Radiator Cleaning and Maintenance Procedure
1. Drain and Disconnect
• Drain the water from the radiator system.
• Disconnect the pipe connected to the engine.
2. Prepare Acid Solution
• Prepare a 4% rust removal acid solution and clean water.
• Pour the acid solution into the water (never reverse the process).
3. Mix and Heat
• Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes.
• Heat the solution to 49°C (120°F), ensuring it does not exceed this temperature.
4. Introduce Solution
• Slowly pour the solution through the filter cap or a branch into the pipe.
• The solution will boil and foam due to the chemical reaction.
• Once the reaction stops, fill the radiator with the hot solution.
5. Drain the Solution
• Let the solution remain in the radiator for a few minutes.
• Drain it back into the original container through the bottom pipe or drain outlet.
6. Repeat if Necessary
• Inspect the radiator for scale.
• If scale persists, increase the acid concentration to 8% and repeat the process.
7. Neutralize the Acid
• After descaling, neutralize the acid as follows:
• Fill the container with clean water and heat to boiling.
• Add 500g of baking soda per 20 liters of water (1 pound per 4 gallons).
• Pour this solution into the radiator and then drain it back into the container.
8. Rinse the Radiator
• Rinse the radiator multiple times using the neutralizing solution.
• Finally, fill the radiator with the solution and let it sit for at least one hour.
• Drain and rinse thoroughly with hot water.
9. Leak Test
• Before reinstalling, test the radiator for leaks using water at twice the normal working pressure.
• Note: Removing scale may sometimes cause leaks.
10. Reinstallation and Coolant Preparation
• Add the necessary anti-corrosion agents and the appropriate amount of coolant before running the system again.
Additional Notes
• Hard Water Warning: Using hard water or neglecting rust removal can lead to scale buildup, which may block the radiator system.
• Consequences of Scale: Blocked radiators cause poor heat dissipation, reduced power output, increased water temperature, and, in severe cases, damage to the generator.
This structured approach ensures effective cleaning and maintenance of the radiator while minimizing potential damage.
