Gunk in coolant lines

[alexbtango15]

I just bought a 95 Beretta with the 3100 engine. I noticed a small leak in a reservoir hose. One that connects to a small metal pipe that runs along the front of the engine.When I unhooked the hose, I noticed that the pipe is almost completely clogged up with this rust looking stuff. There is some coolant passing through, but not much.

Is there some cleaning agent or additive I can add to the cooling system so as to avoid replacing all the pipes and hoses and stuff?

[Schmieder]

I just bought a 95 Beretta with the 3100 engine. I noticed a small leak in a reservoir hose. One that connects to a small metal pipe that runs along the front of the engine.When I unhooked the hose, I noticed that the pipe is almost completely clogged up with this rust looking stuff. There is some coolant passing through, but not much.

Is there some cleaning agent or additive I can add to the cooling system so as to avoid replacing all the pipes and hoses and stuff?

Yes there are things you can do. I would get a flush kit which is a simple plastic piece that splices in to the heater core line. Follow directions and back flush the system. It will involve the car running so be safe about it.

After a general flush there are additives that will break down lots of that junk. Usually the additive is added after the flush and driven around a bit. Then flush again, add new coolant and the job is done.

I back flush my car about 1 time a year. The hose attachment will have a cap and can stay in place. Making it easier the next time.

If the system is clogged badly, the radiator drain may be plugged up, dont worry. Most kits have an adapter to place in the radiator fill (not the overflow tank) so the flush spills out through a hose instead of the bay.



Simple: Buy a back flush kit, some additive to clean the coolant system and new coolant.

After the flush, you may want to use green coolant. The other crap eats away the OEM UIM Gasket.

And as stupid as it may sound, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS. Too many people think they can skip a step and end up asking why the stuff failed, lol. Like removing the T-Stat or running a heater while flushing.

If it so bad you need to replace hoses, it's in the block and heads too.

[alexbtango15]

I'll try that flush kit today after work. Thank you for the advice.

[Schmieder]

You will be amazed at the junk that comes out. My car was okay'ish and it was kicking out rusty colored crap. Best part is, the flow is backwards so any scaling only helps release the garbage.

Remember, coolant is lethal to small animals. I always try to capture the first part of the flow. The water will eventually run clear.

Goodluck!