Cocking about trying to clean an expansion tank - Page 5 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mannys9130 · #61 09-19-2015, 03:10 AM

I didn't see where anyone suggested using hydrofluoric acid. :/ That is quite a potent acid. It dissolves glass, so polyethylene plastic labware is required when working with it.

On that note, why not just mix up a batch of Aqua Regia? Strong enough to dissolve Gold, strong enough to clean cooling system crud.

/sarcasm

Yes, CLR is very common here. Like I said, our water in the desert is very mineral rich so I use it often to clean the ring out of the toilet and sink and remove water spots from the kitchen sink and shower stainless steel. The old phosphated version was stronger but it was harmful to the water supply after being rinsed down the drain.

m1tch · #62 09-19-2015, 03:28 AM

I have heard its easy to just put it in a dishwasher, the combination of heat and detergent cleans most of the engine bay parts up - although looking at the different compartments inside the tank it might not work as well as something like a washer fluid tank.

Stretch · #63 09-19-2015, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m1tch

I have heard its easy to just put it in a dishwasher, the combination of heat and detergent cleans most of the engine bay parts up - although looking at the different compartments inside the tank it might not work as well as something like a washer fluid tank.

I can't see it working at all well with an expansion tank but as you say would probably be the simple solution for something more simple like a windscreen washer bottle.

When I get my next shed I'm definitely going to buy myself a cheap second hand dishwasher for cleaning parts. The problem will be finding a cheap one that is big of course...

...I also fancy an oven for baking plastic coatings, removing bearing races and of course garage pizza!