Coolant system flush

[crankedup]

I have asked in the techi forum but would seek comment here also. My vintage car tends to run to hot when I ask the engine to work hard for an period of time. Seems to point to radiator and water jacket sludge build up. Looking at the chemical solutions available but is it wise in such an old engine? its 1926 of aluminium build. Thanks I would appreciate words of wisdom.

[Huntsman]

crankedup said:

I have asked in the techi forum but would seek comment here also. My vintage car tends to run to hot when I ask the engine to work hard for an period of time. Seems to point to radiator and water jacket sludge build up. Looking at the chemical solutions available but is it wise in such an old engine? its 1926 of aluminium build. Thanks I would appreciate words of wisdom.

In recent years i have rebuilt the engine in a Healey 100 and and MGA1500, in both cases I flushed out the rad with a hose and was amazed at how much fresh water it took to get the rad to run clean and how much crud came out.

In both cases, I stood the bare block on end and used a thin plastic tube on the end of the garden hose to wash out the crud, both blocks had the core plugs removed when I did this for better access. In the case of the Healey block handfuls of crud came out, I reckon some of it was casting sand that had been in there since new.

My opinion on the matter is that to clear out a water jacket or rad fully you need to strip the car down, water is fine.

In both cases I achieved an across the board temp drop of about 10 degs C. Certainly a worthwhile improvement while rebuilding if not otherwise.

I cant comment on the effectiveness of chemicals as I havent used them.

I used B and Q patio cleaner to clean a brass tube stack on a boat intercooler and it was very effective but perhaps not to be used on aluminium.

HTH

[Old Merc]

Forte cooling system flush is good stuff.As the car is so old I would, after useing the chemical,dismantle as much as possible and jet wash it all out.Forte only sell to the trade but if you go to www.thegoodgaragescheme.co.uk any garage listed will stock it as Forte runs the scheme.

[crankedup]

Thank you for tips/suggestions.

[davepen]

Old Merc said:

jet wash it all out.

As vintage rad is not designed to be pressurised, I'd take this advice with a pinch of salt.

There is always the risk that having cleared out all the gunge and patent sealer, your rad now leaks. So you may have to do a recore any way. I've used Towcester rads, other say Star is better, but very busy.

You have checked the timing? As that can cause hot running.

[crankedup]

Thanks Dave, yes I've checked the timing + I have the advance/retard levers I use. Its defo sludge up. Been away and so not tackled the job yet.