Washer and Expansion bottles

Please restrict your questions and replies to Capri related technical issues!
Post Reply
aikmanmosquito
Posts: 53
Joined: Sun Sep 18, 2016 6:05 pm
Car(s): Ford Capri 2.0 Laser, a few other cars that aren't Capris

Washer and Expansion bottles

Post by aikmanmosquito »

Hi,

Can anyone shed some light as to what's the best method for cleaning up expansion and washer bottles to as close to new! I've seen some absolutely spotless ones on 'concours' cars and wish mine to look that good.

Cheers
User avatar
Noel
Donator
Donator
Posts: 530
Joined: Thu May 19, 2011 7:57 pm
Car(s): Capri 2.8i
Range Rover
M140i
Location: Twickenham

Re: Washer and Expansion bottles

Post by Noel »

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=51345

See above. Toothpaste and a stiff brush.
For the inside a long soak with bleach and a handful of gravel and a good shake.
Paul G
Posts: 1857
Joined: Fri Jul 03, 2015 5:21 pm
Car(s): MK 3 3.0S needing restoration, 2.0S, 1.6 Laser (nearly ready), Skoda Octavia VRS, VW Polo 1.4CL
Location: High Wycombe

Re: Washer and Expansion bottles

Post by Paul G »

To get at the inside top of them I heated the handle of an old toothbrush with a cigarette lighter and when the plastic is hot enough you can bend them to various shapes to get in all the nooks and crannies that an ordinary brush can't get to. Did my washer and expansion bottles a treat.

I used Cif liquid sink cleaner which worked well.
User avatar
Jasonmarie
Donator
Donator
Posts: 4707
Joined: Thu Aug 13, 2015 12:30 am
Car(s): Ford Capri 2.0 Laser Mercury Grey 1987 hobby .
Mercedes Vito tourer 2.1 Big Bus Daily Driver
Location: Kent

Re: Washer and Expansion bottles

Post by Jasonmarie »

The thootpaste really brings it up to that white look . Also soke the bottle in some bleach as this works out all the dirt .
I did make a mess so make sure the wife is out . Also I used the autoglym screen wash with spring water . Might think that’s mad but it should last 2 years before I need to change the water . :beer:
Ford Capri 2.0 Laser 1987 Mercury Grey ....... :beer:
Stish704
Donator
Donator
Posts: 452
Joined: Tue Jul 14, 2015 1:34 pm
Car(s): Capri 2.8 injection special. Weekends only!
Sierra Sapphire- rolling restoration.
Vauxhall Movano- the company vehicle.
Vauxhall Mokka. The wife’s!
Location: Hornchurch, Essex.

Re: Washer and Expansion bottles

Post by Stish704 »

Didn’t think of using bottled water before? Perrier a bit too much? :xd:
Nope, I suppose it would stop any limescale build up in the washer bottle.
User avatar
pbar
Posts: 7420
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2012 6:29 pm
Car(s): Capri 2.0 Laser, frequent driver.
Location: North-West

Re: Washer and Expansion bottles

Post by pbar »

I just used normal washing up liquid and warm water with mine, bendy toothbrush to get at all the insides. Took a couple of hours in the kitchen sink.
timfromull
Posts: 624
Joined: Sun Jan 03, 2010 8:13 pm
Car(s): 1985 Capri Laser (project) Mitsubishi Shogun Warrior and Vauxhall Vivaro van
Location: Stoke-on-Trent

Re: Washer and Expansion bottles

Post by timfromull »

Ive used baking powder / bicarbonate of soda to good effect.
I chuck everything in the dishwasher.......including engine parts ....
Post Reply