Lancia Beta Forum

Folks, we all have (at least) one  and I'm ashamed of mine.
It's dirty, discoloured and embarassing and I'd do without it if I could!
I'm talking about the coolant expansion tank in my Beta of course.
Since it has been subject to Irish standard service from new, the cooling system was always filled with tap water and since a lot of our water supplies here were untreated, the poor thing is a discoloured rust stained mess.
I've tried several sujjested remedies to restore its appearence but all to no avail.
I've searched for an alloy tank which would fill the bill but without getting one fabricated, I have drawn a blank.
Anyone got a solution?

Dear Droptop,
I know if this sounds obvious, but have you tried soaking it overnight in a fairly strong bleach / water solution? A wire bottle brush will also help, but make sure you wear safety glasses when you scrub it out.
Sorry if you have already done this.
Best,
Chas and Anne. :)

I haven't actually tried an overnight soak!
I've filled it with every chemical combination but the only result was weapons grade fumes and a slight breakdown in the coating (and my sinuses).
Time to raid the under-sink cupboard.

I finally got the thing cleaned using battery acid followed by bleach, kettle descaler and finally some fine sand and a pressure washer with the finishing touch being provided by the afore reccomended bottle brush.
It's far from being the original translucent white, but at least it has a nice uniform "tan" without the dark blackish patches making it look like a misshapen sepia tone globe of the world so I'd consider it a good result.

Dear droptop,
HTH. BTW it's down to the brush. O.K?
ATB.
Chas and Anne. ;D

Yep, the brush is the real hero here (and the kind gentleman who sujjested it) ;)