tt002-13 Cooling System Flushing

TECH TIP
COOLING SYSTEM
BULLETIN TT002-13 Keep the cooling system free of

› PART NUMBER: debris and corrosion to prevent
Water Pumps premature water pump failure
› MAKE:
All
› MODEL:
All
› YEAR:
All
› ENGINE:
All
COOLANT TRAVEL PATH
FLUSHING:
Over time, coolant in the cooling system can break down resulting in the need to service the system.
The protectants in many of today’s coolants become depleted and weak leading to corrosion, rust
and scale. When this depletion takes place, heat and chemical reactions can eat away at the inside
HOW BIG IS A MICRON? of the system creating small particulates. These particulates, as small as 50 microns, can get
trapped in the water pump seal causing damage. The damage leaves small areas for coolant to
leak out through the weep hole. Excessive damage can lead to fluid backing up into the bearings
resulting in bearing failure. A properly flushed system will remove those contaminants. Make sure
the flush is complete with the old pump still in place. Flushing after the new pump is installed
can lead to premature failure due to particulates getting caught in the seals during the flush. We
recommend a complete flush of the system utilizing the Gates PowerClean Flush Tool (91002).
TECH TIP | COOLING SYSTEM
MIXING COOLANTS:
So what leads to contaminated systems besides depleted coolant protectants? Mixing coolants of
different chemistries can lead to corrosion within the system. There are 4 main combinations used
today and none of them are compatible. These coolant types work differently to protect the engine.
Types Inhibitor Technology

Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) Silicate
Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Organic Acid – Silicate Free
Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) Silicate & Organic Acid
Phosphate Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (PHOAT) Phosphate & Organic Acid
Inorganic Additives - silicates and phosphates are used to plate the cooling system with a
CONTAMINATION CAUSING
SCRATCHES ON SEAL protective layer.
RING SURFACE. Organic Additives react chemically with the metal surfaces when needed for protection.
Corrosion inhibitors and additives from one coolant can negate the effects of inhibitors in another
coolant. Corrosion can take over well before 5,000 miles and then the car is back in the shop with
a leaking water pump and clogged radiator and heater core.
Topping off the system is a common practice at many shops. This practice can begin the corrosion
process unless the proper coolant is used. Most shops use Universal antifreeze because it says on
the container that it is OK to mix with any color coolant. But, take a look at the back of the bottle.
They all either recommend or require a drain, flush and fill to experience the expected corrosion
protection. Below are a few comments from coolant manufacturers and recyclers.
Zerex: “There are at least several distinct coolant types commonly used today, and using a
type incompatible with the coolant recommended in the owner’s manual (or on the underhood
label) is inviting disaster (no exaggeration here).”
EcoFreeze: “What happens if you mix conventional Antifreeze with Extended Life antifreeze?
Extended Life (OAT) antifreeze is NOT compatible with conventional (IAT) antifreeze. Aside
CONTAMINATION DEPOSITS from discoloration of antifreeze when the two are mixed together, a chemical reaction is
ON SEAL RING SURFACE. caused when the carboxylate salts are mixed with the inorganic salts and caustics found in
conventional antifreeze. If they are mixed, the antifreeze can become cloudy, precipitation can
generate and the coolant will lose its extended life properties.”
EET Corp.: “Color does not necessarily indicate what kind of corrosion inhibitor is contained
in antifreeze. You have to read the label. Mixing different types of antifreezes can reduce their
AS YOU CAN SEE, THIS IS corrosion protection and can actually lead to corrosion problems.”
A UNIVERSAL ISSUE. IT IS
RECOMMENDED TO FLUSH THE DISTILLED WATER, DEIONIZED WATER OR 50/50 PREMIX:
SYSTEM THOROUGHLY AND REPLACE In order to reduce the chances of corrosion it is highly recommended to use only distilled or
COOLANT WITH RECOMMENDATIONS deionized water or 50/50 premix coolant. Tap water contains large amounts of minerals that can
SPECIFIED IN THE OWNER’S create deposits in the system and then break off causing damage to the water pump seal.
MANUAL OF EACH VEHICLE.
WITH OVER 100 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE,

GATES PRODUCTS ARE TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL
TECHNICIANS AROUND THE WORLD.
For more information, please contact our Technical Department Follow GatesAuto
at 303.744.5651 or apateam@gates.com.
© 2017 Gates Corporation. All rights reserved.

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TECH TIP

BULLETIN TT002-13 Keep the cooling system free of

COOLANT TRAVEL PATH

Types Inhibitor Technology

WITH OVER 100 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE,

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