I found a source locally for the citric acid powder, at a beer and wine brewing supply house.
I also found out there is a drain plug for the engine. Do I need to remove that, and drain the bottom of the engine of fluid? I would assume to flush through the upper radiator hose to clean that part of the engine?
Thanks,
Chuck
84 300sd
--- In diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com, "c24052000" <jcrcpa@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks Tom and Nate,
> I did not find an easy source for Citric Acid, so I flushed the radiator with prestone flush yesterday. (removed thermostat, added product, drove around with heater on, let it sit, repeat drive, drain and add water (repeat drain 3 times) added coolant (gold). Drove to work still running a little hot. Will search today for baker's salt/citric acid. I will keep you updated. I did not want to throw $300 at a new radiator if that is not the problem. We will see.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Chuck
> 84 300sd
>
> --- In diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com, audiolaw@ wrote:
> >
> > Chuck,
> >
> > Be cautious about the mechanic's advice. He is probably RIGHT about
> > build-up. But may well be WRONG limiting it to the radiator.
> >
> > These cars have build up of gunk in the engine cooling system,
> > including the block and the heater core and all associated pipes and hoses.
> >
> > Happily, this is a problem that can be easily addressed, WITHOUT
> > replacing a perfectly good radiator. Mercedes even has a factory specified
> > flush product to do it.
> >
> > But the basic solution is to flush, and then flush again, with CITRIC
> > acid. Citric acid can be found very cheaply at baker's supply stores.
> > Sometimes it is called "sour salt".
> >
> > Get a big bag of it. Drain the entire cooling system (drain at the
> > radiator bottom or bottom hose). Refill with a solution of citric acid in
> > distilled water. FILL. Drive around the block or to the supermarket.
> > Drain. Repeat. Make sure that you have the heater on full bore when doing this
> > to ensure flushing that part of the system.
> >
> > The citric acid will react with schmutz in the system. You will see
> > horrible gunk comiing out when you drain the flush water.
> >
> > When it has cleaned up the system, and you are getting relatively
> > clean flush water, DO NOT put in anti-freeze! Fill it with distilled water,
> > then drive around. You want to flush it for at least a couple of cycles with
> > distilled water, to ensure that you get all the residue citric acid out.
> >
> > Then refill with your choice of anti-freeze and drive happily for
> > another 250,000 miles.
> >
> > Tom
> >
> >
> >
> > In a message dated 7/2/2012 12:35:26 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
> > jcrcpa@ writes:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > The overheating was caused by the heater hoses splitting, cracking,
> > breaking, etc. Anyway new hoses, and back on the road at a cost of 300 plus 70
> > for 2 day rental car. Mechanic says it is still running hot because it has
> > buildup in the radiator.
> >
> > So before I shell out 3-400 for a new radiator, any quick tips, magical
> > cures? I may just replace the radiator, it may be the original one.
> >
> > Thanks
> > Chuck
> > 84 300sd
> >
>
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