Kohler generator heat exchanger descaler recommendations

[Danny Troy]

While I wait for an ordered replacement thermostat to arrive I thought I'd clean my Kohler 5e heat exchanger. It isn't clogged, but I can see a bit of scale buildup on one end. What is the recommended cleaner to use.... muriatic acid?

 

[R-and-R]

I made a mix of 4 parts water, 1 part Barnacle Buster and let it siphon from the strainer through the entire cooling system. I shut it off before the mix was completely empty and let it sit for 1 hour. Then restarted and let raw water flush the system.

I've used this procedure for engines, generator and Air Conditioning. Impressive amount of gunk comes out.

 

[Danny Troy]

Sounds like a good product, but I'm an hour drive to the closest marine dealer that would sell it. I was hoping for something I can buy locally at a Home Depot or Lowes.

 

[northern]

If you have any galvanized parts acid will react with the galvanized material. Copper, it will dissolve the thin protective layer on the tubes in the heat exchanger. Not too sure what it will do to hoses or fiberglass in the muffler.

 

[Danny Troy]

I wound up going to a local plumbing supply store and got something made for exactly this purpose, called Calci-free. I have the heat exchanger out of the boat, so I'll clean both sections with this stuff. I'll have plenty left over for the next time I need it.

 

[KevinC]

Sounds like a good product, but I'm an hour drive to the closest marine dealer that would sell it. I was hoping for something I can buy locally at a Home Depot or Lowes.

You might be able to get Prep-n-etch at H/D and use it at a 50% dilution with water. It's basically phosphoric acid which I believe what barnacle buster is.

Here is a discussion we previous had for a similar treatment on the a/c:
http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/air-conditioner-flush.90463/

-Kevin

 

[Danny Troy]

You might be able to get Prep-n-etch at H/D and use it at a 50% dilution with water. It's basically phosphoric acid which I believe what barnacle buster is.

Here is a discussion we previous had for a similar treatment on the a/c:
http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/air-conditioner-flush.90463/

-Kevin

Thanks for the info Kevin. I believe you are right about phosphoric acid in barnacle buster. I'll remember this for when I run out of Calci-free. BTW, the Calci-free must have dislodged a stuck piece of an old impeller, that I was surprised to find. I think my cooling will be a lot better after the heat exchanger cleaning, a new thermostat, and the removal of that impeller piece.