Use of Vinegar to Clean Radiators
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Topic author - Posts: 892
- Joined: Thu Jul 23, 2020 9:28 pm
- First Name: Bruce
- Last Name: Brakke
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Use of Vinegar to Clean Radiators
Are there any concerns about using full strength vinegar to clean radiators or should it be diluted? If used full strength, how long should it remain in the radiator?
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- Posts: 1359
- Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2019 5:47 pm
- First Name: Les
- Last Name: Schubert
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- Location: Calgary
Re: Use of Vinegar to Clean Radiators
I’ve used it numerous times. I buy the cheapest stuff at Costco or similar and leave it over night. Then flush it away. And flush the radiator with fresh water. After I have confirmed that I have no leakage, then I fill with about a 30% antifreeze and distilled water.
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- Posts: 1906
- Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 12:22 am
- First Name: craig
- Last Name: leach
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- Location: Laveen Az
Re: Use of Vinegar to Clean Radiators
Zep makes a calcium, rust & lime remover it's like CLR but less cost wise. Find it at Home Depot & Lowe's. It will clean blocks, heads & radiators. I leave it in radiators over night. Then flush well with clean water. Blocks & heads I leave for days then flush with the pressure washer. This is assuming they are apart. I would not expose a head or other gaskets to it. It works great for brass parts but check every couple of minutes it will turn them brown if left to long. Caution it will kill the grass.
Craig.

Craig.