Coolant Reservoir Clean Out

[mattt]

Is there any effective way to clean out the Coolant Reservoir of the brown stains from being 18 years old? I have it out of the Tahoe currently and tried hot water and Simple Green but none of the brown discoloration residue released from the walls of the reservoir? Anyone found an effective cleaner for this vs just replacing it? Thanks.

 

[MassHoe04]

How about that stuff they use to get rust off houses in FL? C.L.R.
You can get it at Walmart, Home Depot, grocery stores.

Might be worth a try filling with some of that and letting it soak a bit.

I would try that only, if the tank has been removed from the vehicle... But maybe it would work?

 

[Blackcar]

How about that stuff they use to get rust off houses in FL? C.L.R.
You can get it at Walmart, Home Depot, grocery stores.

Might be worth a try filling with some of that and letting it soak a bit.

I would try that only, if the tank has been removed from the vehicle... But maybe it would work?

Also, might try bottle brush along with which ever cleaner. I would have thought simple green would have worked I used that on 1985 K Blazer and cleaned most of it didn't get it like new but could see fluid level very good,

 

[Doubeleive]

honestly the replacement cost for a new one is not that much and way less hassle, you might spend more money and time on that old one than it cost's to just replace it.
just my .02 cent's

 

[13UpInSmoke]

Think I paid $30 bucks for a new one. Quick swap with some hose crimps

 

[SnowDrifter]

I shoved a pressure washer in mine and got it clean enough for my needs. It wasn't particularly grimy in the first place though.
If yours is nasty, just drop a new one in there. The time and effort (and chemical cost) to clean off buildup from bad coolant is more than the cost of just plunking a fresh piece in there.

 

[swathdiver]

Is there any effective way to clean out the Coolant Reservoir of the brown stains from being 18 years old? I have it out of the Tahoe currently and tried hot water and Simple Green but none of the brown discoloration residue released from the walls of the reservoir? Anyone found an effective cleaner for this vs just replacing it? Thanks.

I bought a new one to "clean" mine. No chemicals!

 

[mattt]

Thanks for all the replies here. Is there any problem with the cheap $30 Dorman replacement tank? I looked at OEM GM on RockAuto and it looks like the OEM part is ~$75. I've read that certain Dorman parts are a no no, like their coolant line T's for the heater core lines because they are cheap and break. Anyone heard the same about the $30 coolant reservoir or is this something to only buy OEM? Good thread here with BTDT replies. Thanks again.

 

[swathdiver]

Thanks for all the replies here. Is there any problem with the cheap $30 Dorman replacement tank? I looked at OEM GM on RockAuto and it looks like the OEM part is ~$75. I've read that certain Dorman parts are a no no, like their coolant line T's for the heater core lines because they are cheap and break. Anyone heard the same about the $30 coolant reservoir or is this something to only buy OEM? Good thread here with BTDT replies. Thanks again.

I'm not going to risk it to save $30, I bought OE from RockAuto.

 

[RaiderRodney]

I'm not going to risk it to save $30, I bought OE from RockAuto.

Agreed, that's where I got mine.

 

[13UpInSmoke]

I did the dorman from Amazon. Over 2000 miles & been fine

 

[mountie]

I am planning to have my coolant flushed & use distilled water. Last month I got nthe Rock Auto 'OEM' replacement tank. It looks exactly like the original. ( firmness & fitment )
Price way better than cleaning the tainted plastic.

 

[Rocket Man]

Great, now I want a new coolant reservoir.

 

[2006Tahoe2WD]

honestly the replacement cost for a new one is not that much and way less hassle, you might spend more money and time on that old one than it cost's to just replace it.
just my .02 cent's

That's what I did. There are all sorts of walls/dividers in there. I don't think it would ever get close to looking new. Get a new cap also. Issue resolved good for another 15 years.

 

[Rocket Man]

I give. New reservoir ordered. My cap still looks good so I’ll leave it for now. You guys are a terrible influence.

 

[mountie]

I give. New reservoir ordered. My cap still looks good so I’ll leave it for now. You guys are a terrible influence.

You are welcome

 

[mattt]

That's what I did. There are all sorts of walls/dividers in there. I don't think it would ever get close to looking new. Get a new cap also. Issue resolved good for another 15 years.

Thanks everyone for the replies and info. For the time being, I'll keep using my original one, since the rest of the 6.0 build is over budget. I'll replace it down the road once I'm back on the road.

There are multiple chambers inside as you mentioned. Is there some combo of turning it, flipping it, side to side, top to bottom etc to get all of the coolant/water out. I have it about 95% empty but there is a last little bit of flush water that I'd like to get out before re-installing it, because my tap water that was used to flush it is pretty hard here. Thanks.

 

[mountie]

Thanks everyone for the replies and info. For the time being, I'll keep using my original one, since the rest of the 6.0 build is over budget. I'll replace it down the road once I'm back on the road.

There are multiple chambers inside as you mentioned. Is there some combo of turning it, flipping it, side to side, top to bottom etc to get all of the coolant/water out. I have it about 95% empty but there is a last little bit of flush water that I'd like to get out before re-installing it, because my tap water that was used to flush it is pretty hard here. Thanks.

Get a gallon of distilled water and dump it into it... let it drain.

 

[Rocket Man]

I agree that there’s probably no way to clean one out once it’s stained but if someone tries, I’d like to see the results. Mine was so bad I couldn’t see the coolant level. Here’s before and after of the new one installed.

It was $67 on Amazon.

 

[2006Tahoe2WD]

I agree that there’s probably no way to clean one out once it’s stained but if someone tries, I’d like to see the results. Mine was so bad I couldn’t see the coolant level. Here’s before and after of the new one installed.View attachment 373517View attachment 373518 It was $67 on Amazon.

Yes, and also makes the engine compartment look nicer.