Dirty Coolant Reservoir. Tricks, Tips?

[chevycav96]

Hey, what is the safest way to clean out the green/brown/black stuff that accumulates inside the coolant reservoir?

I have a 1996 Cav with a 2.2L engine that has 130,000 miles on it.

Let me know what tricks or tips you guys have.

Thanks,
David.

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[zamani002]

flush your radiator coolant at this milage you should do it

[public]

Take the tank off and use a bottle brush. Avoid any bleach or clorine because if any is left in it will oxidize the inside of your motor. I have had good luck using "tonic water" it seems to get under the sludge and fizz up. This seems to break up the stuff so it comes right out. Don't forget to change the hose to the tank. They get full of sludge too. Good Luck.

[chevycav96]

Originally Posted by zamani002

flush your radiator coolant at this milage you should do it

I replaced the water pump about a year ago and changed the coolant then. GM says DexCool is good for 150,000 miles or five years. I haven't even come close to any of those conditions.

[KJRich]

I definitely would change Dex-Cool more often. Almost all of us already change our oil more often than required, so why wait forever on the coolant? I change Dex-Cool every 2-3 years, regardless of mileage.