How to Remove Scale from the Radiator?
2 Answers
To remove scale from the radiator, follow these steps: 1. Ensure the engine is cooled down 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 refill the radiator with water; 4. Start the engine, turn on the heater control system, add cooling system cleaner, and let the engine idle for 30 minutes; 5. Turn off the engine and let it cool for 5 minutes; 6. Refill the radiator with water and let the engine idle for another 5 minutes. The car radiator, generally referring to the heat exchanger, is part of the vehicle's cooling system. The radiator in the engine's water cooling system consists of three parts: the inlet chamber, outlet chamber, main plate, and radiator core.
I've done radiator descaling several times, mainly using household white vinegar - cheap and safe. First, park the car on level ground and wait for the engine to cool before draining the old coolant. Then pour in pure white vinegar, filling about half the radiator capacity. Let the engine idle for 20-30 minutes to allow the vinegar to penetrate and dissolve scale. Afterwards, flush the radiator thoroughly with clean water at least three times until the outflow runs clear, as vinegar residue can damage components. Finally, refill with fresh antifreeze mixed with distilled water. Heavy scaling causes poor heat dissipation leading to engine overheating - always use antifreeze instead of tap/hard water. This method works for me, but remember regular maintenance prevents recurrence.
