Muriatic acid/exhaust

[Scaaty]

Any problem with pouring some Muriatic acid in the exhaust manifolds, letting it sit for a bit, then slowly flushing out with water to be nutralized and collected in a large pan out the Volvo 280 outdrive? Proper safety concerns aside, any opinions? 350 GM with after market one piece Barr manifolds. Thanks...

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Muriatic acid/exhaust

I have had recommendations of a diluted muriatic acid flush for the engine which included the manifolds.I think the ratio was 4 to 1 with water.Charlie

 

[kwoolard]

Re: Muriatic acid/exhaust

Craze Charile, will this acid harm any of the gaskets/seals in the engine? Will it harm the water pump impeller?

 

[cuzner]

Re: Muriatic acid/exhaust

I've been told its not good for the rubber in your exhaust boot? Never tried it myself but a mechanic told me this may be reason for premature failure on a boat I bought.Along with acid bottom wash.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Muriatic acid/exhaust

I asked the same question and the response from someone that has done it many times before was that with the dilution of 4 to one muriatic acid will do no harm to the rubber.Charlie

 

[queasy]

Re: Muriatic acid/exhaust

I would not do this. Muriatic can attack some types of rubber, but usually not just a quick diluted shot. What I would worry about are any aluminum alloys that it would come in contact with. If you have a piece of what used to be called "pot" metal laying around, put it in a cup of acid. You can watch it literally boil away. Now I know cheap metals are not used in drive units, but I sure wouldn't want any inside mine.

 

[airman]

Re: Muriatic acid/exhaust

Another big concern is that manifolds get two problems - they plug and they rust through. Generally they plug first, but if you clean them out, you risk letting them rust through. This is VERY BAD NEWS if it happens. I cleaned my manifolds to save a few bucks. It worked, but a year later they cracked and I got a crankcase full of seawater. I still had to replace the manifolds...

 

[doman]

Re: Muriatic acid/exhaust

if you wanna clean the manifolds take it out and than pour acid in there and let it sit or find a 5 gallon bucket and just drop them in there and let them cook for few hours ..i wouldnt run the acid trough the entire system im pretty sure it will demage or weaken the all the rubber parts...<br /><br /><br />Dom

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Muriatic acid/exhaust

the best thing is to soak them im hydrachloric acid for overnight and toss them in the trash in the morning. I have seen this done many times and it usually ends up with what airman got. if they are rusty and thin now how much thinner and weaker will they be after the acid flush. just toss them and be happy.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Muriatic acid/exhaust

Originally posted by rodbolt:<br /> the best thing is to soak them im hydrachloric acid for overnight and toss them in the trash in the morning.

That's a VERY good idea, and probably what I should do! Didn't think of the rubber exhaust boots (I was concerned about any gaskets), and didn't think about the aluminum part. Read in the old manual about taking them off, pressure testing, an acid bath, and putting them back on. Well, after a few years of Puget Sound salt, why bother putting them back on! Thanks for the replies.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Muriatic acid/exhaust

Ayah.........<br />I'm with Rodbolt.........<br />All that Rust,<br /> Used to be Cast Iron.............