Omar Khalid
Radiator overflow tanks can become stained and discoloured over time, and some car owners may wish to restore them to their original appearance. The yellowing of plastic tanks is caused by a chemical reaction, and cannot be removed by scrubbing. One solution is to use a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, which can be found in hair-care products. Other methods include using a combination of rice, bleach, and a dishwashing tab, or a mixture of Coca-Cola and gravel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of discolouration | Heat, anti-freeze, UV exposure |
| Cleaning methods | Bleach, Retrobright, hydrogen peroxide, hair-care products for bleaching, rice, dishwashing tab, dish soap, water, paint, muriatic acid, Coca-Cola, sulphamic acid, gravel, stainless steel nuts, playground gravel, sandpaper |
| Tools | Bottle brush, dishwashing pad, engine brush |
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What You'll Learn
Use a mixture of Retrobright and hydrogen peroxide
To whiten radiator overflow plastic tanks, you can use a mixture of Retrobright and hydrogen peroxide. This method can be used to remove yellowing from plastics.
First, ensure that the plastic tank is very thoroughly cleaned in warm, soapy water and completely dried. You can also wipe down the tank with alcohol lens wipes to ensure that any grease is removed.
Retrobrighting requires two ingredients: hydrogen peroxide and a source of UV light or heat energy. Hydrogen peroxide can be purchased from Amazon or local shops. For a 5.7-litre solution of hydrogen peroxide, you will need to mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1.9 litres of distilled water. Ensure that the tank is completely covered with the liquid. From time to time, agitate the liquid by moving the tank back and forth to dissolve oxygen bubbles and prevent uneven results.
If you live in a sunny location, you can place the tank in the sun for UV exposure. If not, you will need to provide UV light or heat yourself. If you are providing the UV or heat source yourself, ensure that the liquid does not exceed 120ºF/50ºC so that the plastic does not get soft and get out of shape.
It should be noted that this may not be a permanent solution, as there have been cases of plastic re-yellowing after storage, even if it has been kept in the dark.
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Bleach the tank
Bleach can be used to whiten radiator overflow plastic tanks. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of this method may vary, and there is a risk of cross-contamination if bleach is left in the tank. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bleach your radiator overflow plastic tank:
Prepare the Tank:
Firstly, remove the tank from your vehicle, ensuring it is empty and free of any sludge or dirt buildup. If there is any dirt or residue on the outside of the tank, you can scrub it with a dishwashing pad and a mild detergent solution. Rinse the tank thoroughly to ensure no detergent remains.
Prepare the Bleach Solution:
For this step, you will need to don protective gear, including gloves and eye protection, as bleach can be irritating to the skin and eyes. Prepare a bleach solution by mixing bleach with water. The exact ratio may depend on the size of your tank and the severity of the discolouration. As a general guideline, a ratio of 4 cups of bleach to 250 gallons of water can be used as a starting point.
Apply the Bleach Solution:
Using a hose or a funnel, fill the tank with the prepared bleach solution. Ensure that all internal surfaces of the tank are coated with the solution. You may need to tilt or rotate the tank to ensure complete coverage.
Soaking and Agitation:
Allow the tank to soak in the bleach solution for several minutes. For severe discolouration, you may need to agitate the solution within the tank. This can be done by shaking the tank gently or using a long-handled brush to stir the solution.
Rinsing and Neutralization:
After soaking, carefully drain the bleach solution from the tank. Ensure that you direct the drained solution away from vegetation, lakes, or other sensitive areas, as bleach can be harmful to the environment. Rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water to neutralize any remaining bleach residue. You may need to repeat the rinsing process several times to ensure all bleach is removed.
Drying and Inspection:
Allow the tank to air dry completely. Once dry, inspect the tank for any remaining discolouration or stains. If necessary, repeat the bleaching process until you achieve the desired level of whitening.
It is important to note that bleach may not remove all types of stains and discolouration, especially if they are deeply ingrained in the plastic. Additionally, always exercise caution when working with bleach and follow safety guidelines to protect yourself and the environment.
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Use a combination of rice, dish soap, and a dishwasher tab
To clean and whiten the inside of a radiator overflow plastic tank, a combination of rice, dish soap, and a dishwasher tab can be used. This method also requires a lot of shaking. The process is fairly simple and can be done with common household items.
Firstly, gather some rice, dish soap, and a dishwasher tab. The type of dish soap used is important, as some soaps are better suited for this purpose than others. Automatic dish soap, such as Cascade, is recommended. In addition, some dishwasher tabs may be better suited than others. For example, Finish brand (formerly Electrasol) dishwasher tabs are mentioned as being a good option.
Next, fill the radiator overflow tank halfway with water. Add a small amount of the dish soap to the water. Then, add the dishwasher tab and some rice to the solution. Seal the tank and shake it for two minutes at a time, for a total of 30 minutes.
This method is a good alternative to using bleach, which can be dangerous if not properly rinsed. It is also a more gentle approach than using abrasive media, such as small screws, to clean the inside of the tank.
After shaking the tank, be sure to thoroughly rinse the tank with water to remove any remaining soap or residue.
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Paint the tank
Painting the tank is an option to whiten radiator overflow plastic tanks. However, it is unclear how that would work with the heat involved. Plastidip is one possible paint option, as it has worked for other car parts.
Before painting, you may want to clean the tank. For the inside of the tank, you can try using some rice, bleach, a dishwashing tab, and shaking the tank. For the outside, you can scrub it with a dishwashing pad and a bleach and water mixture. You can also try solvents like carb cleaner, simple green, or tide detergent, and use a scour pad or sandpaper to remove surface yellowing.
If you are set on painting the tank, you can try using JB Weld, which has been used on an old 1992 Nissan overflow spout from the radiator to the expansion tank and has not leaked or broken away. You can also try Gorilla Glue, which has been used to bond the tank and its housing together. However, keep in mind that JB Weld is black in colour, so it may be visible on the tank.
Another option is to use a plastic welder to repair the tank. Bondic markets a UV-cured, two-part liquid plastic welder, but it is unclear how effective it is. Polyvance also offers a plastic radiator tank repair kit that uses an airless plastic welder to create a true fusion weld, which may be a more durable option.
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Clean with a bottle brush and detergent
Cleaning your radiator overflow plastic tank with a bottle brush and detergent is a great way to remove dirt and discoloration. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Choose the Right Bottle Brush
Select a bottle brush that fits your radiator overflow plastic tank. Look for brushes with durable and flexible bristles that can reach all areas of the tank, including tight crevices and corners. Soft bristles made from silicone are effective at removing grime while being gentle on the plastic surface. Brands like OXO, Mr. Siga, and Haakaa offer highly-rated bottle brushes with different features to suit your needs.
Step 2: Prepare the Detergent Solution
For the detergent solution, you can use a combination of Tide detergent and water, as suggested by some users. Alternatively, you can opt for a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, which can help loosen caked-on residue. If you don't have these ingredients, denture cleaning tablets are a good alternative as they contain baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). Prepare the solution by mixing half a teaspoon of baking soda with half a cup of vinegar, and you'll see it start to fizz.
Step 3: Scrub the Tank
Once you have your bottle brush and detergent solution ready, it's time to start scrubbing. Dip the brush into the detergent solution and scrub both the inside and outside of the radiator overflow plastic tank. Pay extra attention to areas with stubborn dirt or discoloration. If there are tight spaces that the brush can't reach, consider using a smaller detail brush or straw brush that comes with some bottle brush sets.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the tank with clean water to remove any detergent residue. Ensure that all detergent is rinsed away, especially if you've used bleach in your cleaning solution. Finally, dry the tank with a clean cloth or let it air dry.
Additional Tips:
- If you're concerned about the effect of bleach on the plastic, consider diluting it and fully rinsing the tank afterward.
- For heavily soiled tanks, you may need multiple cleaning sessions or try combining the detergent solution with an abrasive like BB pellets or gravel, shaking gently, and then rinsing.
- While some users have suggested using Coca-Cola for cleaning, it's important to note that only the original (classic) formula seems to work for this purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods to whiten radiator overflow tanks, including:
- Soaking the tank in a bleach solution
- Using a product with a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide
- Painting the tank
- Using a combination of Retrobright and hydrogen peroxide
- Cleaning the tank with a bottle brush and a cleanser
Retrobright is a chemical mixture initially used to remove yellowing from computer and electronics cases. It can be combined with hydrogen peroxide to whiten radiator overflow tanks.
Bleach will not hurt plastic if it is diluted and fully rinsed after a short exposure. However, some people are hesitant to use bleach due to the risk of cross-contamination with the coolant fluid.
Some alternative methods include:
- Using Coca-Cola and gravel
- Soaking the tank in white vinegar
- Cleaning the tank with rice, a dishwashing tab, and bleach
- Using sulphamic acid and water
- Putting dish soap, hot water, and stainless steel nuts in the tank and shaking
No, scrubbing is ineffective in whitening radiator overflow tanks. The yellow colour is due to a chemical reaction, and it is challenging to completely remove it.
