Cleaning coolant expansion reservoir

[Momac]

What is a suitable product to use to clean brown staining from inside the coolant expansion reservoir ? Would white vinegar do it ?
Kad32 engine.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

 

[Restoration man]

I would try some oxalic acid that shifts rust stains on Fiberglass so can’t see why it wouldn’t work on expansion tank

 

[jamie langstone]

I used oxalic acids on my Tamd41 tank it works a treat . I left it in the tank for a hour or so and it come up like new .

 

[Assassin]

Vanish, put some in and fill with water, but leave the cap OFF.

 

[Momac]

Thank for the suggestions. Looking at the video link a long soak is something acidic is probably the way to go .

 

[BruceK]

Question. Would you not be wasting your time unless you did an engine flush as well and if so would that not also go a long way towards cleaning the expansion tank? Thinking Rydlyme here with thermostats removed ?

 

[jamie langstone]

Question. Would you not be wasting your time unless you did an engine flush as well and if so would that not also go a long way towards cleaning the expansion tank? Thinking Rydlyme here with thermostats removed ?

I thought Rydlyme is for the sea water cooling side of the engine.

 

[BruceK]

I thought Rydlyme is for the sea water cooling side of the engine.

Hence I posed it as a question. The manufacturers say: RYDLYME Marine is a biodegradable, marine descaler designed for the maritime industry to safely dissolve calcium, rust, barnacles and other mineral deposits that hinder the performance of vital water systems. Could it be used as a coolant (radiator) flush?

 

[Momac]

I am getting some scum that site in a very thin film on the coolant. I changed coolant earlier in the year but didn't flush the system and may not have removed 100% of the old coolant . I think the recent coolant has flushed some of the old crud out . I am planning to drain it all off and flush in the near future - before any risk of frost.
The expansion tank isn't too bad but there is some staining on the bottom- probably the reservoir needs to come off to get a good soaking.