All experimenters and craftsmen will probably be interested in the consequences of flushing the engine cooling system with Coca-Cola.
Despite all the diversity of auto chemicals, there are still fans of all kinds of artisanal methods. In relation to Coca-Cola, this is even curious: during times of global shortage, it simply did not exist, and those who managed to get the drink preferred to use it inside their own, rather than machine, bodies. However, for many, flushing systems with “American lemonade” has long been reliably recorded in the old-fashioned methods. The popularity of using cola for these purposes remains consistently high. Maybe because you don’t have to go anywhere to get it - you went to a nearby kiosk, and here’s the washing liquid. Maybe out of a feeling of secret superiority: you drink it, and we wash the car. Or maybe because of the quite satisfactory results and speed of impact. Who knows?
The consequences of flushing the engine cooling system with Coca-Cola are not too catastrophic if you do everything, as they say, wisely. But let's deal with everything in order.
How to flush an engine cooling system with Coca Cola
Everyone knows that in the summer we fill the car cooling system with water, but in the winter we use antifreeze. The water needs to be filled with distilled water, however, this rule is rarely observed, which is why it turns out to be filled with tap water, which has never been of high quality. It contains a variety of impurities in the form of chemical elements and salts. All this has a bad effect on the operation of the cooling system. Moreover, at high temperatures, all these substances tend to accumulate on channels and pipes, which is why scale appears on the pipes of the cooling system. In addition, if the radiator grill of a car is open, then insects still appear here.
Of course, you can’t just flush the system because you don’t want to. This procedure must be carried out in a timely manner. The temperature sensor will indicate that it is time to flush the system, which will indicate that the temperature has exceeded the norm. In addition, the fan may not work well and the machine may boil. Flushing is carried out whenever the coolant is replaced. For each car, it is better to carry out this procedure once a year.
Of course, the market is replete with many means for such cleaning, only sometimes your own cleaning options are much better than market ones. The engine cooling system is perfectly and reliably washed with Coca-Cola.
In order to start flushing, you need to remove the coolant from the system, then just pour Coca-Cola inside, fill this liquid to the level. In order for the cleaning to be effective, the car must be given a load; to do this, you need to drive a short distance. At the same time, carefully monitor the temperature so that it varies within 70-80 degrees. Warm up the engine sufficiently for five minutes. After forty minutes, the solution must be drained, after which the entire system is washed with ordinary water. The water rinsing procedure is repeated several times until the water comes out clean. After the flushing is completed, you need to fill the cooling system with liquid again.
Flushing the engine cooling system with Coca-Cola is quite effective. Because this drink contains a lot of acid, which has an excellent flushing effect. But even after flushing, you need to thoroughly wash the radiator, because the drink contains a lot of sugar.
Of course, you can use imported cleaning products, but this method is no worse, and besides, it will not be expensive.
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Flushing options and their consequences
It is useless to wash the cooling system with clean water: it is not able to dissolve accumulated deposits. The people have developed a whole range of means that are still readily used today.
Lemon acid. 4 sachets (100 g) are diluted in 5 liters. water, the old antifreeze is mercilessly drained, and lemonade is poured in instead. The engine is warming up; To do this you need to drive about 5 km. In an unheated system, citric acid will be inactive. Then the engine is left to run for about half an hour. The flush is drained, the system is washed with clean water, and new antifreeze is added.
Milk serum
. Truly an old-fashioned way. Strained factory whey, about 5 liters, is poured into the empty CO. It acts softly, so you will have to drive with it for 1-2 thousand km. Subsequent actions are similar to those described in paragraph 1.
Vinegar
. At 10 l. 0.5 liters of water are added. a regular table, the engine is warmed up to operating condition, then it is turned off, and the solution is left in the system overnight.
And finally, the notorious Coca-Cola. It is used in different ways. But pouring it in its pure form is considered a mistake: phosphoric acid can corrode the rubber bands. If you need it quickly, only add cola, but for 15 minutes. If there is time, she gets divorced 1:4
and again left overnight.
Of all the non-standard flushes, the American drink is the least suitable, although it acts faster than others, and, in the opinion of many motorists, cleans best. But Coca-Cola has 2 disadvantages:
- In addition to the “useful” acid, it contains sugar. If it settles on the insides of the system, you will have to wash it again, and seriously;
- lemonade is a carbonated drink. There is no need for excess gas in the system - its expansion can cause significant harm to it.
If you would like to use these liquid candies, please do so. Just before use, you need to remove as many bubbles as possible from the drink (for example, by leaving it open overnight or shaking the container with a fork), and after rinsing with water, the system needs to be rinsed twice. Otherwise, the consequences of flushing the engine cooling system with Coca-Cola can cause you a lot of trouble.
Cleaning the engine with cola Bookmark 5
If the car is constantly boiling and the driver is ready to go to the service station, there is no need to rush, it is better to start by purchasing a bottle of cola.
Each driver, to the best of his ability and means, takes care of his car. But there are some components in the car that are rarely serviced. So, the cooling system most of the time does not arouse any interest. And only in case of overheating or leakage is it repaired and serviced. Replacing the coolant is an activity that often saves money. Why then be surprised when tubes and hoses deteriorate, and scale forms inside the engine. And when the scale layer reaches several millimeters, the radiator turns into a useless piece of metal, and the water pump quickly fails.
Removing deposits from the cooling system is not easy, as it is often a very durable deposit. It can be completely destroyed only by “evil” chemistry. Novice drivers usually go to a car store for branded detergents, and experienced drivers go to Pyaterochka or ATB, and take 2-liter bottles of Coca-Cola from the drinks department. It's best to take Coca-Cola Zero. It is this drink that contains a minimal amount of sugar, which, in general, is not needed in the engine. The well-known drink contains substances that do an excellent job of removing scale – phosphoric acid, as well as “lemon”, known to all housewives. Using Coca-Cola is very simple. You need to drain the old coolant and replace it with a drink. And so that when flushing the cooling system there are no unpleasant surprises, we fill in “cola”, which has previously been left with the lid open and from which all the gas has come out.
After this, the driver needs to drive 50-100 kilometers in a gentle mode, without accelerating too much and without overheating the engine. Still, you need to understand that Coca-Cola is not an equivalent replacement for normal “cooler”. After the run, drain the liquid from the warmed up engine. A lot of dirt will probably come out along with the cola. Next, “normal” coolant or antifreeze is poured into the system, and the car is ready for everyday use.
Why do drivers pour Coca-Cola into the engine cooling system?
Almost all mechanisms and components of a car require periodic cleaning. The engine cooling system is no exception, although some drivers for some reason think that, by definition, nothing unnecessary can get into it. But what about the scale that forms from ordinary water poured into the expansion tank? What about the “harmfulness” of used antifreeze? Exactly.
Some car owners who care about the condition of their car entrust cleaning the cooling system to car service technicians. Others, in order to save money, purchase special products from auto parts stores and service the mechanisms themselves. Still others - those who are not ready to spend money even on automotive chemicals - run to the grocery supermarket for cheap Coca-Cola.
It is no longer a secret to anyone that Cola, like other sodas, has a detrimental effect on the human body, and therefore it is highly not recommended to use it for its intended purpose. But it is useful in the household - it is actively used for cleaning heavily soiled surfaces. The drink copes with its tasks perfectly, thanks to orthophosphoric, citric acids and other elements familiar to us from the periodic table.
Following the example of resourceful housewives, car enthusiasts put Coke into action. Most often, drivers resort to the drink when they need to give chrome body parts their former shine or clean the cooling system. In the latter case, car owners recommend using Coca-Cola Zero (the one without sugar), having previously “freed” the liquid from gases.
Why do you need to regularly pour alcohol into the gas tank?
So, what is the procedure for cleaning the cooling system with Cola? The instructions compiled by the experimenters say that four two-liter bottles of the drink need to be poured into the expansion tank. Next, you need to start the car and drive it for about 50-100 kilometers. Based on the results of the voyage, you should drain the liquid and be surprised how much dirt has settled in the system pipes.
However, if you decide to do such madness, be prepared for the fact that, at best, the soda will just paint all the parts its caramel color. In the worst case, foam will “settle” in the expansion tank, which will be extremely difficult to remove, and a characteristic coating will appear in the pipes, fraught with further problems.
Mode of application
- Choose a cola without sugar. Buy approximately 1-2 liters of liquid;
- Open the valve and drain from the car the amount of antifreeze that you want to replace with cola (usually 1.5 liters);
- Close the valve and pour cola into the radiator;
- Flush the system with the engine running.
By completing these steps, the engine cooling system will be completely cleared of unwanted residues
Flushing the radiator with cola
There are no disadvantages to using this method!
However, be prepared for the fact that if your radiator was not sealed, and the hole formed in it was closed by some kind of plaque from the inside, after flushing the radiator will leak, since the cola will clean off all the existing dirt and all kinds of plaque.
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What happens if you flush the radiator with Coca-Cola?
To flush the cooling system, it is popular to run Coca-Cola through the radiator. This is a rather strange method, which has a large number of contradictions, however, many people use it and I think it is effective.
Special means for flushing the radiator are quite expensive, in addition, such means require special disposal after use. They cannot be reused so as not to damage the car. This has led motorists to look for alternative means. And they found it, it turned out to be Coca-Cola.
Products used – auto chemicals
The advantage of cooling system flushing products is that they keep up with the times.
Their composition is developed in such a way as not to harm the engine. For example, for copper radiators they used to use some means, now for aluminum they use others. Or combined for all types of engines.
They are inexpensive, so almost every car owner can afford to buy such a product.
Radiator Flush.
It removes the most difficult contaminants from the cooling system quite well. A 250 ml bottle is enough to rinse a small car with CO three times or a car with a large engine capacity twice.
Characteristics of Radiator Flush.
Application.
LAVR Radiator Flush 1&2.
Another good tool for cleaning the cooling system. Popular for its good value for money.
This is a washing complex, which includes two compositions.
First cast
. Fights rust and scale. It removes them well and removes them from the system.
Second cast
. Eliminates oil deposits and dissolves fats.
The complex is neutral to rubber products, plastic and all types of metals.
Application of LAVR Radiator Flush 1&2.
Don’t forget, at the final stage, rinse with distilled or boiled water.
There are many other similar cleaning products, but before using them, read the reviews on the forms.
Why is Coca-Cola used to flush the radiator?
Stores sell a huge variety of drinks whose labels say they are Coca-Cola. However, their composition is slightly different, so not every cola is suitable for flushing a radiator. The most popular Coca-Cola, which has a red and white label, is perfect for this purpose.
This drink contains phosphoric acid, which can sometimes work real miracles. This Coca-Cola can clean both plumbing and the inside of a car. Coca-Cola will do the best job cleaning the cooling system. The advantage of this drink is that it does not react with metals, that is, it does not destroy them.
How to use Coca-Cola to clean the cooling system?
Cola should not be constantly poured into the radiator. This should only be done before or during flushing of the cooling system. It is necessary to flush the radiator, especially if the coolant was water.
When the car engine is cooled with water, the process of scale formation begins in the cooling system. It presses on almost all elements of the system, among them: radiator, sensors, engine block, couplers, thermostat and many others. Coca-Cola will do an excellent job of dissolving such deposits and will not harm the cooling system.
Before cleaning, drain about a liter of antifreeze. Next, fill in Coca-Cola; this is done simply through the radiator cap. The product can also be poured through the expansion tank. In this case, the engine must be turned on while flushing the cooling system.
The effects of Coca-Cola on a car's cooling system
As a rule, there are no problems when using Coca-Cola as a means to flush the cooling system. However, there is one disadvantage to using cola for this purpose. This drink is not intended for flushing a car radiator, so it can be dangerous if used for other purposes.
If, when flushing the cooling system with a special product, an unexpected and unpleasant result occurs, you can send a complaint to the manufacturer or file a claim. Coca-Cola is intended for internal consumption, so the manufacturer does not guarantee that the drink will successfully affect the radiator of a car.
In this case, there is no point in filing complaints with the company in case of damage. In such a situation, you can only complain about yourself and no one else.
Source
Why do they add Coca-Cola to the radiator?
The practice of adding Coca-Cola to a car radiator is widespread among experienced car enthusiasts. It belongs to the so-called “folk” car maintenance products such as: “citric acid in the washer reservoir”, “dimexide in the oil”.
Most folk remedies are used to flush car systems. Special cleaning products are relatively expensive. After their use, special equipment must be disposed of; reuse is not recommended. It is clear that pouring expensive liquid into a ditch is unprofitable. Therefore, car enthusiasts invent a replacement that has similar components and chemical compounds.
Instructions: How to flush the engine cooling system with your own hands
The engine cooling system allows the engine components to maintain operating condition for the maximum amount of time. Drivers are well aware that from time to time it is necessary to change antifreeze, which loses its properties in 2-3 years or 30-45 thousand kilometers. Not only is it possible to completely replace the coolant, but also top it up if necessary.
At the same time, even if the coolant level is regularly maintained at the required level, the cooling system may become unusable and lead to engine malfunctions. To avoid this, experienced car owners recommend flushing the engine cooling system every 2 years. This procedure is performed on a paid basis by service specialists, but you can also do it yourself. As part of the article, we will explain how to flush the engine cooling system with your own hands, including without using a special liquid.
Why and how often do you need to wash?
A malfunctioning radiator results in engine failure and vehicle failure. Therefore, keeping the radiator clean will help both keep the engine in good condition and avoid costly repairs or even replacement. This process may take some time, but it is not difficult. There is a sufficient amount of text materials and videos on how to carry it out correctly and safely.
Flushing with a complete replacement of antifreeze or other coolant is recommended to be done on average once every 2 years, taking into account the make and manufacturer of the car, as well as its service life. This frequency helps prevent the accumulation of coolant decomposition products and rust in the system.
Failure to flush the cooling system in a timely manner can lead to engine damage.
The list of methods for flushing the cooling system is quite large. To use folk remedies or use special chemical products is the choice of the car owner. A number of simple factors should be taken into account: the effects of the product and the principle of flushing the system. For stable engine operation, it is necessary to regularly monitor the fluid level in the expansion tank and not postpone upcoming maintenance.
Why flush the engine cooling system?
The engine cooling system consists of a number of elements that must interact correctly with each other so that coolant is supplied to the hottest engine parts during operation. The most vulnerable element of the cooling system is the hoses, which can become clogged or torn due to excess loads.
During the operation of the car, sand, stones, insects get under the hood, dust and other contaminants form on the engine. Over time, some of the contaminants end up in the cooling system, mixing with the coolant. This leads to the formation of scale on various metal structural elements, which eventually flakes off and gets into the hoses. They become clogged, which reduces the efficiency of the cooling system or completely disables it.
If the coolant light is on on the instrument panel, the problem may not only be a lack of antifreeze, but also a problem with the cooling system itself, which will be quite expensive to solve if one or more elements need to be replaced. To avoid this, it is recommended to flush the engine cooling system every 2 years.
Is it necessary to flush the cooling system?
Car owners often mistakenly believe that high-quality antifreeze does not contain any impurities; therefore, there is no need to maintain the system in any way by flushing the radiator and numerous pipes and cooling channels in the engine itself. Over time, even high-quality antifreeze begins to decompose, corrosion processes are activated, and deposits appear on the internal elements of the radiator, which after approximately 5-8 years of vehicle operation can degrade the heat transfer efficiency of the antifreeze heated in the engine by a third.
That is why even the automakers themselves, in the documentation for their cars, indicate the need to carry out such work and mandatory cleaning of radiators and cooling systems from the resulting scale. Such work should be carried out at least once every 100,000 kilometers, and it is recommended to use appropriate chemistry. It is both safe for metal and rubberized pipes and at the same time converts all rust, which is subsequently removed with old antifreeze.
How to flush the engine cooling system
In car repair services, engine flushing is carried out with special products that can be purchased in stores specialized in engine consumables. There are many similar means, but the most famous of them are Lavr and Motorresurs. The cost of specialized products for flushing the engine cooling system is extremely high, and many drivers use ordinary distilled water to clean the system of foreign “garbage”. This method is cheaper, but also much less effective, since water does not fight scale, but only cleans out accumulated microparticles.
If the question arises about how to flush the engine cooling system inexpensively and effectively, you can use a solution of citric acid or Coca-Cola. Both liquids do an excellent job of cleaning scale and other contaminants from the cooling system.
How to flush the engine cooling system
The process of flushing the cooling system is quite simple, and it consists of the following steps:
Thorough flushing of the cooling system is necessary to remove formed sediments, dirt, corrosive elements and harmful impurities that can impair the stability of the system. We strongly recommend that you fill in new antifreeze after flushing the cooling system, since the old fluid, even if the car has not driven many kilometers on it, contains particles of contaminants.
How to flush the engine cooling system with citric acid
It is no secret that an acidic environment allows you to overcome scale and rust, and it is advisable to use it to clean the cooling system. The most affordable way to create an acidic environment yourself in large volumes is to use a mixture of citric acid and water. The resulting solution allows you to get rid of contaminants in the engine cooling system.
Some features of flushing the cooling system with citric acid:
Citric acid shows itself to be no worse than many professional cooling system cleaning products.
Coca Cola, how to rinse? (folk method No. 2)
Another popular way to clean the radiator and cylinder block channels from scale and dirt is Coca Cola. Many have heard of it, and some use this method to clean kettles, heaters, etc. This method has proven itself in the fight against scale and rust. Therefore, it is also recommended for cleaning the engine cooling system.
There are nuances
- The Coca-Cola engine should run for no more than 4 minutes. Then turn it off and let it brew. Drain only after 30-40 minutes to achieve maximum effect.
- Rinse with distillate more times. This is due to the fact that the drink contains sugar, which can remain as deposits in the internal passages of the cylinder block
Video about the consequences after washing with Cola:
