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Belewsboy
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May 30, 2013, 3:25 PM
Post #1 of 7
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Rusty water in engine
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1990 Silverado Z71
The water in my engine and radiator are really really rusty. My mechanic says there is not much he can do because the engine flush that is now available does not do the job it used to as the EPA stopped the manufacturing of a Prestone product (crystals). This truck is in great condition with 130,000 miles, but everything is on the verge of stopping up. The water pump is about to fail and I hate to replace it without removing the sludge. Does anyone know of a product or group of chemicals which will adequately remove the sludge?
Thanx
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 30, 2013, 3:36 PM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: Rusty water in engine
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That problem is going to be a bigger issue than you are expecting. Rust is like a cancer that destroys everything in the cooling system Once you find a way to remove the sludge, you may find out the sludge was the only thing holding back numerous leaks. One thing that will work but you have to be very, very careful using it is Muriatic acid. You not only have to be very careful handling it, but you have to get the system rinsed out thoroughly as it is corrosive as any strong flush would be.
You may find yourself replacing the radiator, heater core and possibly a few freeze plugs, depending how bad the issue is now.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Belewsboy
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May 30, 2013, 4:28 PM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: Rusty water in engine
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The issue is pretty bad, now. I assume the best thing to do is to replace the radiator, as it probably is holding a lot of sludge, and flush the engine with clean running water until it runs clean, then treat with acid? Any idea on the amount of acid and how long it should run in the engine? I appreciate the info. I really don't want to junk this truck.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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May 30, 2013, 4:38 PM
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Re: Rusty water in engine
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You can do that but you need to run the water through it again after the acid to get it all out. It may even have to be done a couple times.
You can experiment with the quantity of acid. I would probably start with about a pint.
I might even do the flushing before changing the radiator to prevent all that stuff from plugging up the new radiator. The best way would be to somehow join the radiator hoses together, leaving the radiator out of the loop for that step.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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May 30, 2013, 6:09 PM
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Re: Rusty water in engine
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You should neutralize the acid with baking soda. It is also a great idea to keep a box of baking soda near by if you spill that stuff on yourself. Muratic acid is some nasty stuff. I use it in the pool and the fumes alone can burn your lungs. Make sure you wear full safety eye goggles. You sure don't want that stuff in your eyes.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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May 30, 2013, 6:11 PM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: Rusty water in engine
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I forgot to mention it before but you should remove the thermostat before flushing.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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