3 replies to this topic

[Kaison]

Model: Rover Mini Sprite 1275
Year: 1992
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

I'll be doing a rad flush and I have little to no idea of what to do as I've not done one before.

I'm going to also change the thermostat and housing - should I wait till I've replaced it?

Also it says it's contents are okay from 10 - 70 litres, how much does the mini rad hold?

Step one says thoroughly drain radiator and engine block then flush with cold water, should I just undo the bottom hose and let it drain out? maybe run the engine to flush the block? and how much water should i flush through, and should i do this with the engine running, where should i start with the flushing? . . .

Step 2 says refill with water and add contents to system. . . how much water, what temperature and should I put the whole bottle in? as it's in 2 separate bottles.

Step 3 says cover filler pipe with a damp cloth. NB: for systems with with an overflow tank, replace cap on radiator and cover over flow tank with the damp cloth. Product should not be added to the expansion tanks but directly to main system. . . what's the filler pipe? and what does it mean by mean system? - not the radiator?

4. Run the engine at fast idle for 30 mins but do not allow to boil. - how fast should it idle, i have no rev gauge. should I use the choke leaver?

5. Switch off the engine and drain radiator and engine block and flush thoroughly. how do i flush it - should i use more water or not as it'll be hot?

6. Fill with hot water - how much and should I just boil a few kettles?

7. run the engine for 5 mins on tick over and drain before part to. NB it is important to use part 2 immediately following use of part 1 - should I run it with just water? isn't it bad to use tap water?

PART 2

Step one. refill system with cold water and pour contents into radiator - should i use cold water immediate after the engine has been run upto temp? also it says refill system, what does it mean and also should i pour contents into radiator on part 1 where it says to?

Step two. Cover filler pipe with damp cloth - where is the filler cloth?

Step three. Run the engine at fast idle for 15 mins. do not allow to boil.

4. switch off and drain radiator and block.

5. Flush system thoroughly, by removing thermostat and directing clean water into thermostat housing, so that it circulates in a reverse direction through the engine block, then up the radiator and out through the top hose. - How does it circulate in a reverse direction?

6. Continue untill the water runs clear. The cooling system is now clean. To ensure peak efficiency, test the thermostat in got water, to ensure it is functioning correctly. Examine radiator hose and check that the fan belt is tight. Add the coolant/antifreeze of your choice, to inhibit corrosion and prevent rust and limescale formulation. - So, what am i examining the radiator hose for and with the coolant, can i use tap water or not?

Sorry for the long post - just unsure and want to get it right - Also where would be the best place to do this as I'm sure the anti freeze isn't something that should go down the drain?

[Kaison]

Still no replies? Just want to know a few little things. . . someone must know

[Big_Adam]

I'm going to also change the thermostat and housing - should I wait till I've replaced it?

Man, you make this sound complex. Way I've flushed is go out, take off bottom house, let it all drain then shove a garden house in wherever and run it till it runs clear out the bottom pipe.

Anyway, as for thermostat. You're probably going to find they are stuck on from rust. So I'd ask WHY you want to replace them (ain't broke, don't fix etc).

Onto engine coolant. I've always used deionised water from Tesco or similar (for steam irons and cars) with either winter coolant or a load of anti-freeze in a 1/4mix. Never done me wrong yet.

As for amount, can't recall how much a mini engine holds. I know its not that much but still, someone should come along and answer better for you.

[abhi1385]

1)drain water by pulling off bottom hose
2)fill up with rad flush and water run engine
3)drain
4) fil up
5)drain
6) fill up

just follow the instuction on the bottom of the container mate,,did this last month