Blue Devil coolant flush

[Synth vibes]

Just wanted to share some experiences I've had with this flush, I first used it on an 03 Acura MDX that had green instead of blue coolant. Then an 08 Suzuki Sx4 that also had green instead of blue, now recently on a 2011 Subaru Forester that had green. I've had great results and no problems. I know you can flush with distilled water. But I prefer a chemical flush when switching coolant types. Anyone else have experience with this flush? Or recommend a flush product?

 

[Donald]

Some flush with auto dishwasher detergent. Citric acid.

The typical thinking is if the coolant system was not neglected then a flush is probably not needed. Or distilled water.

If you use a flush additive then you need to flush enough times to make sure the coolant system is pure water before adding coolant.

My truck has two coolant systems. Twice as much fun!

 

[Davejam]

No experience with it. Unless there's an obvious issue flushing with distilled water should be sufficient.

 

[Trav]

Go with the citric acid, its cheap, safe and it works. No need to go manufacturers label eg MB, this is the same stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/Spicy-World-...;qid=1593629587&s=grocery&sr=1-9

 

[DGXR]

The only time I've bothered with a cooling flush product is when I bought a 1967 mustang that was neglected (got a great deal lol). It needed special care in some areas, cooling was one, and I used the Prestone flush product. I don't have any experience with Blue Devil. Every other vehicle I've owned was well cared for before me, so just regular fluid changes & maintenance.

 

[Kira]

Re citric acid: How much (weight or volume) to how much water is needed to make an effective flushing agent assuming a moderately neglected system?

Thanks

 

[Rand]

I usually just buy the prestone super flush and follow directions if I need a flush.. most of the time its drain and fill for me.. since I dont let it get crusty.

 

[Synth vibes]

I think flushing can be important when you get a new to you car, I've only owned older 2nd hand cars, and considering the last 3 had the wrong coolant, I think its a simple relatively easy process to do. Thank you for posting about citric acid. I use that stuff in espresso capsule machines.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted by Kira
Re citric acid: How much (weight or volume) to how much water is needed to make an effective flushing agent assuming a moderately neglected system?

Thanks


Since I started using it I have settled 1lb per gallon of water added (you will not the total system capacity out) for neglected systems but not really messed up like brown slime in some GM cars.
I have tried 2lb, 10 tbl spoons, 1lb and so on. Depending on the size of the system the 1lb per gallon may end up being 3lb of citric in 3 gallons of water if that is what it takes to fill it after a full drain.

A little more or less is not going to be an issue, a fresh water flush is all that is needed afterwards, no neutralizer eg baking soda needed,

 

[Kira]

Many thanks.

I figured it wasn't too critical a ratio.

I must tell you, my awareness circuits for "household" mix ratios was just kicked into high gear since a friend's house burned.

Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate Na2CO3 aka soda ash, aka soda crystals) was included in every formula mentioned to POSSIBLY reduce smoke odor. That's fine but NOWHERE was a mix ratio offered.

Several families volunteered to wash their damaged clothing. They divided all their garments but nobody knew how much to mix. It was ironically funny.

FYI: Washing Soda is also called a "detergent booster" as it does just that. You add some to your washing machine with the detergent.
However, soaking, possibly overnight, is recommended to eliminate smoke smell. White vinegar is added as well for soot stains.
From speaking with them I'd use 2 cups washing soda per 10 lbs. of damaged laundry in a soaking tub.
While useful for everyday items in the washing machine, the rinsing action wouldn't leave the washing soda in contact with the clothing long enough.

Effectiveness will vary due to fiber content and severity of damage. Of course your nicest stuff will be unsalvageable.

LESSON: Don't try to incubate chickens in your house using questionable heat lamps and cheap plug-in strips.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted by Kira
LESSON: Don't try to incubate chickens in your house using questionable heat lamps and cheap plug-in strips.