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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

  1. Drain the water system and disconnect and blank off the pipe connections to the engine.
  2. Prepare a 4% solution of inhibited acid solvent and fresh water. Add the acid to the water, never vice versa.
  3. Allow several minutes for mixing, then heat the solution to 49°C (120°F) maximum.
  4. 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.
  5. Allow to stand for several minutes; then drain the solvent back into the original container through the bottom manifold or drain plug.
  6. Examine the interior of the headers. If scale remains repeat the process with the solvent strength increased to 8%.
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.

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