16 replies to this topic

[Elwyn]

Hello

 

1993 L reg SPI cooper, Manual

 

I'm replacing my core plugs

One is weeping mucky water

I'm working on the basis that if one has gone, the rest will be close behind

I think I know how to remove and replace them

Thank you internet / Youtube

 

Getting to the point....

 

Once I've got the current / old ones out, I'm expecting to find the usual muck staring back at me

 

What's best for cleaning here?

 

Is it safe to run a hose pipe in to flush out the debris?

 

Thanks

 

Elwyn

Edited by Elwyn, 10 May 2021 - 08:21 PM.

[nicklouse]

Engine out or engine in car?

[Elwyn]

Engine out

[nicklouse]

I would let it dry out first then blow out with compressed air. Then after making sure every orifice is closed off get the pressure washer on it.

[Elwyn]

Thanks
Cylinder head is already off
Just go at it with the jet washer?

[nicklouse]

Thanks
Cylinder head is already off
Just go at it with the jet washer?

Put it back on with the old head gasket.

 

you do not want any of this crud getting into the oil ways.

[Elwyn]

Ok
No other way to blast it out?

[sonscar]

Get about a foot of old speedo cable in an electric drill and have a poke about in all the waterway holes.Protecting all that should be protected is a given.Just what I do,Steve..

[Elwyn]

Thanks.

Beyond the core plug holes (front and side), where do the waterways go?

Is there an in and an out?

Presumably, the waterways and oilways don't mix / cross at any point

Happy to follow more experienced speedo cable advice, but just wondering (out of interest) what lies out of sight and why a pressure / jet washer wouldn't blow the crud safely and cleanly out of wherever the other end is

As I am clearly giving away (and don't mind doing so), I have no idea what I'm talking about here

Loving every new experience

Trying to learn at every opportunity

Thanks again

[sonscar]

The top of the block is full of waterways,they are all full of rusty crud.Remove the water pump and you can see the cylinder wall,poke both sides of this right to the back,then wash out the rubbish.Not all motors are full of crud,but I bet most are.Carry on until you feel satisfied or bored.Have fun.Steve..

[Elwyn]

Thanks

[Elwyn]

Update for anyone interested (I suspect it's only me)

 

I took out a core plug and removed the water pump

There was no dry, coked, rusty crud

Only a light green runny sludge

I had recently used a product called Evaporust

It's like rad flush but with a longer leave-in and bolder claims

Anyway, it's been sitting in the waterways for a week or two

Obviously doing its thing

I gently poured water into the water pump hole to run it through to the open core plug

It flushed the green sludgy Evaporust out leaving what looks like a very clean, crud free set of waterways

More gentle flushing to do

More core plugs to remove and do the same

Looks like I've been lucky

First time for everything

Edited by Elwyn, 12 May 2021 - 08:29 AM.

[Maccmike8]

Could this be used in a running engine for a day do you think?

[Elwyn]

The product is intended to be used in a running car for about a week, followed by a flush of water and refilling with coolant.

That was my initial plan, but that all changed, the engine came out and here I am flushing the block through the water pump hole.

 

As it's not an antifreeze, it shouldn't be used if there's a risk of freezing

In the UK, that could be any time of the year!

 

It acts as a coolant, but without antifreeze qualities

 

And de-cruds while you drive

[Elwyn]

Evaporust Thermocure (not the basic Evaporust for dipping rusty tools in)

 

Their sales blurb:

 

THERMOCURE removes even deep rust from the entire cooling system. It uses the latest technology in rust and corrosion removal to completely revitalise automotive cooling systems.

Thermocure removes rust scale and deposits from radiators, water pumps, water jackets, engine blocks, and heads. Rust and corrosion act as an insulator and cause vehicles to overheat.

This product restores the engine’s ability to transfer heat to the coolant allowing engines to run cooler and last longer.

Contains non-toxic, non-corrosive and non-flammable ingredients, Thermocure will not clog or harm engines.

It’s Safe, Simple and Effective!

Directions:

Remove coolant and add one quart of  Thermocure per two gallons of water. Run the the vehicle for 3-4 hours up to several days for extensive rust. Do not use in freezing weather. You may drive the car normally during this period. Drain the cooling system and flush twice with water. Add a high quality coolant mixed to manufacture’s specification with water.

Concentrated: Mixing ratio – 1 Quart: 2 Gallons Water.