Cleaning oil from coolant system W113

[col320ce]

Head gasket replaced and the cause fixed however there is still sludgy oil in the coolant system. I've been running the car with just water and flushing it but it's not that effective. I've seen some people use dish-washing powder and L-11 oil emulsifier but I want to be sure not to damage anything. I'm in Australia and cant find L-11.  Any suggestions?

Thanks for any help

1964 230SL

[ja17]

I always had good luck with Dawn liquid dishwashing soap.

[stickandrudderman]

Mercedes sell a product for this, I think it's granulated citric acid.
I use Forte fuel system cleaner!

[WRe]

Hi,
attached the description of cleaning the cooling system with citric acid as recommended in MB WIS. Afaik it's "only" to remove chalky deposits/limescale in the cooling system but not for oil: http://www.w126.kistinger.com/Kuehlsystem_reinigen.htm.
...WRe

[Tyler S]

You want somthing that captures and suspends the oil in the solution so it can be flushed out. Liquid Tide detergent is what we used at the dealer. It doesn't suds up like dishwashing liquid. Half a cup is plenty. Stick your garden hose in your expansion tank and keep running the engine with the heater valve open. Keep draining at the rad until its clear.

[stickandrudderman]

The MB product does remove the oil.

[col320ce]

Thanks for all the info.  There is only one liquid dishwasher soap in Australia that I have found so I'll probable use it.  I will also see what is available in liquid for front loader washing machines.  I'll choose the one with the least suds.  I'll also do a test to make sure the one I choose doses not damage aluminium (I'll pop so aluminium in a solution and leave it over night).
Are there any chemical ingredients to avoid?
I assume I put the cleaner in and drive it for 20min then flush and repeat until it is clean?  Then give it a really good flush.
Should I take the thermostat out when doing all this?
Thanks again ....