calcium build up, how could i use CLR or something?

[Joeshow]

hi, i have a 1971 GM I4 w/ OMC Stringer.... im wondering of there is a kit or something to circulate CLR through the cooling system to remove any foriegn material? would this damage rubber or plastic?

i have lots of water coming to the engine but it seems the system has a blockage on the exit side of things.

any help would be excellent... cant use muffs on this system :/

 

[joemamma]

Re: calcium build up, how could i use CLR or something?

Is this a fresh water boat? Do you pull water though the hull? Is it calcium like from hard water or barnacles and How can you tell? Salt away has a flush kit it goes inline with a flush hose. I wouldn't use CLR or Limeaway with the boat in the water.
I have cleaned barnacles out of a heat exchanger with muriatic acid. But, I removed it to work in a bucket.
If your in salt water it's likely corrosion. you may want to replace the exhaust.
As for CLR damaging rubber or plastic. It comes in a plastic bottle. Whats the worst that could happen?

 

[southkogs]

Re: calcium build up, how could i use CLR or something?

Most of the OMC's that I've seen have a fitting on the right side of the drive (looking at it from the stern) where you can hook up a hose. You'll need a female to female adapter to make it work. It was an option for OMC (I think), but most of the time there's one there. You may be able to just run some water through and see if it makes it through the entire system.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: calcium build up, how could i use CLR or something?

Blockage on the exit points to clogged manifold/riser. You should take off the riser and inspect. Running CLR would be a waste of time if it is clogged that bad. Time to replace.

 

[Joeshow]

Re: calcium build up, how could i use CLR or something?

Is this a fresh water boat? Do you pull water though the hull? Is it calcium like from hard water or barnacles and How can you tell? Salt away has a flush kit it goes inline with a flush hose. I wouldn't use CLR or Limeaway with the boat in the water.
I have cleaned barnacles out of a heat exchanger with muriatic acid. But, I removed it to work in a bucket.
If your in salt water it's likely corrosion. you may want to replace the exhaust.
As for CLR damaging rubber or plastic. It comes in a plastic bottle. Whats the worst that could happen?

yeah its fresh water, pulls through the out drive... im not too sure what the blockage is... i was thinking of doing it in a 50gal barrel. lmao didnt cross my mind about the plastic, i write all these when i first wake up for work lol

 

[Joeshow]

Re: calcium build up, how could i use CLR or something?

SouthKogs, sweet, i'll look into that tonight!!!!

bruceb58, this old girl doesnt have the typical riser plate, its more of a down pipe off of the manifold... but yeah i'll take that off n see how she looks!!


i wish my manual would get here, i need a water flow chart so i know exactly where to look... need to know the water exit track.

thanks guys, you've been great help!!