2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42
The device of an automobile engine requires lubrication and cooling systems. They play a very important role, but should not intersect with each other. To do this, the motor has separate channels for oil and antifreeze. But there are situations when these two liquids are mixed. The result is the formation of an emulsion in the expansion tank. How to determine this problem, what is its cause and how to flush the system? Consider in our today's article.
Signs
The easiest way to detect emulsion in the expansion tank is to check the condition of the antifreeze in it.
If the coolant has a thick consistency, greasy spots or even turned into a kind of mayonnaise, this indicates mixing antifreeze with oil. But as a rule, not every driver checks dailyantifreeze, especially on modern foreign cars. Therefore, the mixing of these liquids can be determined by the color of the exhaust gases. At idle and under load, thick white smoke will come out of the pipe.
Also note that the emulsion can form not only in the expansion tank, but also in the engine oil system. This can be determined by removing the dipstick from the engine or by unscrewing the oil filler cap.
What does this say?
Emulsion in the expansion tank indicates that there was a violation of the tightness of the two systems. There are several reasons for this problem:
- Oil cooler failure.
- Head gasket failure.
- Defects in cylinder block liners.
- Cracks in the head or cylinder block.
Having found the emulsion in the expansion tank of the Opel and other cars, do not postpone the repair. Further operation of the internal combustion engine in this state can have serious consequences.
How to fix the problem? Changing the gasket
In 80 percent of cases, the problem lies precisely in the breakdown of the cylinder head gasket. It is very easy to fix the defect. It is enough to replace the same gasket. The work is done in several steps:
- They drive the car into a pit, put stops under the wheels.
- Set the piston of the first cylinder to TDC.
- Unscrew the right front wheel. Also remove the plastic mudguard of the engine and the front belt covercamshaft.
- Turn the crankshaft by the pulley bolt until the marks on the camshaft pulley align with those on the rear cover.
- Remove the plug from the hole on the clutch housing. The marks on the flywheel must also match.
- Unscrew the antifreeze and oil drain plug. Relieve pressure in the fuel line.
- Unscrew the exhaust manifold.
- Dismantle the cylinder head cover, after disconnecting the receiver and throttle. You should also remove the intake manifold, air pipes and air filter housing.
- Remove the fuel rail, high voltage wires, spark plugs.
- Take out the timing belt by unscrewing the pre-tensioner pulley. In this case, the crankshaft must be securely fixed from turning.
- Disconnect all pipes of the cooling system that lead to the engine. The thermostat is also removed.
- Next, the cylinder head is removed along with the gasket.
Installation
Before installing a new gasket, carefully clean the surface of the block and head. The sealant and the remnants of the old sealant are completely removed. Cleaning must be done carefully so as not to damage the mating surfaces.
Then install a new gasket, taking into account the position of the centering sleeves. The copper-edged hole must be between the third and fourth cylinders. Before installing the head, make sure that the valves of the first cylinder are closed.
When installing the headall bolts are placed in technological holes. First twist the central, and then the side. Tightening must be done strictly with a torque wrench. First, the bolts are pulled with a force of 20 Nm, then 70-85. The next time, each bolt is pulled another 90 degrees.
Then the mounting elements are installed. This is a belt, pipes, candles, wires, a fuel rail and other components.
About flushing
In any case, after the repair, we will have an emulsion in the expansion tank. As noted by the reviews, in order not to spoil the new antifreeze, you must first flush the cooling system. To do this, you can use special washes:
- "Abro" AB-505. Reviews say that the product removes scale, rust, and oil deposits well. The composition is poured into the cooling system and mixed with water. After that, the engine is started and heated to operating temperature. The motor should run at idle for about half an hour. The mixture is then poured out. If the system is still dirty, the procedure is repeated again.
- "Liquid Moli". If there is an emulsion in the Opel Astra expansion tank, this flush will perfectly wash away all deposits - reviews are noted. Contains acids and alkalis. The product is neutral to rubber pipes and metal. Rinsing requires clean water. The composition is mixed in the proportion of 1 bottle per 10 liters of water. Then the engine is warmed up and allowed to run for 20 minutes. Then leave the liquid for another 3 hours, and then drain.
- "Laurel". This company offers a two-stage flush kit. First pouredscale and rust cleaner. Next, water is added to the minimum level. The engine warms up and runs at idle for 30 minutes. The mixture is then drained, and an oil-emulsion deposit cleaner is added instead. New water is poured in to the minimum mark. The engine is started and allowed to run for 15 minutes at idle. Then pour the mixture again. If the emulsion remains in the expansion tank, flushing is repeated again.
There is also a folk method using citric acid. To do this, you need to prepare a mixture: dissolve 1 kilogram of powder in 10 liters of water. If the emulsion is not essential, you can use 500 grams of citric acid. This solution is added to the tank and the engine is started for 20 minutes. After the car is turned off and wait 45 minutes. Then you can remove the solution and pour plain water.
Conclusion
So, we looked at the signs and causes of the emulsion in the expansion tank. A prerequisite after repair is flushing the system. Otherwise, the new antifreeze will not provide good heat transfer. The engine can easily boil. Therefore, it is important to completely remove unnecessary emulsion not only from the tank, but from the entire engine cooling jacket.
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