Descaling engine cooling system

[David52]

I have a slightly abused 22 year old Perkins 4108. Which is my friend!. As my friend I am worried about his health and well being. Thus I would like to remove all the fur from the closed water cooling side of this engine. A limited inspection seem to look like it's previous master was feeding it extremely hard water and very few corrosion inhibitors.

Does any one know of any sensible way to knock out the deposits in the system without shooting the hoses or eating the gaskets?

Any suggestions - however facile - welcomed.

 

[BarryH]

Cental heating descaler works quite well. Don't leave it in for more than a month or so tho. Refill with a good a/f.

 

[steve28]

Contact stu,

this is the webpage:- http://www.rydlymemarine.co.uk/

Does exactly what it says

no links to the company whatsoever

steve

 

[michael_99]

Greyish, that just about cover the most of us. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
First is the engin in or out of the boat. If your engin is of cast iron, it hardly unlikely any coolant has been used, simply didn't need it. To discale it you could try to fill it up with vinegar, and let it soake a week, and then give it a good flush out. Vinegar is very good for that. Always use it to clean my kettle with.

 

[David52]

Thanks all.

By the by,
The engine is still in the boat and seems mainly constructed from rust and loose paint.

I though I would start my repairs from the inside out!