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Old September 5th, 2019, 07:06 AM   #1
nocturncal
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Removing Rust in Cooling System?

I noticed a leak in my cooling system and looking at the maintanence manual it was time to change all my cooling system hoses, so I went to change all the silicone hoses.

The lower water pipe that connects to the water pump has rust in it.

Can I use a 50/50 distilled water/vinegar to get rid of the rust? What about those rust treatment products like Thermocure?
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Old September 5th, 2019, 08:35 AM   #2
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I'm trying to think of what ferrous metals might be in the cooling system to rust, but I can't think of any. All that is rust colored is not rust. That's not to say you shouldn't flush the system and get out any silty contamination or aluminum oxides that are coating things.
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Old September 5th, 2019, 09:00 AM   #3
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AS TJ noted - only steel will rust. The majority of the system is aluminum, and will corrode or oxidize. The deposits are usually from using regular water with minerals that will eventually solidify in the system. That's why they recommend distilled water. Coolant also has buffers to prevent corrosion, but they eventually wear out.

The risk you run when using a strong cooling system cleaner is dislodged particles that can block the small passages in the radiator. I did it once and it blocked the heater core.

If you were going to clean it, I would use a recommended cleaner but follow the directions closely. If there is any question after using it, a radiator shop could clean and test the radiator to make sure it's flowing properly.
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Old September 5th, 2019, 03:23 PM   #4
nocturncal
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Whoops meant to say corrosion not rust , thanks for the replies

Hmm the possibility of clogging up passageways makes me weary of using those strong flushes. Maybe I'll try vinegar/distilled water first.
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Old September 5th, 2019, 04:25 PM   #5
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Water-pump shaft is steel and can cause anodic-corrosion with aluminium in block. White corrosion is aluminium and yellow/brown is steel. Proper coolant chemistry will keep this corrosion in check for years. However, wrong mix of tap-water and wrong coolant can make things worse; stay away from Death-Cool (DexCool). Personally I prefer silicate-free coolant to preserve water-pump seals.

You can certainly flush in reverse-flow if you want:

1. drain existing coolant.

2. disconnect upper coolant hose from back of thermostat housing, attach garden-hose to that hose (so water flows into engine)

3. disconnect lower radiator hose on left side, aim hose away from bike

4. turn on garden-hose. This will bypass radiator and blow out sediment from engine & water pumps. Can also flush radiator in reverse-flow as well if you want.

5. rinse by refilling system twice with distilled-water, spinning it around and draining twice

6. fill with 50/50 distilled-water/coolant mix. Should probably replace thermostat while you're there.
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