Ugly stained coolant tanks..

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Mar 17, 2023 | 11:42 AM

grinder11

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Ugly stained coolant tanks..

Has anyone successfully cleaned the inside of their coolant tank with a mild acid? I've seen a few YT videos on it, but not specifically on a C5. I'm wondering if I should try it at all since the tank is 23 years old. It's stained on the inside from the GM sealant pills I used when I had a Darton sleeved engine in it. How about muriatic acid? Anyone?? Thanks....

Mar 17, 2023 | 12:13 PM

epimetheus-lee

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From: Colorado Springs

I would first try a long soak with some simple green and/or diluted vinegar. These would be milder than muratic acid.

Mar 17, 2023 | 12:43 PM

RogerZ06

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From: Reno NV

I wouldn't even bother. I would just replace it since its going to crack on the top or bottom sooner or later.

Mar 17, 2023 | 12:52 PM

grinder11

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Yeah, I know muriatic acid is pretty caustic, for sure! I'm also kicking around a new tank, because at 23 years old, it's bound to be getting weaker, and any acid will make it weaker yet. I'll admit I was hoping to get some input from someone who has done it. Thanks guys.

Mar 17, 2023 | 01:26 PM

c5arlen

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Install new reservoir and report to us the difficulty in doing so. 😊👍😁

Mar 17, 2023 | 01:31 PM

MWWarlord

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I agree with replacing it. They do tend to leak, so a new one would give added piece of mind in addition to improved looks.

Mar 17, 2023 | 08:30 PM

grinder11

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Quote:

Originally Posted by c5arlen

Install new reservoir and report to us the difficulty in doing so. 😊👍😁

IIRC, it is pretty easy. There's a small bolt in the right fender that goes thru to the engine bay to pinch the container tight to the side, and maybe another one, but I can't remember, and several hose clamps. One key is to partially drain the coolant until the reservoir is empty, or near empty. It's really easy to change it out. I guess I should just cough up the $$$ and get a new one. Doesn't make a lot of sense to install all the new hoses I did, then have a 23 year old weak link in the coolant chain! Since it's on my 2000, I'm guessing I have the old style 15lb cap, since it's original, and is black with no markings. So I'll just buy new, and get the 18lb one. Thanks for talking me into spending the $$$ guys!!

Mar 17, 2023 | 09:12 PM

vette4fl

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Tank. GM Genuine Parts 10430189 Radiator Surge Tank https://a.co/d/chqIEeb

18 lb cap. ACDelco GM Original Equipment RC87 18 P.S.I. Radiator Surge Tank Cap https://a.co/d/8rmQBFj

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Mar 18, 2023 | 09:57 AM

grinder11

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Quote:

Originally Posted by vette4fl

Tank. GM Genuine Parts 10430189 Radiator Surge Tank https://a.co/d/chqIEeb

18 lb cap. ACDelco GM Original Equipment RC87 18 P.S.I. Radiator Surge Tank Cap https://a.co/d/8rmQBFj

Thank you, vettefl, for the part#s. Thank you again to the others who've posted.

Mar 18, 2023 | 10:32 AM

#10

666lisa

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From: Chicago

Try this. CLR mix with water and only use enough to dissolve crud.

. Cheap, Might work, so if it doesn't ,ur going to buy one anyway.

Mar 18, 2023 | 11:21 AM

#11

Smoken1

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From: Oregon

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Quote:

Originally Posted by grinder11

Thank you, vettefl, for the part#s. Thank you again to the others who've posted.

Depending on year that may or may not be the right part number. The older cars had level sensor in them

Mar 18, 2023 | 11:33 AM

#12

walleyejack

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From: Whitby Ont.

Quote:

Originally Posted by epimetheus-lee

I would first try a long soak with some simple green and/or diluted vinegar. These would be milder than muratic acid.

Vinegar for sure, I would try.. even full strength, maybe diluted first time to see how it turns out.
Then crank it up to full strength.. vinegar is used for cleaning everything.

Mar 18, 2023 | 11:59 AM

#13

ThomasR

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From: Clark, NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogerZ06

I wouldn't even bother. I would just replace it since its going to crack on the top or bottom sooner or later.

Exactly

Mar 19, 2023 | 06:04 PM

#14

tabbruzz

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From: Central NJ

They are like 100 bucks...buy one

Mar 19, 2023 | 06:33 PM

#15

grinder11

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Quote:

Originally Posted by tabbruzz

They are like 100 bucks...buy one

Please read post 7-

Mar 19, 2023 | 08:41 PM

#16

Vetteman Jack

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Quote:

Originally Posted by RogerZ06

I wouldn't even bother. I would just replace it since its going to crack on the top or bottom sooner or later.

Sound advice here. I would just get a new one (if they are still available) and you know the tank would be good to go for a long time.

Mar 19, 2023 | 10:34 PM

#17

redzg

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From: Orlando Florida

Vinegar is 5 percent acetic acid.

Mar 20, 2023 | 03:36 PM

#18

TCFS

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Anyway, you need to unplug the tank to clean it with whatever you want…and rinse it and try again…so better change it.

TCFS

Mar 21, 2023 | 01:19 AM

#19

GettnBetter

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Cleaning plastics works best using hydrogen peroxide exposed to UV light

Mar 21, 2023 | 07:12 AM

#20

Simtech

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Joined: Jul 2011

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From: Ozark Alabama

I got the Dorman version from Amazon a number of years ago and it is still working great. It was a warehouse deal so I only paid $30 dollars for it. You might check there.

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