I had a thought and wanted to find out if anyone has tried this method: Using the product CLR (Calcium Lime Rust) either directly in the antifreeze (not sure what the chemical reaction would be, if any) or just drain the radiator and add the CLR to straight tap water and run that for a day or so. Perhaps even just circulate it full strength through the heater core somehow, maybe using the wife's best gravy syringe.

 

Just wondering. That stuff works great at clearing calcium, lime and rust deposits from around the faucets in the house.

 

Thoughts, experiences anyone?

I can't imagine you would hurt anything - just be careful not to remove too much rust, or you may find yourself with a big fat leak, or maybe your whole core will just melt away......

 

GD

Interesting. My core is pretty clogged too.

Does it leave any residue? How does it react with rubber?

 

I hear that GD, with my luck I'd get CLR spraying all over my interior.

I've used that stuff on faucets and shower heads - those have rubber o-rings in them, so I don't think it would hurt your hoses.

 

GD

OK, I took my oil pumper from JCWhitney, hooked it to the core and pumped CLR thru it into a bucket. Nah, just kidding, but would that work ya think?

NOOOOOOOOOOO CLR

 

the label says not to use it with anything copper or aluminum. that would be what radiators are made out of!!

 

use radiator flush from the parts store OR use white vinegar. you know the trick of cleaing the mineral deposits out of the coffeepot with white vinegar? works in radiators too.

I have had pretty good luck with a product called Iron Out. Nowhere does it say NOT to use it on copper or alluminum. I have used it on 2 radiaotors so far, and it didn't hurt either one of them. Got a pile of crap out of the junk yard one, though.

 

RedLance

"Thank you for writing regarding CLR® Calcium, Lime, & Rust Remover, and thank you for visiting our website. We at Jelmar always look forward to hearing from customers regarding our products.

 

It is NOT RECOMMENDED you use CLR® on your car radiator.

 

CLR® Calcium, Lime, & Rust Remover is not formulated to clean copper, brass or aluminum. CLR® Calcium, Lime, & Rust Remover will damage these metals.

 

CLR® Calcium, Lime, & Rust Remover should not be allowed to sit on any surface for longer than 2 minutes. CLR® Calcium, Lime, & Rust Remover must be rinsed thoroughly and completely with clean, cool, running water within 2 minutes.

 

Once again, thank you and <clip potboiler advertising of other products including Tarn-X>

 

Please read and follow all instructions carefully, completely and

thoroughly before attempting to clean any items.

 

Sincerely,

Jamie Adams

Customer Service Representative

 

JA:ajr

 

Jelmar

5550 W. Touhy Ave., Suite 200

Skokie, IL 60077-3254

Jelmar@Jelmar.com

800-323-5497"

 

 

So .... is the heater core aluminum too????