Hot tanking

[CNKS]

I had the block of my Super A hot tanked several months ago. About ready to reassemble. What do I do with the crud (basically a thin layer of rust) inside the block below the sleeves where it will drain in the oil pan? This is only the second engine I have done. I don't remember this problem with my 460 engine -- two different shops. I could clean it as best I can and coat it with glyptal, but I am afraid it will flake off. It should be clean before that is applied anyway. I have washed it with soap and water and can use something stronger, but I don't think it will ever be squeaky clean. I could also treat it with rust converter, don't know if that is a good idea. Any ideas?

 

[d. coleman]

might try scrubbing with vinger. d.coleman

 

[El Toro]

I would do as d.coleman suggested and you need to make sure that where your sleeve seals are installed in the engine block are thoroughly cleaned. Hal

 

[CNKS]

Those are clean, currently about the only part that is -- thanks to both of you.

 

[GordoSD]

Why not use the DP Metal prep?

Gordo

 

[CNKS]

By metal prep, do you mean an etching compound or a wax and grease remover? With your background, you know a lot more brands than I do. I assume DP is DuPont. I am mostly a PPG person.

 

[MeanGene1]

My neighbor across the street who owns the local speed & machine and does most of the tractor and wind machine work for the Napa Valley also runs them through the derusting tank, cleans all the rust out of the water jackets, unless there's a problem with areas that are badly corroded around sleeves or other areas. The blocks are then immediately pressure washed, exterior painted, and interior oiled, and placed in a plastic block bag. If it's surface rusted from sitting around, or has rusty jackets, you might want to have a shop look at it to see if it can be safely derusted- you won't believe how clean it will be when it comes out

 

[Theman]

Had the same problem on the block of an H. I cleaned the crankcase and lifter chamber by running a bag of walnut/pecan shell media through my cheapo portable sandblaster. It took the flash rust away and left clean, bare metal. A thorough wipedown with solvent and a clean rag was good prep for a coat of Glyptal. The results were more than satisfactory.

 

[CNKS]

The outside is already painted. I should have paid more attention to the inside at that time. I'm going to try the vinegar thing and see what happens. I'm not concerned about the water passages. I'm not going back to that particular machine shop, either.

 

[CNKS]

Theman, I don't have a source for that type of blasting material, unless I order it. Going to try vinegar. I have some glyptal, but am leery about using it, in case it flakes off. That type of product is more for new cast to prevent any seepage. I was going to use it in my 460 which was much cleaner, decided I didn't need it. I imagine the pores have enough crud in them now so that it is not a problem. Thanks to everyone for the replies.