I've been reading threads about using vinegar to clean out a rusty block, but what about black sludge. I looked into the water pump p***age (SBC) and the backside of the barrels don't look rusty, but both block drain plugs had a black sludge hard crust behind them. I had to break through it to get the block to drain coolant. The truck sat with coolant in it for maybe 35 years (not sure, but told the last time it was run was the early 80's) and I want to clean it out before I replace the freeze plugs. It's also a complete very nice running engine, I'm don't want to harm the headgaskets. The engine is a 1978 GM crate motor and has no visible rust scaling on the inside cooling p***ages. It almost looks like casting sand or something like it. Would just the regular garden hose in the water pump holes work, with the freeze plugs out and a pick?. Never really used anything other then cooling system flush.
Many guys on the FordBarn Model A Forum have done the vinegar treatment, some have done EvapoRust, neutralize the vinegar, then maybe flush with Simple Green. Paul in CT
Hmm, I do have some Evaporust I could try. Even the ends of the steel block plugs were black not rusty. It has steel freeze plugs and 1 is seeping.
What I always do is remove the freeze plugs and block plugs then flush the water jackets with my pressure washer. If you don't own a pressure washer, the local DIY car wash has a pretty high pressure wand. That usually knocks everything out of the water jackets.
I would rent an industrial power pressure washer and try industrial strength Dawn soap or that lie the sell for clogged drains.. Be careful that stuff will take skin off your hands.... Then after that doesn't work take it all apart and have it put in your machinists parts cleaner for a week end..
When I rebuilt my Y block, I pulled all the freeze plugs and built a hook tool to get to the bottom of the coolant p***ages. I got a lot of casting sand out of the block.
I recently used a product called thermo cure by evaporust & it worked well. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Hi, What pressure washer do you use? Is it safe? I've already read about different washers to buy to use at home. Also, can you tell if you know the difference between pressure washer nozzles. I have found some materials at https://best-pressure-washers.co.uk...h-the-right-washer-nozzle-with-the-right-job/ and the right choice of washer nozzles reduce the problems that may be caused during washing a car and car details with a pressure washer.
I just use an electric pressure washer that I got at Home Depot a few years ago for like $70. Nothing special. It has an adjustable nozzle on it. I use it to wash down my house and decks, extremely greasy car parts and other things that require pressurized water. Just use common sense as to how much pressure you use to clear water jackets. I hand wash all my cars.
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