rvwp Posted March 27, 2020 Report Share Posted March 27, 2020 Hi Guys, I know that the subject items are available as repro's and not expensive, but does anybody know of any magic home process than can be used to lesson/improve the yellow aging found on the original polythene bottles over time. I would like to re-use my originals but they are looking a bit tatty in my new engine bay . Thanks Rich Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tim T Posted March 27, 2020 Report Share Posted March 27, 2020 Well I hope to get a suggestion Rich because I have exactly the same issue. Atb Tim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted March 27, 2020 Report Share Posted March 27, 2020 Hi Rich, have you tried it in a dish washer. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rob Salisbury Posted March 27, 2020 Report Share Posted March 27, 2020 +1 for the dishwasher, it's surprising how well discoloured plastic responds, .... and (not possible under current CoVid 19 restrictions) but so long as SWMBO is out for a while if you want to clean up Ali or Ali alloy parts then in the dishwasher with Oxalic acid instead of dishwasher powder and they come up an absolute treat. Do not use dishwasher powder on Ali or alloy at any time, it will come out black. Cheers Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rcreweread Posted March 27, 2020 Report Share Posted March 27, 2020 44 minutes ago, RogerH said: Hi Rich, have you tried it in a dish washer. Roger Funny this, I've faced exactly the same problem as well - I've tried the dishwasher route 3 times and it made hardly any difference - I've also tried bleach which made no difference at all. I think the only way may be to use a very fine blast medium ( soda?) both inside and out, but haven'y yet had an opportunity to try it - mind you I have got some nice shiny stainless brackets for the rad overflow bottle, so it would be great to get the bottle to do it justice! Cheers Rich Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tim T Posted March 27, 2020 Report Share Posted March 27, 2020 I think that unless you know what plastic the bottle is made of, you may end up with a very strange shaped bottle. Gets very hot in the dishwasher although the bottle is meant to contain very hot water. I did try Coca Cola in the washer bottle and got a small improvement but the expansion bottle is far worse due to the rusty water from the radiator. Vinegar? Very dilute phosphoric acid is strong coke? Tim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Phil Read Posted March 28, 2020 Report Share Posted March 28, 2020 The yellowing is called Patina, the in vogue view is to leave as much patina on a classic when restoring, its part of its history. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisR-4A Posted March 28, 2020 Report Share Posted March 28, 2020 Much of the discolouring is the result of exposure to UV light over many years, and is as far as I know a one way process. If you do look for an alternative to the original radiator bottle do make sure it's at least as big as the original as up to 3/4 of its capacity is needed in V hot weather for coolant expansion. The alternative is to fit a remote header tank, and if you still want a smaller overflow bottle from that then a clear cycling water bottle is ideal. Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tim T Posted March 28, 2020 Report Share Posted March 28, 2020 How about buying the new bottle and keeping your used tea bags in it for a few weeks! Tim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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