Fuel System & Cooling System Cleaners. What Works?

Widget on 30/08/2024 - 00:40

Hi guys,

  1. Had the cylinder head off recently (now back on), but noticed a fair amount of rust buildup on the inside. I've since flushed the block & heater-core until clear, however, I believe the rust is the harder scale-type that's bound to the walls rather than floating around.

Has anyone had luck with any sort of (aluminium safe) Cooling system cleaner product that's had a noticeable impact on rust buildup in their block?

I've seen videos on Thermocure by CRC (makers of Evapo-rust) which looks like a decent product, however, the price is rather steep.

  1. The other thing, as the car's been sitting for sometime, I'd like to service the fuel-system. Has anyone used any fuel -additives/fuel system cleaner that's worked well? There seems to be a number of products ranging from $15 - $40, many with high ratings.

The injectors I had out recently & gave them a spray with parts cleaner, though I didn't stick them in an Ultra-Sonic cleaner (I may end up doing that). I have read many people do it with good results, but have read people say Ultra-sonic cleaners can damage the solenoid in the injector itself. Anyone know if this is true, or has experienced a negative result from using an ultra-sonic cleaner?

Automotive

Comments

  • scrambledeggs on 30/08/2024 - 07:38
    -7

    Excuse me sir, this is a bargain forum. I suggest you head to a car forum.

    • timthetoolman on 30/08/2024 - 07:52
      +3

      Please don't discourage forum posts where op has used some common sense and tried to fix a problem themselves first.
      I'll take 100 of these over insurance or cashback or losing keys and Australia post members being rude posts

    • brendanm on 30/08/2024 - 07:59
      +2

      It's in the automotive forum you twit.

      • Nugs on 30/08/2024 - 15:16
        +1

        scrambledbrains
        .

    • Widget on 30/08/2024 - 15:07

      I made the post under the Forums > Automotive section, not the Deals section.

  • dassaur on 30/08/2024 - 08:45

    The best DIY injector cleaners are these type: (no experience with this one)
    https://www.amazon.com.au/Injector-Cleaner-Portable-Non-Dism…

    Any car that I buy (always second hand) gets the cooling system drained, refilled with DI water, then run according to penrite bottle. Refill with DI water, drive around.

    Do it again a week later, refill with DI water.

    A month after that I drain the DI water, fill with a 5L coolant concentrate (assuming the setup uses around 10L of 50/50 coolant) and then top off with DI water.
    After that, any "rust" in there is probably not going to come off with any chemical and requires physical removal.

    All these on aluminium blocks.

    • Oofy Doofy on 30/08/2024 - 09:23

      Why use DI water when RO water is cheaper and superior? at least half the price compared to stuff you can buy from coles and woolies.

      I also just use 75g of citric acid to clean a car's cooling system, drain and flush once with RO water, refill and use 33% coolant to water and add water wetter plus a bottle of cooling system sealant (appropriate for the block and head materials to the specific vehicle you're working on).

      In terms of the injectors, just get exchange units. If you buy some from ebay or wherever online, be prepared to buy a few sets because it's very likely 1 or more of them will be DOA despite supposedly being new or reco units.

      • dassaur on 30/08/2024 - 11:14

        Never heard of RO, thanks for the tip

        • Oofy Doofy on 30/08/2024 - 11:31

          The dispensing machines you usually see around shopping centres.

          OP could also add a cooling system filter, which is relatively simple.

      • dassaur on 30/08/2024 - 13:20

        Yes I only ever buy genuine injectors if I need new ones.

    • Widget on 30/08/2024 - 16:43

      You find the Penrite cooling system flush does a good job? I was considering getting some 'Prestone' branded cleaner, I see it in youtube videos.

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