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ricky86
User
May 21, 2009, 4:38 PM
Post #1 of 10
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Hi
What can I use to remove residual oil out of a radiator. Diesel had a leaking hd gskt and made quite a mess of the cooling system. No water in oil pan, thank god. I flushed it with the universal solvent but I would like to run it and flush it a couple of times. Thanks in advance. Always get good info (even when it's bad news.)
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Loren Champlain Sr
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/ Moderator
May 21, 2009, 5:00 PM
Post #2 of 10
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Re: Oil in coolant
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ricky; It can be a tough job getting that oil out of the cooling system. NAPA sells a very good fllush chemical. It may take several flushes to get it clean. Just use plain water with the chemical. Worse case, would be to get it as clean as possible, then take the radiator out and have it 'hot tanked'.
Loren
SW Washington
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 21, 2009, 6:19 PM
Post #3 of 10
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Re: Oil in coolant
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I use dishwashing detergent. Just make sure that you rinse it out thoroughly.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 22, 2009, 5:37 AM
Post #4 of 10
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Re: Oil in coolant
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Ideas + a suggestion AYOR*: White wall tire cleaner is hard on oils but fairly easy on rubber! I was thinking of a staple I use by brand - Wesley's Bleche-Wite (I think that how they spell it)
Had a few trans oil coolers add ATF to coolant too - same basic issues but may be faster to cause troubles. Keep a sharp eye on how soft rubber cooling system hoses get and think about tossing them! Water pumps also have rubber seals. Different types of rubber have different tolerance to oils + fuels.
More: Not sure and untested with the white wall tire cleaner for this. Dang stuff seems to work first when dry then water dissolves the dirt on tires.
Good dish soap also untested but we know it dissolves grease = a problem side effect is bubbles! Try "defamer" intended for use in hot tubs (spas) an ounce of it kills bubbles in water. I've killed bubbles in a washing machine with it too if you've ever seen one react with too much soap in it- laugh! I'm totally domestically challenged!
A maybee: Laundry detergent or automatic dishwashwer detergent. Both are strong and less foam by design.
*AYOR = At Your Own Risk
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 22, 2009, 6:23 AM
Post #5 of 10
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Re: Oil in coolant
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I find the dishwasher liquid works the best and is the safest. It has a very high grease dissolving ability, completely water soluble and has no harsh or corrosive acids which most of those others do.
You have to rinse a couple times but it leaves no residue behind. It really doesn't bubble too much because of the oil.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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ricky86
User
May 22, 2009, 8:58 AM
Post #6 of 10
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Re: Oil in coolant
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The hoses did get mushy. I have it soaking now with gas in it. Radiator hold about 1 gal. Breaking it down pretty good. Will try a couple of suggestions for the running flush. I plan on multiple flushes. Thanks to all for the responses. Always a help.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 22, 2009, 10:24 AM
Post #7 of 10
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Re: Oil in coolant
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GAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT IS GOING TO DESTROY EVERY PIECE OF RUBBER IN THE SYSTEM.
You just got all kinds of advice on how not to damage the system and you go with gas?
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
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May 22, 2009, 2:51 PM
Post #8 of 10
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Re: Oil in coolant
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Sorry, guys; I'm not familiar with dish soap or washing machines. I don't do windows, either. Well, I did ONCE, and the wife has never allowed me to do it again. (smart guy!)
Loren
SW Washington
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ricky86
User
May 22, 2009, 4:18 PM
Post #9 of 10
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Re: Oil in coolant
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Hammertime, I just have it in the radiator. The radiator is out, and sitting on the floor. No rubber involved. I was going to use the suggestions after it's reassembled. Thanks for the concern though. I'm replacing all hoses and cap. Took pump apart and cleaned that in a parts cleaner.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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May 23, 2009, 2:37 AM
Post #10 of 10
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Re: Oil in coolant
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Dammit - had a post ready to go and if flew away! Thanks Comcast! At any rate - rubber products vary. Some are tolerant of oils and fuels and some aren't. When a car maker knows the rubber is only supposed to deal with antifreeze they'll usually choose the cheaper rubber products. Rubber is in all cooling system hoses and water pump seals. That's enough. Some radiators will have crimped on end tanks too! Arggh! Only good news is it's unlikely to involve heater but might if rubber necked connections.
The defoamer I speak of is in pool and spa areas of stores that carry it. A teaspoonful is plenty. Domestically challenged myself I've used too much detergent in both dishwashers and washing machines. Foam out the doors. Smile - after the clean up you get a clean floor or carpet! I was fired at domestics by significant other - any surprise? LOL - if ONE scoop works well then two should be better - just try that but don't leave home/place if you do! LMAO!
No matter - plain soaps will really help to remove the oils whether plain or regular detergents but must be flushed clean then back to proper coolant mix. Foaming if seen at all is NOT going to work well in a cooling system - that was my point on that. If rinsed with enough plain water that should suffice.
Good luck and yes it can be a PITA!
T
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