Fernox

A M A Lead

8 July 2008 at 22:06 #47407

I have an old Austin Heavy 12/4 which tends to overheat due I think to the radiator being a bit blocked up.A friend said to me try as a last resort before recoring some Fernox which is used in domestic heating systems to descale etc.Does anybody have any experience of this treatment and how much should I use.

Colin M34

8 July 2008 at 23:11 #47408

Hi Adrian,

Fernox is great stuff! Make a hot solution according to the recommended dose on the tub and then watch it do its work. It has a colour indicator in it that shows when it is exhausted. You might want to leave it overnight and possibly heat the solution up when it has gone cold.

If you end up with Fernox leaking all over the floor, I’m afraid its new radiator core time. I recommend Anglia Radiators in Cambridge as being very competent!

Colin M34

Peter Reeves

9 July 2008 at 08:16 #47409

Hi All. Info on Fernox.
Fernox DS-40 is a powerful descaler and sludge remover for cleansing domestic central heating systems and eliminating boiler noise. DS-40 is only recommended for whole system cleansing where the system is known to be sound. If there has been a history of leaks, or weaknesses are suspected, usually on older installations, Fernox Heavy Duty Restorer (Superfloc) should be used.

* Powerful descaler and sludge remover for cleansing domestic central heating systems
* Eliminates boiler noise
* Compatible with all metals and materials commonly used in central heating systems
* Restores heating efficiency
* Reduces fuel wastage
* Complete pack including neutralising agent
* Leaves metals surfaces clean

Peter

Colin M34

9 July 2008 at 21:12 #47410

hi Folks,

The one I have used is Fernox DS3 which is specifically formulated for descaling equipment, rather than treating whole central haeting systems which is what DS40 is intended for.

The active ingredent in DS3 is Sulphamic Acid. Yes I said Sulphamic not Sulphuric. It’s an organic acid – hopefully someone in the chemical industry will explain what it is. I also have some descaler called “‘Kilrock” . This is Formic acid and seems all together nastier.

Therefore I recommend sticking to DS3.

Cheers

Colin M34

A M A Lead

14 July 2008 at 11:20 #47416

Many thanks to all have responded to my question.I will try Fernox and let you know the results bearing in mind that I could end up with a new core.

A M A Lead

7 April 2009 at 21:43 #47543

I have at last got around to trying out the Fernox d40 in my radiator and I am pleased to say that all overheating has ceased indeed in runs a bit cold.There are no leaks and all is well.Many thanks for the advice.
Adrian Lead

Peter S30

8 April 2009 at 07:03 #47544

Dear Adrian,

sounds good, how did you use it? only in the radiator (removed from the car) or in the complete cooling system? how long and how hot?

Peter

oakley

10 April 2009 at 08:28 #47545

Very useful information indeed! I can recommend that you now use 100% pure coolant (special pink-coloured “alu-protect” which is also kind to the aluminium parts of the water pump) instead of water (even rainwater which is very acidic and just as oxidizing as tap water), and the radiator will never block or rust again. If your radiator is in good condition and you use proper coolant you’ll never have to look at your radiator again.
Coolant is not just water with anti-freeze; it is acid and calcium free, hardly evaporates (I fill up about a pint per year), it boils at 125 degrees and freezes at -25 degrees.
Interestingly, although it is available here and there (try Halfords), coolant is hardly used in the UK, while EVERY car on the continent has it; nobody uses water and coolant is available from every petrol station. However, it is the death-blow for radiator repairers….