How to Clean Scale from a Car Radiator?
2 Answers
Cleaning scale from a car radiator involves the following steps: 1. Ensure the engine is cool and turned off, then remove the radiator cap; 2. Open the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator to allow the coolant to flow into a bucket; 3. Close the drain plug and fill the radiator with water; 4. Start the engine, turn on the heater control system, add a cooling system cleaner, and let the engine idle for 30 minutes; 5. Turn off the engine and let it cool for 5 minutes; 6. Fill the radiator with water again and let the engine idle for 5 minutes. The car radiator, generally referring to the heat exchanger, is part of the vehicle's cooling system. The radiator in an engine's water cooling system consists of three parts: the inlet tank, outlet tank, main plate, and the radiator core.
Cleaning the scale in the car's radiator is something I've done several times myself, and it's quite simple and effective. Here are the steps: First, wait until the engine has completely cooled down—safety first, don't get burned. Then, open the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator to drain the old coolant, using a basin to catch the water and avoid dirtying the ground. Next, flush the inside of the radiator with distilled or softened water, rinsing it two or three times to remove the initial dirt. After that, add a specialized scale cleaner, such as the descaling powder bought online, following the instructions for the correct amount. Close the cap and start the engine, letting it run for 10-15 minutes to allow the cleaner to penetrate and dissolve the scale. After running, drain the dirty water and flush several more times until the water runs clear. Finally, add new antifreeze, filling it to the standard level, and you're done. Remember, it's best to use purified water or an antifreeze mixture regularly—avoid tap water, as its high hardness and calcium content can lead to new scale buildup, which can cause poor engine cooling and increased fuel consumption. Check the radiator every six months to prevent sudden overheating and breakdowns. If you find it troublesome, you can always rely on a trusted repair shop, but doing it yourself saves a few hundred bucks and gives a sense of accomplishment.
