Guest Rustler Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Any 1 know of a quick way of cleaning away the rust residue in a plastic header tank?? (MK5 1.8 130ps)......Do'nt want to buy a new one if I can get this clean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest softtopsimon Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 where is it ???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rustler Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 where is it? Hi M8.. It's 21yrs of radiator rust sediment that has deposited a red crust like substance on the inside oh the plastic header tank as used in all MK5 & MK6 escorts of all engine sizes. The header tank on these MK5's etc ..has internal compartments that cannot be accessed from the filler or bottom exit,so can't be cleaned with a bottle brush etc.. So I need some advice on how to remove it!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tonkerboy23 Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Hey mate this will sound like an odd solution but worked on mine Crimp the pipe to keep fluid in the header tank and with it empty half fill it with vinegar pour in baking powder put the lid back on and leave for 20mins the wash out with water Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingergman Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 ive also heard vinegar works lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rustler Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Hey.. Thanks, I've heard that "vinigar has many properties, so I'll give it a try tomorrow and post up result... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tonkerboy23 Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Hey.. Thanks, I've heard that "vinigar has many properties, so I'll give it a try tomorrow and post up result... Good luck mate hope it works for you like it did me lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest corrie Posted April 12, 2011 Share Posted April 12, 2011 caustic soda worked for me when i had rust and oil in a header tank on an astra dti van i drained the water system added caustic soda and water solution and ran the van for a good ten mins it cleaned the system and loosened the rust inside then flushed the system with clean water, then removed the header tank and took it to kitchen sink and allowed it to soak in the sink for an hour then rinsed and came up nice and clean. and then fitted back to van then filled with good quality anti-freeze and water and away it went. ( but would not advise using it in engine any longer than 10 mins and make sure it is flushed properly.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rustler Posted April 12, 2011 Share Posted April 12, 2011 Thanks corrie.................I'm in the process of "The Vinigar" treatment at this moment, which "SEEMS" to be working on the lesser staining Ok. If I can't romove all the heavier SCALING I'll give your idea a bash.Any road it looks as if I've saved myself enough to buy a Chrome/S,Steel header tank cap cover, to match the other shiny bits in the bay....POSH, POSH, YES,YES.. Will report later Thanks guys.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingergman Posted April 12, 2011 Share Posted April 12, 2011 also, if you've got one, stick it in the idsh washer, heard that before lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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