Cylinder block full of rust etc.

[olonas]

As an addition to my Minor fleet (two)I purchased a Traveller 3 months ago.(1098cc).I thought it about time the cooling concoction was drained and decent antifreeze added. Removed the 1/4 plug from cylinder block but bone dry. Poked with wire etc.but still no water, just a dry void. Suspect block is full of rust, sludge. Tried flushing system with proprietory products but no good, didn't think they'd work anyway. Anyone got ideas, or suggestions for a proven product to clear blockage(s)? Don't want to remove engine, this must be last resort.

[Willie]

what do you mean by the 1/4 plug?? MY way of
cleaning the block and cylinder head in situ
was to remove the thermostat and then tip in
a bottle of kettle descaler (phophoric acid)
top up with water and leave all night. This removes scale but the sludge or solid rust will have to be 'disturbed' with wire etc.
Follow up with a thorough flushing, in both
directions. worth doing the same treatment
on the heater. The descaler has no detrimental effect on the rubber hoses.
Willie
[ This Message was edited by: Willie on 18-03-2002 20:32 ]

[olonas]

Thanks Willie, sorry, the 1/4BSP plug at the rear of the block, right hand side looking towards rear of car, behind the exhaust pipe. In older engines there used to be a drain tap in the same position. I'd considered kettle descaler, you reckon it is phosphoric? or even obtaining some phosphoric acid but was concernd as to whether this might do damage. However if you've used same yourself with no adverse effect then I'll give it a go. Also thought of removing head and pouring acid directly into block through holes on top. Leaving for 24 hrs then stirring with wire through said holes.

[ This Message was edited by: olonas on 19-03-2002 18:35 ][ This Message was edited by: olonas on 19-03-2002 18:37 ]

[newagetraveller]

I would be tempted to prod it with something a little stronger than wire, a small screwdriver perhaps. If it is as blocked-up as you say then it will be quite difficult to clear it by chemical means alone.

[olonas]

Thanks, maybe a welding rod, less flux of course. I'm going to remove the head anyway to allow access into block from above. Fill with descaler/water and have a good poke![ This Message was edited by: olonas on 19-03-2002 19:30 ]

[Willie]

Oh, so that's a 1/4 plug! Had exactly the same experience some time ago and think i
gingerly worked a drill bit in there by hand
twisting,not electrically driven. I seem to
remember that I didn't actually clear it, it
seemed to be as hard as metal,but after the
kettle descaling treatment I had no problems
with overheating or hotspots.
Kettle descaler IS a weak solution of phosphoric acid so don't be afrighted.
If you treat the heater,in situ, and then
reverse flush it you will be amazed at how
many rusty containers you will fill before it
runs clean. if you are going to remove the head anyway then have a good go at the heater valve,can be badly clogged up
Willie
[ This Message was edited by: Willie on 19-03-2002 19:57 ]

[ash]

hi i know it may b beyont the scope of some of us but may it be possible to connect some sort of presurised contained to the 1/4 hole i.e.from a compressor and then fill with the acit solution as when the presurised air found the blockage it would clear it and then it would desolve in the acid it may take several attempts and b v.careful that the acid doen not splash i.e. only 1/2 to 3/4 fill the system. another way could b reverse flushing with water specialist or container above engine. ok? just an idea on thanx to let me help. c ya.

[Willie]

***********CORRECTION************
Sorry folks, got my acids mixed! the descaling acid is FORMIC acid.
PHOSPHORIC acid is the basis of 'rust
removers'.
Willie

[olonas]

I'll have to raid an ants' nest (formic acid). Tried the airline etc., thanks anyway.
The phosphoric could still be an option in block only, only worry may be water pump seal. A case of Coca Cola poured in could work, ever soaked a copper coin in same, it contains phosphoric acid.