Les, my experience is that it removes calcium and rust deposits but not oil. In fact I think oil impedes it's effectiveness.


Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #248418 is a reply to message #248408] Thu, 24 April 2014 23:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dave is currently offline  Dave   United States
Messages: 32
Registered: March 2004
Karma: 3
Member
I've been lurking on the list for a while and if you don't mind me butting in here I might be able to help. You don't want to use oxalic acid on an aluminum head engine. I have some experience with Mercedes diesels and they use a citric acid flush but if you have oil contamination in the cooling system a detergent flush goes first. Just do a web search for "citric acid flush" for the procedure.

Dave L
Lynnwood, Wa.
Future owner (if all goes as planned)
'73 23


----- Original Message -----
> This is a question mainly for Bob.
>
> Is the the oxalic acid primarily used to remove calcium deposits, or does it
> effectively remove rust as well? How well does it work on a cooling system
> that has been contaminated with oil?
>
> I've got a VW TDI to fix that has had the water cooled oil cooler go bad,
> contaminating the cooling system with oil. Looking for a safe, thorough way
> to clean the entire system without busting the bank.
>
> I know that Cummins recommends using two coolant system cleaning products,
> first one to de-grease, second to remove rust, scale, and calcium deposits.
> The stuff is $$, but highly recommended.
>
> Les Burt
> Montreal
> 1975 Eleganza 26ft
> A work in Progress
>
>
>
> On Apr 20, 2014, at 6:42 PM, "Robert Mueller" <robmueller@iinet.net.au>
> wrote:
>
> G'day,
>
> I forgot I had promised to do this awhile back! Bob de Kruyff sent me a
> summary of how he flushes the engine cooling system in his
> GMC and I put together this step by step procedure.
>
> GMC COOLING SYSTEM FLUSH PROCEDURE
>
> Background: The cleaner a cooling system in a vehicle is the better it will
> perform. The following procedure will outline how to
> flush the engine cooling system in a GMC Motorhome to have it perform at its
> best.
>
> MATERIALS REQUIRED
>
> Oxalic Acid Crystals:
>
> Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/koz3krz
>
> http://www.amazon.com/Oxalic-Acid-99-bag-C2H2O4/dp/B007HUR0EK/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hg_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1J7JJW7SR89088HPWR2T
>
> eBay: http://tinyurl.com/mjwwpez
>
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oxalic-Acid-99-pure-2lb-/261334376485?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cd8be2025
>
> Baking Soda - Local purchase
>
> Distilled Water - Local purchase
>
> Anti-Freeze - Local purchase
>
> PROCEDURE
>
> 1) Open any valve(s) installed in the lines to / from the heater core and to
> / from the house water heater.
> 2) Open the drain on the radiator to drain the cooling system and remove the
> anti-freeze water mix.
> 3) Close all drains and fill the system with fresh water.
> 4) Start the engine and allow it to run long enough to remove the air from
> the cooling system.
> 5) Shut off the engine and check the radiator and fill with fresh water as
> required.
> 6) Start the engine again and allow it to idle for a few minutes to verify
> that there is no air in the cooling system.
> 7) Shut the engine off and open the drain on the radiator to drain the
> cooling system again.
> 8) When water stops draining close the radiator drain valve.
> 9) Heat 2 quarts of water and dissolve 2 cups of oxalic acid crystals in the
> hot water.
> 10) Pour the oxalic acid / water solution into the radiator then fill the
> system with fresh water.
> 11) Start the engine and allow it to idle until normal operating temperature
> is reached.
> 12) Shut off the engine and allow the GMC to sit for a couple of hours.
> 13) Start the engine and take the GMC for a drive until it reaches full
> operating temperature.
> 14) Return home and drain the cooling system.
> 15) Fill the cooling system with domestic water while leaving the radiator
> drain open and the radiator fill cap off.
> 16) Regulate the input water so that the radiator stays full with the drain
> open and radiator fill cap off.
> 17) Start the engine and allow it to idle with radiator drain open and the
> radiator fill cap off.
> 18) When the drained water becomes clear stop the engine and shut the
> radiator drain.
> 19) Heat two quarts of water and dissolve 4 cups of baking soda in the hot
> water.
> 20) Pour the dissolved baking soda / water solution into the radiator and
> fill the system with fresh water.
> 21) Start the engine and allow it idle until it reaches normal operating
> temperature.
> 22) Shut the engine off and open the radiator drain valve.
> 23) Drain the cooling system.
> 24) Close the drain and fill the system with fresh water.
> 25) Start the engine and allow it idle until it comes to normal operating
> temp.
> 26) Shut the engine off and drain the cooling system.
> 27) Fill the cooling system with 50/50 antifreeze / distilled water.
>
> Please feel free to review this procedure and comment if something is not
> clear, you disagree with anything I've noted, or have
> anything to add or subtract.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> USAussie
>
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #248430 is a reply to message #248408] Fri, 25 April 2014 03:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
Les,

Here are some thoughts.

1. Why is oil even a problem?
2. Wouldn't a flush of detergent and water take care of the problem?
3. Oil is lighter than water and will end up on the top of the coolant in the radiator during normal use. It will then be expelled to the over flow tank during the heating and cooling cycles during normal use.


Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #248437 is a reply to message #248430] Fri, 25 April 2014 07:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GMC.LES is currently offline  GMC.LES   United States
Messages: 505
Registered: April 2014
Karma: -2
Senior Member
Ken,
What you say is true for a cooling system similar to the GMC. On most VWs, there is no overflow bottle, but they do have a pressurized reservoir (degassing bottle) that has continuous flow through it.

On this particular car, the oil contamination is bad enough you can't see into the bottle and the oil/water mix is plugging the heater core.

I am looking for recommendations on what will work efficiently at degreasing the mess. My concern is that any residual oil film remaining in the system will reduce the effectiveness of the descaler/rust remover. I am also concerned about reactivity with aluminum, which is of concern to those with aluminum rads in their GMCs. (GMC content) :)

Les Burt
Montreal
1975 Eleganza 26ft
A work in Progress



On Apr 25, 2014, at 4:15 AM, Ken Burton <n9cv@comcast.net> wrote:



Les,

Here are some thoughts.

1. Why is oil even a problem?
2. Wouldn't a flush of detergent and water take care of the problem?
3. Oil is lighter than water and will end up on the top of the coolant in the radiator during normal use. It will then be expelled to the over flow tank during the heating and cooling cycles during normal use.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #248438 is a reply to message #248418] Fri, 25 April 2014 07:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
Senior Member
""I've been lurking on the list for a while and if you don't mind me butting in here I might be able to help. You don't want to use oxalic acid on an aluminum head engine. I have some experience with Mercedes diesels and they use a citric acid flush but if you have oil contamination in the cooling system a detergent flush goes first. Just do a web search for "citric acid flush" for the procedure.

Dave L
Lynnwood, Wa.
Future owner (if all goes as planned)
'73 23""

Dave, you do have to be conscious of all aluminum components in the system. Heater cores are the most delicate and radiator caps can be as well. The mixtures that Rob mention will not be a problem if you follow the flush procedures. This process mirrors the Prestone (and maybe others) "dual can" cleaners that used to be sold at auto stores. They were advertised as "aluminum safe" and aluminum heater cores date back to the 50's. These cleaners have been discontinued because of toxic concerns rather than concern over aluminum components. I hsve never found an effective cleaner other than this procedure.


Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #248440 is a reply to message #248437] Fri, 25 April 2014 08:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C Boyd is currently offline  C Boyd   United States
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
Senior Member
Sir: I have good luck using Calgon dishwashing detergent to flush. It was recommended to me by a shop that does a lot of flushes. It works on the dirt, calcium, and oils. I would think it would be safe for all types metal and plastic as dishwashers have all the above.




Les Burt[1

wrote on Fri, 25 April 2014 08:45]Ken,
What you say is true for a cooling system similar to the GMC. On most VWs, there is no overflow bottle, but they do have a pressurized reservoir (degassing bottle) that has continuous flow through it.

On this particular car, the oil contamination is bad enough you can't see into the bottle and the oil/water mix is plugging the heater core.

I am looking for recommendations on what will work efficiently at degreasing the mess. My concern is that any residual oil film remaining in the system will reduce the effectiveness of the descaler/rust remover. I am also concerned about reactivity with aluminum, which is of concern to those with aluminum rads in their GMCs. (GMC content) Smile

Les Burt
Montreal
1975 Eleganza 26ft
A work in Progress



On Apr 25, 2014, at 4:15 AM, Ken Burton <n9cv@comcast.net> wrote:



Les,

Here are some thoughts.

1. Why is oil even a problem?
2. Wouldn't a flush of detergent and water take care of the problem?
3. Oil is lighter than water and will end up on the top of the coolant in the radiator during normal use. It will then be expelled to the over flow tank during the heating and cooling cycles during normal use.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #248492 is a reply to message #248440] Fri, 25 April 2014 22:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Harry is currently offline  Harry   Canada
Messages: 1888
Registered: October 2007
Location: Victoria, BC CANADA
Karma: 3
Senior Member
How would CLR work for getting rid of calcium deposits?
It's reasonably priced.
Re: [GMCnet] Cooling System Flush Procedure [message #248494 is a reply to message #248492] Fri, 25 April 2014 22:24 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Works great for calcium deposits. Used it for years when living in Tucson.

Todd Sullivan

Sully
77 royale
Seattle

> On Apr 25, 2014, at 8:02 PM, David H. Jarvis <jarvis210@shaw.ca> wrote:
>
>
>
> How would CLR work for getting rid of calcium deposits?
> It's reasonably priced.
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Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
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