Liquid for flushing the car heating system. Ways and methods of cleaning the heater radiator in a car

Today there are quite a few ways to clean a radiator from contaminants. There are serious doubts about the feasibility of some of them: the ingredients are difficult to obtain, and the cleaning process itself is quite labor-intensive. Therefore, it is better to choose those methods where the risk of damaging the car is minimal and there is no threat to your own health. And remember, you do all work at your own peril and risk.

If you want to receive perfect result, get a guarantee for the services provided and be sure that everything is done correctly, use the services of our car service center. Make an appointment by phone +7-383-310-39-17 or follow the link: :

Methods for flushing the stove radiator without removal and with removal: choosing the most effective

The warmth in the car interior is not a whim at all, but a guarantee of pleasant and safe driving. Frost that forms on the glass in cold weather interferes with full visibility on the road and increases the risk of an accident. After all, with the arrival of autumn, sharp temperature changes begin between daytime and nighttime. And if the stove blows cold air or doesn’t work at all, then it’s time to clean the radiator. It is important not to delay until the last minute, but to check the operation of the stove in advance and, if necessary, eliminate all malfunctions.
The heating principle is the same for all cars. Antifreeze circulates through the system, gradually heating up to a high temperature. Hot air enters the cabin using an electric motor, which is located next to the heater radiator. Gradually, plaque accumulates inside the radiator tubes. This is reminiscent of the scale that forms in teapots. The heat transfer of the stove decreases and the quality of heating inside the machine naturally deteriorates.
If the thermostat and heater fan are working properly, the air ducts are not clogged with dirt, the antifreeze content is within normal limits and the system is not air-filled, then the cause of the cold inside the car is a dirty heater radiator.

Contaminants “wander” through the cooling system, slowly settling in the radiator cells. In the absence of systematic car care, car parts are subject to corrosion. Scale deposits, particles from antifreeze evaporation accumulate on the metal, and greasy oil stains appear. We are, of course, talking about cars that have been in use for at least 2 years. It is recommended to flush the cooling system once every two to three years, depending on the conditions of use of the car. For example, cars that drive on rural roads or heavily dusty areas require more maintenance.
In addition, washing with caustic compounds must be carried out with gloves to avoid thermal or chemical burns. The concentration of ingredients selected “by eye” leads to excessive consumption of cleaning products, and sometimes to damage to parts. Under no circumstances should you “forget” the radiator in the solution for an indefinite period. Also, do not neglect flushing the cooling system with distilled water. And only use high-quality antifreeze.
In cold weather, experts do not recommend cleaning the radiator at home. There may be frost at night, and there may be some liquid left in your car. It is better to carry out all work in special boxes or insulated rooms. The ideal option is a car service, where qualified specialists will independently carry out the necessary operations.

There are two basic methods for flushing a stove radiator:

Without removal;
With removal.

Of course, both have their advantages and disadvantages. We will consider in detail both options for flushing the stove radiator and give an independent assessment of each of them.

Cleaning the stove radiator without removing it

There are several methods for flushing the heater radiator that do not involve dismantling. In this case, cleaning the car’s cooling system is not the most difficult process, but its timely implementation will help eliminate unnecessary problems and discomfort when driving in the cool season. Choose suitable way cleaning is based on the material from which the heat exchanger is constructed. For example, you cannot wash a radiator made of aluminum with alkaline solutions. Conversely, solutions containing acid should not be used when working with copper and brass parts. To clean the radiator, you can use both improvised and professional means. Also, you should absolutely not carry out the procedure for cleaning the heater radiator when it is cold outside.

Cleaning with citric acid.

One of the cheapest and most accessible methods of descaling. The rinsing solution is easy to make yourself. It is necessary to dissolve 200 g of acid in warm distilled water. Sometimes it is recommended to add a little vinegar. The resulting liquid must be heated. After this, you will need to drain the old antifreeze and add flushing fluid. Next, we take a break and use the car as usual. After 3-4 days, drain the liquid, which should remove all dirt and scale particles. After that, fill in the antifreeze and the work is finished.

Ease: 5
Cost: 5
Time spent: 3
Quality: 5

Cleaning with household cleaners and drain cleaners (Toilet Duck Active, Tiret Professional, Mole).

Please note that these products contain alkali, which can damage the aluminum parts of the machine. To prepare the solution, you need to dilute the concentrate with water - one to three. Then pour it into the car and wait about 1.5 hours. After this, you need to rinse the radiator with running water and blow out any remaining residue with a compressor. If dirt remains, the procedure can be repeated again.

Ease: 5
Cost: 4
Time spent: 4
Quality: 4
Bottom line: recommended for moderate soiling.

Rinsing with Fanta, Schweppes or Sprite.

This method is also recommended by experienced car owners. It is important not to confuse sodas, since Fanta, Schweppes and Sprite contain citric acid, and, for example, Coca-Cola contains orthophosphoric acid, which can damage the metal surface. You need to purchase 6-8 liters of soda, ideally without bright colors, and then flush the cooling system. After completing the procedure, make sure that as much liquid as possible has been drained. Then you need to rinse the parts twice with water and add antifreeze.

Simplicity: 3
Cost: 2
Time spent: 5
Quality: 3
Bottom line: recommended for moderate pollution.

Cleaning with lactic acid.

This method can give good results, but you won't find lactic acid in the supermarket. Offers for sale are sometimes found on auto forums. Usually 36% acid is sold, but for cleaning you need 6%.

Therefore, dilute the acid in a ratio of 1:5 in distilled water. Fill and wait until the formation of carbon dioxide stops. Then you need to drain the dirty liquid.

There are car enthusiasts who prefer to drive their car for several kilometers and only then drain the flushing fluid. However, be careful - despite the fact that this solution is not so aggressive on aluminum parts, the engine can become very hot. And, most importantly, do not forget to neutralize the acid by rinsing the parts with distilled water. The engine should run for about 15 minutes. Only after this can you add antifreeze.

Ease: 5
Cost: 4
Time spent: 5
Quality: 4
Bottom line: Recommended for medium to high levels of contamination.

Washing with whey.

An old folk remedy that was used back in Soviet times. The serum helps dissolve scale and rust. However, if the stains are too old, the serum will soften them, but will not completely eliminate them. You need to drain the coolant, then pour in two or three liters of whey, strained through cheesecloth. You need to use the machine for a couple of days. After this, it is necessary to drain the serum and rinse the system with water. Some car enthusiasts note that even after thorough flushing, foam forms in the cooling system.

Ease: 5
Cost: 4
Time spent: 4
Quality: 4
Bottom line: Recommended for light to medium stains.

Washing with acetic acid

You will need three bottles of food vinegar (70%). They are sold in almost every supermarket. Also, don't forget to drain the old antifreeze. Remove the pipes leading to the heater radiator. After this, you need to use a compressor to blow out the remaining antifreeze and rinse the radiator with water. After drying, you need to pour vinegar into it and leave for about an hour. Then thoroughly flush the radiator fluid. To understand what the result of the procedure is, it is better to drain the water into a bucket. The older your " iron Horse", the clearer the result. The radiator will need to be blown out and dried again. Now you need to attach the pipes back, fill in antifreeze and start the engine.

Ease: 5
Cost: 5
Time spent: 4
Quality: 5
Bottom line: recommended for moderate soiling.

Cleaning using professional auto chemicals (Hi-Gear, LAVR Radiator Flush, Mannol, Liqui Moly Kuhlerreiniger, Jet 100 Xado, etc.).

Professional products are good because you don’t need to calculate the dosage. Also, phosphates that are part of auto chemicals will not harm rubber elements - oil seals and tubes. A well-calculated concentrate formula will quickly and effectively (up to 70%) remove contaminants.

You can often hear complaints from car owners about the ineffectiveness of such products. But the secret of their work lies in strictly following the instructions for use.

Let's take as an example such a well-known tool as Hi-Gear. There is already a hint on the bottle: it will take 7 minutes to flush the cooling system. Mix the product with 5 liters of distilled water. After this, pour the solution into the cooling system. Warm up the engine to 60 degrees, running it for no more than 5-7 minutes. Stop the engine, let it cool and drain the fluid. Rinse the parts with distilled water and fill with antifreeze.

To get a positive result when using any of the professional products, you must follow all the recommendations. Otherwise, the effect will be weak.

Ease: 5
Cost: 4
Time spent: 4
Quality: 5
Bottom line: recommended for medium to high levels of pollution.

Flushing the radiator with complete removal

Dismantling a stove radiator is a labor-intensive process that requires good knowledge of the machine's structure. But in some cases this cannot be avoided. Car enthusiasts who do not have experience in successfully removing a radiator are better off seeking professional help. Ideally, it is better to contact a car service.

Flushing with complete removal is indicated in cases where methods of cleaning the radiator without dismantling have shown to be ineffective.

Removing the heater core will allow you to identify several types of faults at once. For example, in this way you can test the operation of the fan and, if necessary, replace its motor.

Also, during dismantling, it will be possible to thoroughly rinse and clean the heater radiator from the outside. In cars without a filter, a lot of debris and dust accumulates in the air intake. Poplar fluff is extremely dangerous, as it bakes and forms a thick crust. The result is a dirty heat exchanger that is poorly ventilated and generates heat.

It is possible to understand the condition of the pipes, assess the degree of contamination of the radiator cells and the tightness of the seal when closing the air duct dampers only by removing the radiator. The drive of the dampers and the voids in the closed position between them and the stove cause air to enter from the outside, allowing the radiator to pass through. This can happen with budget cars, and expensive foreign cars. And in this case, you definitely shouldn’t experiment with disassembling your car.

Dismantling the heater radiator will allow you to objectively assess the quality of the cooling system. If the radiator does not work, cleaning is absolutely pointless - it is necessary complete replacement cooling system elements. Contamination of the cooling system does not occur immediately; dirt accumulates gradually. But the moment when the radiator begins to leak and becomes clogged to the point of complete failure is always an unpleasant surprise. If it is made of a copper alloy, then the issue can be solved with small means - remove the radiator and solder it. If faulty aluminum radiator, then it’s easier to replace it. The cost of repair will most likely be equal to the price of the radiator.

To wash with removal, you do not need to use a pump. Need good pressure hot water in a special bathroom. During dismantling, they use the entire arsenal of both homemade and professional means for flushing the stove radiator. But there are methods that can only be used by removing the radiator. At home, they pose a health hazard and are too labor-intensive.

Washing with sulfuric acid

Dismantling in this case is mandatory to avoid damage to the rubber and plastic parts of the cooling system. In today's conditions, this is a rather exotic method, the feasibility of which is highly doubtful. Before starting the procedure, you must follow all safety regulations. It is imperative to protect your eyes with special glasses and the skin of your hands with rubber gloves. It would be a good idea to throw a special robe over your clothes. In addition, use a household respirator that will protect your respiratory tract from toxic fumes. Also use special tongs or grips to prevent direct contact with the solution. In addition, you will need a hydrometer to measure the concentration of the wash liquid. Please note that rinsing requires a 15% acid solution. Therefore, the hydrometer should show a density of 1.1 grams per 1 cubic centimeter. To obtain the solution you also need distilled water and battery electrolyte.
It is important to remember that you should never pour water into acid. On the contrary, you need to carefully add the acid to the water.
Old-style radiators made of copper can be washed in a similar way. Parts made of aluminum and zinc, on the contrary, will become unusable.

Simplicity: 1
Cost: 3
Time spent: 4
Quality: 5

Cleaning with hydrochloric acid solution

Another dangerous method that is not recommended without similar practical experience. In addition, hydrochloric acid is quite difficult to obtain. Compliance with safety precautions, as in the case of using sulfuric acid, is simply mandatory.

When using acid to get rid of heavy contaminants, you need to fill the cooling system with a 2% acid solution. You will need no more than 50 ml per 1 liter of water. After washing heating system you need to carefully rinse it with water several times. Never use this method if the cooling system consists of parts susceptible to corrosion.

Simplicity: 1
Cost: 3
Time spent: 4
Quality: 5
Bottom line: Recommended for high levels of contamination.

Washing with caustic soda (caustic soda).

Another dubious method that provokes heated discussions on forums among car enthusiasts. Be sure to protect the skin of your hands with gloves before starting the procedure and be careful: caustic acid corrodes tissue and is quite toxic.
Caustic soda is an alkaline detergent that is difficult to obtain. Even a 5% solution can harm the radiator, especially if it is made of aluminum. Caustic sodium corrodes parts made of aluminum and zinc, as well as alloys. Caustic is recommended to be used for cleaning equipment before repairs. For washing, prepare a solution of caustic soda: 50 g per 1 liter of distilled water. The radiator grille should be placed in a bath of solution for several minutes. After this, take it out and check whether the contaminants have dissolved. If necessary, the procedure must be repeated. After cleaning, you need to carefully remove the radiator and thoroughly rinse all parts with distilled water and then dry.

Simplicity: 2
Cost: 4
Time spent: 4
Quality: 5
Bottom line: Recommended for high levels of contamination.

With the onset of cold weather, car owners often find that their car's interior heating system is not working efficiently. Everything seems to be fine, but the air coming from the deflectors is not warm enough. This problem may be an indication that the car’s heater core is clogged and cannot pass the required amount of heated coolant through it.

What to do in such a situation: replace the heater or try to repair it? Do not rush to resort to radical measures. If the heat exchanger does not leak, it can be repaired.

In this article we will talk about how to install the heater without removing it from the car. In addition, we will discuss which products are best suited for this procedure.

Why does the radiator clog?

IN modern cars Two types of heater radiators are used: copper-brass and aluminum. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, but they are all susceptible to oxidation and corrosion. Over time, the channels of any radiator lose their capacity due to deposits on the internal walls. This process can also be speeded up by:

Consequences of heater radiator obstruction

In addition to the fact that warm air will no longer flow into the cabin in the required quantity, clogged radiator may cause:

engine overheating;
increasing pressure in the cooling system;
depressurization of cooling system elements;
failure safety valve expansion tank and etc.

How to deal with it

The most in a simple way To get rid of this problem is to flush the heater radiator. Its essence is to drive a special agent through it that can dissolve and wash away all the scale and dirt. There are two ways to install a heater radiator without removing it from the car and with removal. The first method does not involve dismantling the heater. It is enough to simply disconnect it from the cooling system. In the second case, the heat exchanger is dismantled, and the entire procedure can be successfully carried out even in the bathroom. We will focus on the first option, since flushing the stove radiator without removing it is much easier. And considering that in some cars it is not so easy to get to the heater, it is also faster.

Effective stove cleaning products

Now let’s figure out how to effectively flush the radiator channels. Plain water, you will agree, is unlikely to do. Flushing the stove radiator involves pouring into it agents that can destroy the scale that has formed and deposited on the walls. These means can be:

special liquids for flushing the cooling system (factory-made);
household and descaling (“Mole”, “Komet”, “Tiret”, “Kalgon”, etc.);
acid solutions (citric, acetic acid);
alkaline solutions (caustic or;
drinks like Fanta or Coca-Cola;
milk serum.

Do no harm

Independently flushing the heater radiator without removing it from the car or with removal is not the point; it must take into account the properties of the material from which the element being washed is made. Under no circumstances should you use alkaline solutions to clean aluminum heaters. The metal will instantly begin to oxidize, and the situation will only get worse. The same thing will happen if you pour acid into it. Therefore, for aluminum - acidic agents, for copper - alkaline.

If special liquids for flushing the cooling system have instructions for use, then with household powders, citric acid and soda, you need to be extremely careful and know the proportions for preparing the solution.

How to prepare the solution

Flushing the radiator of the Krotom stove involves preparing a liquid based on it. This will require 10 liters of water and 100 g of the specified powder. The powder is poured into heated water and then mixed thoroughly. After this, it is recommended to strain the resulting liquid (you can use it through an unnecessary woman’s stocking). The same proportions are necessary for the soda solution.

In order for flushing the stove radiator with citric acid to be as effective as possible, you will need at least 300 g per 10 liters of water (30 packs of 10 g each). After dissolution, the resulting liquid must also be filtered.

How to flush the heater radiator without removing it from the car: instructions

First, drain the coolant from the system after warming up the engine. Then we find the inlet and outlet pipes of the heater radiator and, loosening the clamps, disconnect the rubber hoses from them. In their place we attach pre-prepared hoses through which we will pour and drain our cleaning solution.

Before you wash the heater radiator without removing it from the car, you need to remove all the dirt that has not yet settled on the walls. This can be done with ordinary tap water. To do this, pour water (10-20 liters) into one of the hoses, allowing it to flow out from the other end.

Only after this can you begin to clean the heater radiator from scale.

We begin to pour liquid into the first hose through a watering can. Raise the end of the second hose a little, and after the solution flows from it, close it. When the stove is completely filled, close the first hose. Leave the radiator for 2-3 hours so that the scale has time to dissipate. After this, it must be rinsed again with water. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated.

After cleaning the heater radiator, attach communication hoses to it. Pour coolant (preferably new) into the system. Start the engine and check the heater operation. If the situation does not improve, then it is time to replace the radiator.

Do not use water, especially untreated water, as a coolant. Regular tap water contains too many different salts, which will subsequently settle on the walls of the radiator.
Do not buy cheap coolants of dubious origin. It is not known what substances are included in their composition and how they “get along” with the metal from which the stove radiator is made.
Produce in a timely manner in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

When choosing a means for flushing the radiator of a car heater, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the blockages have a heterogeneous composition. Some substances dissolve better with alkali, others with acid. You can purchase ready-made heater radiator flushing fluid at an auto store.

Manufacturers of chemicals for flushing stove radiators offer compositions of different types of active substances, which can be divided into three groups:

acidic
alkaline
neutral.

It is advisable to use either neutral ones or alternate between acidic and alkaline ones during operation.
Whatever substances you use, be careful, especially take care of your eyes and do not inhale the fumes. Strong rubber gloves will not be superfluous - any of the compounds, especially if they get into the wound, cause pain and can cause inflammation.

How to flush a car heater radiator

To ensure the required result, it is better to remove the stove radiator, but take into account the amount of work - on modern cars Dismantling a heater is a very labor-intensive task that requires a good knowledge of the car’s structure. Just in case, know that you can disconnect the wiring connectors, which are bright yellow, only when removed terminal Battery - otherwise you risk activating the airbag squib.
Removing the radiator will provide the following benefits:

You can check the operation of the fan, if necessary, remove and replace the impeller of the heater motor or the motor itself;
radiator, it will be possible to flush and clean the radiator of the stove from the outside. On cars without a filter on the air intake, it becomes clogged with debris and dust; poplar fluff is especially harmful - it seems to sinter, forming a crust on the cells. A heat exchanger that is clogged from the outside is poorly ventilated and releases heat;
the main radiator and other elements of the cooling system (including the channels in the cylinder head) will not be exposed to excessive exposure to aggressive substances;
You will be able to assess the condition of the pipes, radiator cells, and also check how tightly the air duct dampers close. On the VAZ 2108-2109-2115, it is the damper drive (poor fixation of the cables) and the gaps in the closed position between them and the heater body that often cause air to enter from the street, bypassing the radiator. In such cases, even replacing it will not contribute to “warming”. However, this can also happen expensive cars – electronic system climate control controls may fail. Its repair is only available to an electrical and electronics specialist.

If you have to flush an aluminum stove radiator, remember that repairing it if damaged can be comparable in cost to the price of a new one. Flushing the copper radiator of the stove is not so dangerous - if anything, it is successfully sealed.

“Folk” means for flushing radiators

Folk remedies for flushing the stove radiator

Flushing a stove radiator with your own hands used to turn into a creative task. Before there was an abundance of auto chemicals on display, car enthusiasts tried to solve the problem on their own. Some methods have stood the test of time. Considering that the composition of store-bought and “folk” remedies is based on similar components, “homemade recipes” are often as effective as store-bought ones. Let's look at some.

Acidic products

It is better to wash copper heater radiators with a 15% sulfuric acid solution - strong alkalis (caustic soda contained in Krot) can damage them. To prepare the solution you need battery electrolyte and distilled water. The concentration can be checked with a hydrometer. A 15% solution corresponds to a density of 1.1 grams per cubic centimeter (electrolyte density 1.28).

Flushing the stove radiator with electrolyte requires control - sulfuric acid is very aggressive.

To flush the stove radiator with citric acid, the proportion is approximately the following: 100 grams of powder in a volume of water the size of a bucket (7 - 10 liters).
You can also wash the stove radiator with 9% table vinegar.

Wash the stove with Coca-Cola only in extreme cases and remove any remaining dirt with water as thoroughly as possible. The sugar contained in this drink can turn into caramel, which will damage other elements of the engine cooling system. It’s better not to experiment, despite stories of successful results.

Alkaline products

Washing and cleaning a car heater

Flushing the stove radiator with a “Mole” is possible, since its active substance is caustic soda - a strong alkali. But do not use it as the instructions prescribe - you should not “soak” the product with “Mole”, since contaminants can move, stick together and tightly clog the radiator tubes - their internal diameter is much smaller than the size of the sewer pipes.

You can use “Tiret” to flush the heater, but it dissolves dirt less well, but is “gentler” in relation to the metal of the tubes.

If you want to flush the heater radiator with “Whiteness” or, say, with toilet “Duckling”, you can try it. Just don't do anything blindly. That is, determine the type of composition - acidic or alkaline and test its effect on prototype metal samples. To check the type of active substance (if it is not indicated on the label), use regular soda, which will give a violent reaction when in contact with acid. This is good to know in order to do the flushing with both types of means - the efforts spent on dismantling the stove should not go without a positive result.

Use distilled water to prepare the rinsing solution.

To prepare the rinsing solution, use distilled water. The fact is that the active substance will react with particles present in dirty water and “fizzle out”. For the same reason, it would be a good idea to have a supply of cleaning agent.

Heater radiator flush pump

So, you have decided on the choice of liquid for flushing the stove radiator; now you need to ensure the circulation of the solution in order to avoid clogging the tubes with contaminants left behind from their walls.
You need to prepare:

pump
hoses (can be joined of different diameters using metal tubes and clamps)
mesh filter for cleaning fluid at the radiator outlet
container, if there is no suitable volume - at least two buckets (tank, keg, etc.)

As a rule, any available pump is used. Options:

pump from washing machine, but it requires clean fluid as its screw is easily jammed by small objects. But it is unlikely to be designed for a long duty cycle;
“country” submersible pump. It is not afraid of dirt, but it works very noisily;
an additional “stove” pump is the best option. Fittings of suitable diameter, 12-volt power supply that is safe in damp conditions, long-term operation.

You can set the washing operating mode yourself. It is advisable to change both the direction of circulation and the type of flushing liquid. You can alternate active washing cycles with short-term “soaking”.
You can determine how efficiently the process is going by the amount of dirt on the radiator fluid discharge filter.
If you doubt whether flushing the heater radiator helps, ask experienced car owners; many probably have positive experience.

It is advisable to combine flushing the heater radiator from sealant with blowing with compressed air.

And one more thing - the cooling system, for example, VAZ 2110, is designed for an operating pressure of 1.2 atmospheres; at 1.5 atm the valve in the expansion tank cap is activated. This information will help you “by eye” evaluate and adjust the supply of solution (when blowing, air pressure) and not damage the radiator.

Flushing the stove radiator is...

With the onset of cold weather, car owners very often find that the heating system is not working efficiently. At first glance, everything is fine, but the incoming air from the deflectors is not warm enough. This may indicate that the car's heater radiator is clogged and is not able to pass the required volume of heated coolant through it. What to do in this situation - replace the heater or try to repair it? There is no need to resort to drastic measures. If the radiator is not leaking, it can still be repaired. More on this later in the article.

The purpose of a car heater (popularly called a “stove”) is clear to everyone - this device is designed to maintain heat in the car interior. But the functions of the heater are a little broader - in addition to comfort, the heater is necessary to prevent car windows from fogging up. A similar situation arises not only in winter time, but also in autumn and spring, when the heater’s task is reduced only to solving problems of this kind.

The heater design consists of a fan, dampers, air ducts, a liquid flow regulator, pipes for coolant circulation, and a radiator. Behind the front panel there is a heater radiator, to which two tubes are connected. Coolant flows through them into the radiator. This liquid circulates through both the engine cooling system and the vehicle heating system using a special pump.

When the motor heats up, heat exchange occurs. Antifreeze cools the engine, taking away its heat. Hot antifreeze enters the heater radiator, which heats up like an ordinary battery. At this time the heater fan runs cold air through the radiator. Heat exchange occurs again - the air cools the radiator, and the radiator gives off heat to the air that blows into the cabin. Then the cooled antifreeze again ends up in the engine and cools it. This system heating is the most efficient and common.

In order for the interior to warm up in winter, the temperature at the heater outlet should be approximately 30 degrees. This temperature will not only warm up the interior perfectly, but will also prevent the windows from fogging up. The position of the flaps is controlled by the airflow position switch located on the instrument panel. These dampers direct air flow in a certain direction - Windshield, legs, face. Directing air onto the windshield is required almost constantly. This is necessary so that excess pressure arises in the cabin, at which dust and dirt cannot enter the cabin, and the windows will not fog up.

The car's heater does not heat up, reasons

The causes of obstruction of the heater radiator may be:

Chemically active substances (fuel, oil) or various debris (dirt) have entered the cooling system.
The radiator is made of metal whose composition does not meet technical requirements.
The use of low-quality coolant or water with a large number of salts in the composition.
Long service life, as a result of which a kind of scale is deposited on the tubes (copper or aluminum).

Tools, accessories, consumables

Pump or compressor.
Insulating tape.
Two hoses.
Clamps.
Container for draining antifreeze.
Cleaning agent.

How to flush a car heater radiator

In this case, there are many options. Some use special liquids to clean the cooling system, which can be found in any store. car parts. Others use old ones folk remedies, in terms of efficiency they are in no way inferior to those purchased. Let's look at the most common products used to clean the inner surface of the stove radiator:

Undoubtedly, it is better to give preference to special products, the composition of which is capable of ideally cleaning the heater channels, thereby not exposing them to harmful chemical influences. Kitchen products such as “Comet” and “Mole” are quite capable of competing with them in terms of effectiveness, but no one can guarantee that they will not cause harm.

How to wash the stove in a car with citric acid without removing the stove, step-by-step instructions

When making a solution, you must adhere to a certain ratio - ten liters of water per kilogram of citric acid, but seven liters of liquid, and accordingly, 700 grams of acid, will be quite enough. Next, drain the coolant from the system and fill it with a pre-prepared acid solution. Then you need to give a little load (you can drive a short distance), but at the same time, monitor the temperature - it should fluctuate between 70-80 degrees Celsius. After forty minutes, drain the solution, after which we rinse the entire system thoroughly.

To flush the system, you should fill it with clean water, warm up the car and drain it. The last procedure must be done several times. At the last stage, fill in new coolant.

Flushing the radiator with Coca Cola

It is worth noting that flushing the system with Coca-Cola is very popular today. In this case, the technology is similar to that described above, only warming up the engine for five minutes is enough. Most importantly, at the end, do not forget to rinse the radiator a couple of times, since Coca-Cola, in addition to acid, also contains sugar, which needs to be rinsed off thoroughly.

Flushing the furnace radiator with a special acid-based solution

When using special cleaning agents suitable for the heater radiator, flushing the heating system is carried out using a technology that is actually similar to the methods described above. The difference is that the soaking of scale and dirt does not happen immediately; you need to wait a little. However, if the use of highly corrosive compounds is intended, the solution must be kept for no more than 15 minutes. Of course, you can leave it overnight, but only if you use non-abrasive substances.

Pros and cons of each method, possible risks

Flushing the radiator with citric acid:

Advantages: low cost, high efficiency.

Disadvantages - if you overdo it with acid, it can lead to quite unpleasant consequences - over time, the acid can corrode rubber and plastic elements systems. Citric acid is highly aggressive, so you perform such flushing of the heater radiator at your own risk.

Flushing the radiator with Coca-Cola:

Advantages - low cost, speed, high efficiency (Coca-Cola contains so-called orthophosphoric acid, which effectively fights scale).

The disadvantages of such washing are associated with the gas and sugar content in Coca-Cola. Sugar, which is found in Coca-Cola, can clog the radiator, and the increased state of gases can have a negative effect on the entire system.

Flushing the heater radiator with special means:

Advantages: efficiency, no risks.

Disadvantages - slow action.

Pro tips: why you need to know what metal the radiator is made of

Before flushing the heater core, you need to know what material it is made of. The thing is that an alkaline soda solution cannot be poured into a radiator made of aluminum. All you need is acid. Otherwise, the aluminum will oxidize, making the problem even worse. Approximately the same thing will happen if you pour acid into a copper radiator. For copper, the use of alkali is much preferable.

In winter, you simply cannot do without heating in the cabin. Therefore, on the eve of cold weather, the driver must take care of the health of the heating system in the car. This problem often takes car owners by surprise. But don't despair. You can solve the problem yourself without spending a large amount of money. In today’s article we will look at how and what to use to flush a car’s heater radiator at home.

Features of the stove radiator

As you know, a car uses several elements. This is the main radiator for the air conditioner and heater. The latter is practically no different from the first in its design. It is also a set of tubes with special foil, which increases the cooling area. This device operates from the main element. Antifreeze or antifreeze is used as the working fluid. It is worth noting that, unlike the air conditioner radiator, the heating element is not protected by a cabin filter. Therefore it gets dirty more often. And both outside and inside.

Why is this happening?

The radiator becomes clogged primarily due to the presence of rust and other deposits in the engine cooling system. Experts recommend replacing antifreeze every two years. Over time, the coolant loses its properties.

Anti-corrosion additives no longer work as effectively as before. As a result, the system lines become clogged with rust and other components. The element also becomes clogged due to sealants that are used to combat leaks. To fix this problem and restore tightness, just tighten the clamps or replace the pipes. But some people use sealant for this, which eventually settles inside the radiator and clogs it. Next is dirt. It enters the cooling system through a leaking expansion tank cap or main radiator.

We fix the problem without disassembling

The simplest and quick way- wash the heater radiator without removing it from its mountings. What does this require? We need to prepare a solution of distilled water and citric acid. In what proportions should I dilute? Experts recommend using 100 grams of acid for the entire volume of SOD, that is, 8-10 liters. The old antifreeze is drained away. We pour a solution in its place. You should ride it for 4-5 days. After this, we drain the liquid along with the dirt that our acid washed away. Next, calmly fill in antifreeze (preferably new) and enjoy the warmth in the cabin and a clean radiator. By the way, this way not only washes it, but also the pipes of the system.

Seasonality

Please note that the freezing point of distilled water is much lower than that of antifreeze.

Therefore, it is not recommended to perform the procedure in cold weather. This way you risk damaging the elements of the SOD. Ice water expands, destroying all elements of the system. When performing such operations, the air temperature should not be lower than +10 degrees Celsius. This requirement does not apply to the removal method of cleaning the heat exchanger.

Second way

To do this we will need the following tools and materials:

Hoses with adapters. Their diameter should match those coming out of the stove.
Compressor (water pump).
Container and clamps for flushing fluid.
The solution itself (we’ll talk about it later).
Fum tape.

So, how to flush a car heater radiator? It is worth noting that the product is selected based on the material from which the element is made. How to clean an aluminum stove radiator? Alkaline solutions will be harmful to it. You can pay attention to professional products from the Mannol company. If it is a copper radiator, the opposite is true. The more alkali, the better. Motorists use improvised means in the form of Coca-Cola or Krot pipe cleaner. “Antinscale” is excellent for removing scale and dirt, according to reviews. But most the best option will use citric acid (for aluminum products). What is the best way to flush a copper stove radiator? For this, a caustic soda solution is used.

Let's get started

Before flushing the heater radiator, you should find two hoses that go to it. Next, we disconnect them and extend them using adapters.

We secure the connecting points with clamps and wrap them with fumlenta for greater reliability. Turn on the compressor to “return” and output old fluid from the radiator. After this, pour in a solution of citric acid or caustic soda. Action time is from 30 to 60 minutes. In advanced cases, you can increase the time to 2 hours until the solution completely clears the walls of scale. For greater efficiency, it is recommended to fill in liquid already heated to operating 80 degrees. If it is Coca-Cola, it should be boiled to get rid of the gases. Next, after the required period has passed, pour the liquid into a pre-prepared canister or other container. You will see dirty water pouring out of the hose. For best effect, repeat the procedure until the liquid becomes clear.

Next, connect the pump and rinse the stove again under pressure. clean water. Disconnect the clamps with adapters, reconnect the hoses and add coolant. This completes our operation. This way we were able to wash the heater radiator without removing it from the car. But it is worth remembering that this method only partially eliminates contamination. If, after flushing, barely warm or cold air continues to flow from the air duct deflectors, you will have to use more effective method. It involves complete dismantling of the radiator.

Washing with removal

You need to set aside a separate day for this. Dismantling the radiator is a very labor-intensive process. But this way you can clean the heat exchanger with confidence. Also, if the radiator is leaking, you can find out where the depressurization came from. The breakdown can be eliminated using “cold welding”. Large cracks are repaired by argon welding. So, before washing the stove radiator, you need to disassemble the front panel. After dismantling the torpedo, disconnect the pipes that go to the heater unit. On some cars, you will have to unscrew the air conditioning system pipes (where the evaporator is located). Next, unscrew the block and take it out.

How to rinse?

For external cleaning, it is enough to use warm running water. You can simply wash it under the tap. Be careful not to damage the fragile foil on the tubes. How to flush the inside of the stove radiator? To do this, you should use the same means as in the previous case.

A solution of citric acid or soda will do, depending on the material from which the heat exchanger is made. You need to fill in preheated liquid. For convenience, use a watering can with a thin spout. Close the heat exchanger outlets. After half an hour, change its position. It is worth noting the ease of such washing, with the exception of dismantling the panel. Also, no additional pump, clamps or adapters are required here.

They should be soft, without cracks. If there are any or it is hard, it is recommended to replace it with a new one. The same applies to the pipes that go to the main heat exchanger. A worn element can cause a leak in the cabin or depressurization of the system, which causes an air lock to form. The pipes cannot be repaired with sealant or other means - only replacement. The clamps are also changed. Next time you just don't unscrew the elements. And to avoid subsequent contamination, use high-quality antifreeze and adhere to the replacement schedule. When working with alkali, remember safety precautions. Use rubber gloves. Do not breathe in the vapors of the solution, especially when it is boiling. In order not to encounter the problem of a cold stove in the future, to blow out the external parts of the radiator, periodically turn on the fan on full power. In autumn, clear air ducts of fallen leaves. It is not uncommon for one or more leaves to get stuck in the tube. Air flow deteriorates. Incomprehensible rustling sounds appear.

Conclusion

So, we found out how and with what to flush the stove radiator. As you can see, the procedure can be done with your own hands. The necessary products are sold in any hardware stores.