Deposits in engine block
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Ménerbes
Deposits in engine block
Hi
I bought a 79 back in 1988 and the car has mostly sat from storage to storage without running much. I know the engine block has rusted deposits. I bought a new radiator but do not want to contaminate it with large residues.
There is a story in the Jan 09 Hotrod magazine about this very problem, here is their full article:
“ Pour a 50/50 Vinegar/Water mix into the radiator. With the pressure cap off (because of different boiling points), let the mixture circulate through a running engine about 10 minutes, then drain and flush with straight water. This will break up all accumulated rust and lime. “
What do you think about the procedure ? Shall I connect my new rad or not ??
Thank you for your advise.
Michel
I bought a 79 back in 1988 and the car has mostly sat from storage to storage without running much. I know the engine block has rusted deposits. I bought a new radiator but do not want to contaminate it with large residues.
There is a story in the Jan 09 Hotrod magazine about this very problem, here is their full article:
“ Pour a 50/50 Vinegar/Water mix into the radiator. With the pressure cap off (because of different boiling points), let the mixture circulate through a running engine about 10 minutes, then drain and flush with straight water. This will break up all accumulated rust and lime. “
What do you think about the procedure ? Shall I connect my new rad or not ??
Thank you for your advise.
Michel
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,113
From: Crossville TN
I'd recommend that you use radiator cleaner (not 'flush') to get out all the crud. It is a bit lengthier process than the one you described, but it will get all the deposits out of the block/cooling system. Then you can swap radiators.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 541
Likes: 1
From: Freeport FL
If it was me, Id be tempted to use something a little stronger, like muratic acid, or its watered down equivalant, a marine product called "ON and OFF". Its commonly used to clean heat exhangers, etc on marine engines. Since the water pump is 20 years old anyways, I'd replace that too afterwards, just to be safe. Cant think of anything else that it would hurt.
