Blocked overflow pipe — Opal rad.

[Charles Levien]

I have a problem ( nothing new there then) but this one is proving quite a challenge.
The overflow in my Opal rad is choked up and the system is now working as an over enthusiastic pressure cooker.
I’ve taken the rad off and tried poking out the carbonate with wire and a piece of speedo cable in a a drill but to no avail. Just won’t go round the corners.
This may be a problem experienced by others and I should really appreciate suggestions.
Also, when I do get the pipe cleared, is there an additive to prevent the same reoccurring?
I do use softened water when topping up which must help but doesn’t prevent the problem.

Ps — getting the car bonnet off was a lot easier.


Charles

[Hedd_Jones]

it would be pretty easy to unsolder and replace.

[John Mason]

Hello Charles, Is it possible to immerse the radiator or at least the side where the overflow is in a solution of a descaling agent similar to what yo can buy to put in kettles.

John Mason.

[stuartu]

Would a piece of Bowden inner cable be any more amenable, Charles? A fairly short piece to start with or the drill will just tie it in a knot.

Vinegar will dissolve the carbonate eventually if you can get some in there in due course.

Regards,

Stuart

Edited to add, as plan B I agree with Hedd. If you don't fancy attempting it yourself I would hope your local radiator people wouldn't charge a packet to do the job.

[Reckless Rat]

We have really hard water here and are regularly plagued with limescale deposits. There is a product that we use for getting rid of it that's really effective. It's called HARPIC POWER PLUS 10X - try pouring some of that into the overflow from the bottom before you try the bowden cable. It is the best I've ever seen for dissolving limescale. Then, once the overflow is clear fill your rad with a mix of water and anti-freeze.

[bob46320]

Is it "carbonate" or has a solitary mortar bee been at work ? These bees make a small nest of clay, lay an egg inside and then seal it up and let nature take its course. I had to unblock a barbecue gas pipe because of one of these.

[John Mason]

Reckers, That takes me back to the late 50s early 60s when there was a toilet cleaner HARPIC POWER PLUS. It’s advertising slogan was that it got right around the bend. We had an eccentric teacher at our school at that time and it didn’t take long for him to acquire the nickname of Harpic as he was right round then bend.
On a serious side though it was a chemical that removed hard lime scale.

John Mason.

[Reckless Rat]

In response to John's post we had an Inspector on Traffic who was nicknamed "seal pup". It was said that once you met him you'd want to club him to death... (apologies to all those of a sensitive disposition. No animals were harmed during the making of this post.)

[Charles Levien]

Is it "carbonate" or has a solitary mortar bee been at work ?  These bees make a small nest of clay, lay an egg inside and then seal it up and let nature take its course.  I had to unblock a barbecue gas pipe because of one of these.

Hi Bob - thanks for that, I’ll make sure the RSPB( ees ) are notified ………..

All suggestions much appreciated and many thanks.


Charles

[dickie65]

Try a bit of old fashioned net curtain wire in a cordless leccy drill. ( mains drill will make it too exciting )
It works for cleaning out oil galleries too.