Vinegar coolant system flush?

[jenkinsph]

Because such information would add nothing to the question of the number of flushes that might be required to remove the residual acidity after a treatment with vinegar.
I certainly wouldn't want to diverge from that theme into "How many flushes with DI water does it take to neutralize my well water". ;-)

Vinegar rinses easily, that is one of the reasons it is used for cleaning.

Your explanation sounds like "spin" to me.

 

[CalG]

Vinegar rinses easily, that is one of the reasons it is used for cleaning.
clip

I did not know that! Thanks.

 

[CalG]

Whoa! I just "googled" ph of vinegar.

2.4 was the first response. That seems quite "strong" on a scale of 0-7. ;-)

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

Because such information would add nothing to the question of the number of flushes that might be required to remove the residual acidity after a treatment with vinegar.

So, using the correct terms would add nothing to a discussion? But making up some bogus plus and minus does? :confused2:


Oohhhkay!

 

[CalG]

Bogus?

Ahh, You have little time in the lab.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

Well, at least I know the correct reference scale for pH measurements.

 

[Wallyt]

Hey Guys ,
New to the Q&A. I have a DK45 Kioti 2003. Looking for a good after market Canopy. Then add on different parts as the weather gets colder and I can afford more parts.
Thx’s Wallyt
Vilas NC

 

[Gary Fowler]

I poured straight vinegar into the empty radiator and ran the engine through two heating cycles before dumping the flush.. (red residue evident?)

My tap water is a bit alkaline. How many "flushes" with tap water will it take to "neutralize" the acidic vinegar? \

If the answer comes to you,

"How many pancakes does it take to shingle a dog house? " ;-)

by the way, the visible portion of the cooler fill opening looks much the better for the vinegar flush!

I am late to this party, but doesn't most commercial radiator flushes contain a strong alkali rather than acid. Alkali cleans organic matter really well without affecting the base metal whereas acids will attack the metal.
Baking soda neutralizes acid quickly, so if you use household vinegar (a really weak acid) then a 1/4 cup of baking soda mixed with enough water to fill the system will turn the vinegar into a neutral. Any excess baking soda will flush clean since it dissolves completely in water.

Note: I don't think vinegar is going to do any damage to your cooling system if you don't get it all out. However, I don't know how compatible it (or baking soda) is with anti-freeze solutions so a good flush with tap water would be advisable. Get as much of the tap water out as possible then fill with anti-freeze/distilled water.

 

[fried1765]

I am late to this party, but doesn't most commercial radiator flushes contain a strong alkali rather than acid. Alkali cleans organic matter really well without affecting the base metal whereas acids will attack the metal.
Baking soda neutralizes acid quickly, so if you use household vinegar (a really weak acid) then a 1/4 cup of baking soda mixed with enough water to fill the system will turn the vinegar into a neutral. Any excess baking soda will flush clean since it dissolves completely in water.

Note: I don't think vinegar is going to do any damage to your cooling system if you don't get it all out. However, I don't know how compatible it (or baking soda) is with anti-freeze solutions so a good flush with tap water would be advisable. Get as much of the tap water out as possible then fill with anti-freeze/distilled water.

Not to hijack this thread about tractor coolant system flushes, but here is my other experience.

I have several small outboard motors (aluminum) that are always used in salt water.
At the end of each summer I run them in a 30 gal. container of pure vinegar. I fill the 30 gal container only half full, and save the used vinegar for next year. I never follow with a fresh water flush.
These little aluminum block engines show no internal corrosion, and are over 30 years old.

 

[mred2]

But you don't put coolant in a small outboard.