cleaning a stained header tank

[borntobag]

After discovering a pin prick hole on my rad at the weekend, rather than add rad weld gunk into the system I have decieded to renew it an give the old girl some new silicone veins and main hoses at the same time. The only bad point in my coolant system is the header tank, its quite stained and has been since I bought her. Yes I could replace it but as its integrity is intact I would rather clean it out.
Has any one got any knowledge of methods or products that would do the job and remove the staining without damaging the tank?
Cheers Rob

[haydn callow]

If it's just got brown sediment in it....you can with great diffiiculty get some of it out....However if it is the plastic that is stained through (probably) there is nothing you can do.

[Diplomat]

You might try a strong solution of washing powder, Rob. Leave it soaking overnight.

It works very well on crockery, baths, toilet bowls, tiles etc. and I have used it also on melamine and plastics without problems.

However, this subject has come up before and there is some contention that the staining is more like discolouration of the plastic and is not reversible as it goes deeper than the surface.

Frank

[321Away]

Didnt someone recommend removing the unit filling with hot soapy water,putting a handful of 10mm nuts in, and shaking the hell out of it? not sure who it was or if it works?
Julian

[haydn callow]

Yes they did....I think it was a guy from OZ.....that will indeed clean up the inside of any "sticky" sediment....but it's the actual plastic that stains and this cannot be reversed.

[borntobag]

I think I will try the strong solution method as its a disscolouring rather than a sediment build up.
I am sure the good lady will have some suitable stain removing power as we also own 3 teenage kids.
I will take a before and after shot and let you know if it made any difference, thanks guys.

[haydn callow]

I'm afraid that it will not remove the discolouring/staining.
If you do remove the tank be sure not to allow air to enter the system unless you are happy about bleeding it after...VERY IMPORTANT

[mikeonb4c]

I think I will try the strong solution method as its a disscolouring rather than a sediment build up.
I am sure the good lady will have some suitable stain removing power as we also own 3 teenage kids.
I will take a before and after shot and let you know if it made any difference, thanks guys.

The stain remover is likely to be either chlorine bleach based or peroxide bleach based. Both are likely to weaken the plastic for as much as they will remove the stain. I would choose structure over colour, given a hard choice.

[borntobag]

I hear what your saying guys, I have to replace the rad and the pipe work, so I might aswell give it a soak in something.
If nothing else I will be sure the inside of the tank is crud free.
As for bleeding the system, when I replaced the water pump me and my son did it after researching the You-Tube vid, which is really informative and confidence inspireing.
Ultimaltey, yes structure over colour every time, after all providing the system is healthy, the correct coolant is used, routine checks are carried out and an LCA is fitted , the header tank colour is of low importance.