Cleaning Coolant Overflow Tank

[JJ Newel]

I got this 2003 Venture and have never ever changed out the coolant, so I decide to completly clean out and flush the system. The only problem I'm having is trying to clean the overflow tank. I washed it out with water but cant get this black buildup cleaned off the the inside of the tank with plain water. Is there anyway to clean this off with some special cleaner or technique?

Also I got ALOT of rust/corrosion under the hood of my 2003 venture with 86K miles, is this typical in these vans, because I also got a 2002 Impala with way more miles and no signs of corrosion whatsoever.

[Glen_T]

I've heard of people using really hot water and some bleach type cleaner - pour it in put the cap on and shake it up. Or, you can mix a little dishwashing detergent with a little Clorox and hot water. But I think even with that you'll have to get a bottle brush or the like and scrub a bit to loosen it up and scrape it off. Be careful shaking that tank with bleach it in - might want to wear eye protection.

My 2003 Montana looks pristine under the hood. What exactly is rusting? I'm in Indiana, so we don't have as much salt in the winter as some states, and I always wash under the hood when I wash the car.

Good luck...Glen

[JJ Newel]

I'm in chicago illinois and this thing is corroding EVERYWHERE ! I can't understan why as soon as I got it it started rusting.

[Glen_T]

Is the hood rusting? It should be an aluminum skin, but aftermarket ones are often steel. If you got this used, any chance the front end was damaged and rebuilt, and they didn't paint/protect it right? Odd....again, mine looks brand new (but it does only have 33K on it)....Glen

[JJ Newel]

No the engine compartment is rusting only; NOT the hood. BUT the hood does have alot of stone chips. The engine is rusting more and more as time goes buy, soon this thing will be a real rust bucket.

[joelmar10]

When i cleaned it I used acetone. It'll evaporate completely when your done. Just swish it around a little at a time and all the sludge will come right out. Of course follow all safety precautions, it's nasty stuff.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by Glen_T

I've heard of people using really hot water and some bleach type cleaner - pour it in put the cap on and shake it up. Or, you can mix a little dishwashing detergent with a little Clorox and hot water.

Good luck...Glen

Please read the label if you plan to mix dishwashing detergent w/ bleach as stated above. There are many new formulations of dish detergents on the market today that weren't around just a few years ago, and some of these "additives" should not be mixed with bleach. I use dish detergent w/ bleach sometimes when I do my dishes, especially if I'm dealing with raw poultry, meats, anything that could be a carrier of excess bacteria. I also use that mixture with great results to remove the oily film from my coffee carafes and sun tea jars, (makes the glass sparkle.) Anyways, one day I was about to mix bleach with a new dish soap I bought, Dawn Complete with bleach alternative, when I happened to read the directions on the back of the bottle. It clearly stated to not mix the soap with any bleach. Got to be careful nowadays.