Re: Subject: Radiator cleaning: What concentration TSP? -- WARNING!!!

[Caxambu@domain.elided]

Just a word of warning-- I tried this once before and my water pump failed 
immediately afterwards. Coincedence? Maybe, but since then I use readily 
available (found at most auto parts stores) products made for cleaning the 
cooling system. The $5.00 flush kit by Prestone helps clear out the system 
easily. I installed the tee fitting for the garden hose where the heater 
inlet hose connects to the intake manifold and every year when I flush the 
cooling system I just watch until the water runs clear out of the radiator 
fill (One of the parts of the flush kit is a collar that fits the rad fill 
neck. I attached an old washing maching drain hose to it that allows the 
coolant to drain over the edge of the car, keeping it clean.) No rust, but 
usually a little oil scum.

An added benefit of having the tee fitting at the heater hose/manifold 
junction is that it is now the highest (altitude) point in the system and 
makes an easy job of bleeding the cooling system-- just unscrew the cap 
slightly until the air or bubbles stops. Previously I would have to fight 
with that stubborn brass plug at the front of the manifold.

After staying away from the "household cleaner" type cleaning agents in the 
cooling system the water pump has not failed. Maybe a little weakish flow at 
idle but quiet and not leaking.

--Caxambu
1969 1750 Spider Veloce
Seattle WA


In a message dated 9/9/01 11:53:48 AM Pacific Daylight Time, Kevin Trent 
writes:

> Date: Sun, 09 Sep 2001 13:26:08 -0400
>  From: Kevin Trent <trentkc@domain.elided>
>  Subject: Radiator cleaning: What concentration TSP?
>  
>  Sometime in the last year or so there was a thread on using Trisodium 
>  Phosphate (TSP) to clean alfa cooling systems.  I believe that John 
>  Fielding started the discussion calling the TSP "sugar soap" or something 
>  similar.
>  
>  I purchased a small box of Savogran TSP at the hardware store.  The box 
>  says that it is "formulated for heavy duty cleaning, removes greasy, sooty 
>  dirt and prepares painted surfaces for repainting."  The box also 
indicates 
>  that it has "Average elemental phosphorous content 7.3% in the form of 
>  phosphates.  Equivalent to 8.5 grams per 1/2 cup."  Instructions for 
>  cleaning solutions range from: 1/4 cup per 2 gallons (household);  1/2 cup 
>  per 2 gallons (heavy duty); and 1 cup per 2 gallons (for use after paint 
>  removers).
>  
>  I want to do a "in car" flush of my 73 GTV's radiator.  Questions:
>  
>  What concentration of TSP should I use?
>  
>  Like many radiator cleaners, I will expect to run the engine to circulate 
>  the cleaner. I'd like to leave it in for at least a round trip commute to 
>  work (50 miles).   Any limitations or recommendations on the "run the 
>  engine" part?
>  
>  Any other prohibitions or cautions for using TSP to clean the cooling 
>  system?
>  
>  thanks,  //kct, Powell TN 

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