Rust in coolant

[IDSpud]

Okay, I know that this topic has been debated more than once, however, would appreciate your thoughts:


I recently purchased a '29 Fordor Leatherback, previous owner did a frame-off total restoration taking 7 years, finished in 2020. Saw him the other day (to return a restoration photo album he had, we scanned all the pics). You'll see below why I asked him about the radiator, he said it was original. Previous owner does have health problems and has trouble remembering now & then.


**Before we returned the album, I removed the radiator cap the other day (didn't look before I bought, the car is so pristine & judge-worthy). Pics show what I'm sure is rust in the coolant.


Know that it needs to get out of there: Should I consider Rust 911, CRC Thermocure or something similar? And, does it need it ASAP? I haven't driven the car yet, aside from getting it off of the trailer when brought it home...

 

[stevests]

I've used Thermocure several times on different Model Ts without a water circulator - seemed to do what it's intended to do !

 

[Y-Blockhead]

Thermocure is made by Evaporust. Your rust doesn't look too bad... yet.

I use Peak coolant in my cooling system, the bottle with the green cap It is formulated for older cars.

 

[nkaminar]

Not bad rust. Flush the radiator and engine several time with plain water. Drive the car to warm up the coolant system and circulate the water. Take the bottom radiator hose off to drain the system. Then use an anifreeze solution, 50/50, like in the post above.

 

[mercman from oz]

Rust in coolant - IDSpud

 

[johnbuckley]

Affix to the hot water rad inlet hose (ie top hose) a section of nylon stocking to act as rust-particle catching filter. Drive a couple of miles, remove crud, keep repeating until clear. I'm always amazed how much rust is circulating in the system. Don't forget to eventually remove the stocking.

 

[nkaminar]

From the photo, it looks like your radiator if filled to the top. Excess coolant will be expelled through the drain tube when the engine gets warm. The proper level is just at the deflector near the bottom of the top tank. The coolant expands when the engine gets warm. The radiator will seek its proper level. The top tank acts like an expansion tank. These are separate tanks on modern engines.

 

[IDSpud]

Hello all -


Thanks for the tips and explanations!

 

[noboD]

I would go with white vinegar. It works wonders.

 

[henry's 31]

while rust911 is pricy it does a great job in radiator and gas tank and many parts. after mixing it with water run it and let it sit a few days. after that rinse it and ad 50/50 anti freeze. works everytime.

 

[ronn]

I would go with white vinegar. It works wonders.


me too!

 

[IDSpud]

Rust in coolant - IDSpud

Yes, I know that it's rust in the coolant. Did you have a comment that I may have missed?

 

[Y-Blockhead]

Yes, I know that it's rust in the coolant. Did you have a comment that I may have missed?

Mercman from Oz was just enlarging the photo for you. He provides that service for a lot of us to make the picture easier to see.

 

[IDSpud]

Mercman from Oz was just enlarging the photo for you. He provides that service for a lot of us to make the picture easier to see.

Oh, OK. Thanks for pointing that out. I'm a fairly new member here, and wasn't aware.
Apologies all the way around!

 

[Gene F]

What was said in post #4. Don't overthink it. You will be fine. I hope you are thinking you need perfect results before you can check this off of your list

 

[IDSpud]

What was said in post #4. Don't overthink it. You will be fine. I hope you are thinking you need perfect results before you can check this off of your list

No, not perfect results, just better that what it is now. Was thinking of adding Rust 911, running it, and then draining and filling with 50/50. Perhaps I'll just flush with water, and add 50/50 before winter.


Thanks -

 

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

Rust preventative stuff is that color. Can’t remember the name off the top of my head.slso some stop leak.

 

[Ed in Maine]

Hello IDSpud, I have been driving Model As since 1964 and have never liked using Anti-freeze in the coolant. The Model A cooling system is not as tight as a modern car and the coolant will get blown back on the firewall making a mess. It can come from hose leaks, water pump leaks and leaks from the overflow tube. I use Prestone Anti-Rust and Water Pump Lubricant. You add some clean water, then add the Prestone and top off with more water. If you have cold winters, be sure you remember to drain the radiator, it is on my calendar (November 1 st). The corrosion is kept to the minimum and it is easier to wash the firewall. Ed

 

[Bob Bidonde]

Barr's Stop Leak with pellets makes the coolant turn to a rusty color. Having read all of the responses, I think that these slides may be of some benefit.

 

[IDSpud]

Thank you Bob, Ed & Chuck.