Key Cleaning Principles
Prioritize cooling first:
Never operate on a hot radiator, as high-pressure hot coolant can cause burns and cold water may damage hot engine parts.
Differentiate cleaning targets:
External cleaning focuses on removing surface debris (dust, leaves, bugs), while internal cleaning addresses scale and rust buildup in the cooling system.
Match methods to materials:
Avoid abrasive tools on fragile aluminum fins, and select cleaners compatible with copper, aluminum, or composite radiators.
External Cleaning
Remove surface debris:
For vehicles, detach the grille and use an air pump to blow debris out from the engine side (or reverse if inaccessible) . For stationary equipment, use a soft-bristled brush to gently sweep fins.
Wash with low pressure:
Apply a mild cleaning solution (or specialized fin cleaner) and rinse with a low-pressure hose, directing water from back to front to flush out trapped dirt.
Straighten bent fins:
Use a flathead screwdriver or thin tool to carefully reshape bent fins, ensuring unobstructed airflow.
Clean protective components:
Remove and rinse the radiator guard (if equipped) to maintain its debris-blocking function.
Internal Cleaning
Drain old coolant:
Place a catch pan under the drain valve, open it to empty the system, and collect used coolant for proper disposal.
Choose a cleaning method:
Mechanical cleaning: For thick scale, disassemble the radiator and use plastic scrapers (avoid metal) to remove deposits .
Neutralize and rinse:
After chemical cleaning, use a baking soda solution to neutralize residual acid, then rinse repeatedly with clean water until the effluent is clear.
Refill and bleed air:
Add new coolant (mixed with soft water) and run the equipment for 15 minutes to expel trapped air, topping up coolant as needed.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
01
Use quality water:
Opt for distilled or deionized water (total hardness <50ppm) instead of tap water to reduce scale formation .
02
Add anti-scale additives:
Use phosphate or silicate-based inhibitors, or long-acting coolants (e.g., OAT type), avoiding mixing different brands .
03
Regular inspections:
Check hoses for cracks, clamps for rust, and radiator caps for seal degradation (replace caps every 2 years) .
04
Schedule routine cleaning:
Clean external surfaces monthly, flush the internal system every 6-12 months (or 500 operating hours for generators), and perform deep chemical cleaning annually .
Safety and Common Mistakes
Wear protective gear:
Use gloves and goggles during chemical cleaning to avoid skin/eye contact with corrosive solutions .
Avoid high-pressure damage:
Never use a high-pressure 水枪 directly on radiator fins, as this can bend or puncture them .
Do not skip flushing:
Simply replacing coolant without cleaning leaves residual scale, which contaminates new fluid .
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Our company has established long-term friendly and cooperative partnerships with Suzuki China factory, Peugeot China factory, Schneider Electric and other foreign and domestic well-known enterprises.
