The Ford Barn

philcobill · 08-30-2021, 10:03 AM

There is surface rust in the engine coolant passages in my 29 Special Coupe. The rust in the photo looks worse than it really is. I poked my finger into the holes and was able to almost wipe it off. I did not see any scaling or blocked passages in the block, and I imagine that things are okay below where I can't see.

My question is, is this something that I need to address now or should I wait and treat things after I get the head back on and things buttoned up? What would be the best way to address this?

Also, there are some minor scratches on the block. How should I addressed those?

Bill

edzaha · 08-30-2021, 10:58 AM

Flush it and forget it, not that bad

alexiskai · 08-30-2021, 11:03 AM

Address it after the system is sealed, using a de-rusting product like Thermocure or Rust911. Users of this forum have reported success with both; just follow the directions.

mercman from oz · 08-30-2021, 05:09 PM

Surface Rust in Coolant Passages.

Tom Wesenberg · 08-30-2021, 09:43 PM

Turn it upside down and blow out the junk shown in the picture.

updraught · 08-31-2021, 01:40 AM

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First off, i'd get a Gano filter or similar to stop the rust chunks blocking the radiator, especially if it is a new one.

Bob Bidonde · 08-31-2021, 06:35 AM

The rust you see is normal.

Chuck Sea/Tac · 08-31-2021, 11:44 AM

I think if you run some flex cable thru the passages you can, you’ll have more than surface rust coming out.

SteveB31 · 08-31-2021, 09:01 PM

Run 50/50 anti freeze and this will not happen on the future

Tom Wesenberg · 09-02-2021, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveB31

Run 50/50 anti freeze and this will not happen on the future

For sure, and it will also save many blocks from cracking during the winter months.

PC/SR · 09-02-2021, 10:04 PM

Not a problem. Run anti freeze or rust inhibitor.

08-30-2021, 10:58 AM	#2
edzaha Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: New Jersey Posts: 206	Re: Surface Rust in Coolant Passages. Flush it and forget it, not that bad

08-30-2021, 11:03 AM	#3
alexiskai Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Mebane NC Posts: 3,176	Re: Surface Rust in Coolant Passages. Address it after the system is sealed, using a de-rusting product like Thermocure or Rust911. Users of this forum have reported success with both; just follow the directions.

08-30-2021, 05:09 PM	#4
mercman from oz Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 12,568	Re: Surface Rust in Coolant Passages. Surface Rust in Coolant Passages.

08-30-2021, 09:43 PM	#5
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Surface Rust in Coolant Passages. Turn it upside down and blow out the junk shown in the picture.

08-31-2021, 01:40 AM	#6
updraught Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Australia Posts: 2,288	Re: Surface Rust in Coolant Passages. Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) First off, i'd get a Gano filter or similar to stop the rust chunks blocking the radiator, especially if it is a new one.

08-31-2021, 06:35 AM	#7
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 4,384	Re: Surface Rust in Coolant Passages. The rust you see is normal. __________________ Bob Bidonde

08-31-2021, 11:44 AM	#8
Chuck Sea/Tac Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Between Seattle & Tacoma Posts: 2,436	Re: Surface Rust in Coolant Passages. I think if you run some flex cable thru the passages you can, you’ll have more than surface rust coming out.

08-31-2021, 09:01 PM	#9
SteveB31 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Englewood, Colorado Posts: 1,377	Re: Surface Rust in Coolant Passages. Run 50/50 anti freeze and this will not happen on the future

09-02-2021, 10:04 PM	#11
PC/SR Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 1,285	Re: Surface Rust in Coolant Passages. Not a problem. Run anti freeze or rust inhibitor.