Rust on some engine parts, am I ok?
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From: San Diego, Ca.
Rust on some engine parts, am I ok? Hey guys, im in the military, and my car is still under the knife. So, before I left, I wrapped the engine in some plastic, but I guess that wasnt good enough, and I got some surface rust. I know the block, and that stuff will clean up fine, but Im worried about the timing chain. Do you guys think it will clean up, and be ok, or should I be safe, and just buy another one. The current timing chain is a Roll Master double roller w/ torington bearing, and the engine is an LQ9 370ci. Here is an attached picture for the evidence:
Thx in advance guys. Just trying to get my baby back on the road.
Thx in advance guys. Just trying to get my baby back on the road.
From the photo it looks bad. Is it deep rust or will it wipe off with a rag? Personally, I would replace the timing set and the pump too. Have you opened the pump to check the inside? How are the crank and rods?
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 245
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From: Illinois
I would first use some Scotchbrite or emery cloth to see if it can be removed by hand or use some rust remover solvents first to see if they can be salvaged.
In my opinion, I would just replace them with new parts and spend the money.
In my opinion, I would just replace them with new parts and spend the money.
Thread Starter
12 Second Club
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: San Diego, Ca.
Thx guys, I dont actually think its that deep TBH. I am going to do a clean up starting in about 15 mins. I will take after pics to show you guys, and see what you think. Kinda wondering what to clean it with though. Maybe some 10x30 and some sandpaper/brilla pad? Lol, we'll see.
Structurally I think they'll all be fine. However, I would be concerned about the particles ending up in my bearings. Use a red scotchbrite with some engine oil or WD-40 on it and see how clean you can get it. After removing those parts from the engine of course. 
for future reference, the plastic trapped the moisture inside it with the engine. Dessicant can be used in conjunction with the bags next time to suck the moisture out of the air for your storeage needs.
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TECH Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2007
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If you do use ScotchBrite, make sure it's on a disassembled engine and it gets washed thoroughly. The abrasive in most Scotch Brite and similar products is aluminum oxide and it'll eat cylinder walls and bearings just about as fast as sand.
I'd take the timing chain off and wash and rinse it. You can use straight vinegar and some elbow grease and it'll clean that rust right off without affecting the metal. I've used 8% hydrochloric acid (sold as Muriatic Acid for pools and masonry work) on the worst stuff and it works like a dream. You should mix up some baking soda and water in a pump spray bottle to spray everything down with after you rinse the acid to neutralize it, then wash as normal. Clean and safe for metal, no abrasives in your engine. Just keep the stuff off of your driveway, it'll stain it brown and etch hell out of it. Doesn't touch asphalt and it won't affect any engine parts that have oil on 'em, so you'll have to use something to get it oil-free before you start.
I'd take the timing chain off and wash and rinse it. You can use straight vinegar and some elbow grease and it'll clean that rust right off without affecting the metal. I've used 8% hydrochloric acid (sold as Muriatic Acid for pools and masonry work) on the worst stuff and it works like a dream. You should mix up some baking soda and water in a pump spray bottle to spray everything down with after you rinse the acid to neutralize it, then wash as normal. Clean and safe for metal, no abrasives in your engine. Just keep the stuff off of your driveway, it'll stain it brown and etch hell out of it. Doesn't touch asphalt and it won't affect any engine parts that have oil on 'em, so you'll have to use something to get it oil-free before you start.
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