Olympian — Radiator descaling
Maintenance
From a Olympian operator's manual covering: 1001 Series, 2001 Series, 4001 Series, 4001E Series. Check it applies to your exact model before use.
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Procedure
- Drain the water system and disconnect and blank off the pipe connections to the engine.
- Prepare a 4% solution of inhibited acid solvent and fresh water. Add the acid to the water, never vice versa.
- Allow several minutes for mixing, then heat the solution to 49°C (120°F) maximum.
- Run the solution slowly into the radiator via the filler cap or a branch in the manifold. When effervescence ceases, fill the radiator completely with the heated solvent.
- Allow to stand for several minutes; then drain the solvent back into the original container through the bottom manifold or drain plug.
- Examine the interior of the headers. If scale remains repeat the process with the solvent strength increased to 8%.
- After descaling, neutralize the acid solution: fill the mixing container with fresh water, heat to boiling point, then add common washing soda crystals at 0.5 kg to 20 liters water (1 lb. soda to 4 ga
- Flush the radiator in this manner several times, finally leaving the radiator full for at least an hour. Drain until empty and wash out the radiator with hot fresh water.
- Before putting the radiator into service again, fill with water and apply a test pressure equal to twice that of the working pressure. Examine carefully for leaks.
- Prior to recommissioning, add any necessary corrosion inhibitors and/or the correct proportion of antifreeze to the coolant.
Specs & values
- 4% inhibited acid solution
- 49°C (120°F) maximum
- 8% solvent if scale remains
- 0.5 kg soda to 20 liters water (1 lb. soda to 4 gallons water)
- test pressure twice working pressure
Source: Olympian operator's manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.