How to Clean Engine Scale?
2 Answers
Here are the steps for cleaning engine scale: 1. After the engine reaches normal operating temperature and is turned off, drain the coolant and add cleaning agent to the cooling system. 2. Restart the engine and let it run at medium speed for 5~10 minutes. During this period, you can also vary the speed to more systematically flush out deposits in the system, then turn off the engine and let it sit for 10~12 hours. 3. Start the engine again, let it run at medium speed for 5~10 minutes, then turn it off and drain the cleaning agent while it's still hot. 4. Repeat the above steps 3~4 times until the discharged cleaning agent is free of contaminants, then reinstall the thermostat.
I have extensive experience in cleaning engine scale, usually starting with the cooling system. If too much scale accumulates, it can lead to poor heat dissipation and engine overheating. The simplest method is to purchase a specialized cooling system cleaner, add it to the radiator, and then start the engine to circulate the liquid. Generally, running it for about 30 minutes can dissolve most mineral deposits. After that, thorough flushing is necessary—connect a water pump to a hose and repeatedly flush the radiator and engine water jacket until the water runs clear. Preventing scale buildup is also crucial. I change the coolant once a year and ensure distilled water is used instead of tap water, as hard water is more prone to scaling. If the cleaning isn't effective, I take the car to a repair shop where they use professional equipment to disassemble components for deep cleaning, preventing residue from corroding metal parts. The entire process requires attention to detail, and after cleaning, the engine cools noticeably better, and acceleration becomes much smoother.
