Anti-Freeze Replacement

kensail · Member

Anti-Freeze Replacement

Stanley · Guru

This problem should be easily fixed. What happens is that the anti freeze can coagulate and form clumps at the bottom of the coolant passages in the engine. The fix is to take the valve T handle out completely and poke a piece of electrical wire up through the valve and jiggle it. This usually frees the clog and then you must remove the wire and be quick about refitting the T to stop the aintfreeze from pouring out where you dont want it.

kensail · Member

I can get a wire in about an 1 1/2 inch but it stops at the turn in the valve. Nothing on the wire, clean and dry. Any suggestions other than removing motor to get motor mount bracket off for access to remove valve?

I pulled the heat exchanger out. What is the correct way to clean? Inside of tubes are clear but outside has a thick coating of film/residue which seems that would restrict heat transfer.

Thanks for your assistance.

-- Edited by kensail on Friday 4th of November 2011 07:20:51 PM

Farron · Senior Member

Hello Kensail,

If you have the heat exchanger core removed it can be soaked in white vinegar overnight to remove the build up and residue. Always use new o-rings for reassembly.

The buildup on the heat exchanger is the same buildup that is blocking the drain ****. This is from the aged anti freeze.

It is recommended that antifreeze be changed at every 750 hours or every 3 years to avoid this kind of buildup.

Removing the valve and elbow will require removing the mount.

Good luck!

Farron