17 replies to this topic

[rodandtom]

Hi,

The boy and I took our 1994 Mini Sprite 1275 engine out last weekend and started stripping today.

We've taken the head of and the pistons are suitably coked up as you would imagine, but when I took the water pump off I was surprised to see so much rust around the cylinders.

I've attached a photo - can you give me a n opinion on whether this is a normal amount or is it indicative of running an engine without the right levels of protection? Any idea what we do about this?

Thanks,

Rod

RodAndTom

Attached Files

•  DCP_0939.JPG   67.19K   116 downloads

[Ethel]

Looks like it could have used more regular antifreeze changes, but I wouldn't worry if it wasn't overheating. It is a sand casting so pretty rough even without the rust and the cylinder head has more heat to get rid of.

[mk1leg]

Hi..if your doimg a full strip down and rebuild you can get the block acid dipped which will get rid of the rust in the water ways and when fullt rebuilt you can use a rally water coolant, need no water in the mix............

[rodandtom]

Cool


If I get it acid dipped, what does that mean for other areas of the engine and what do I need to do to get it ready for use once its done?

Is it something that you can get done easily? I am in Kent so any suggestions?

Ta,

Rod

[tiger99]

A quick acid dip should nicely etch the cylinder walls, which helps them to retain oil. In that sense it is a good thing. You normally have to work hard with abrasive paper, or a honing tool, to achieve that.

But I would be very concerned about the cam bearings!

Speak to your favourite engine reconditioners.....

[frobnitzz]

Dragging this one up out of the depths of a search as I've got the same rust in mine :)

 

Rod - did you get it done in the end?

 

Thanks!

John

[johnnyblaze]

if you are fully rebuilding then yes you are best to get it dipped, removes rust oil , sludge and some paint, they will remove the cam bearings and then you can get them to refit new 1s once its been dipped

[Captain Mainwaring]

A quick acid dip should nicely etch the cylinder walls, which helps them to retain oil. In that sense it is a good thing. You normally have to work hard with abrasive paper, or a honing tool, to achieve that.

But I would be very concerned about the cam bearings!

Speak to your favourite engine reconditioners.....

 

Acid? Uhm what acid would that be?

 

I thought blocks were always hot caustic dipped?

Caustic will give you an orange afro and suck the paint off your house....but caustic isn't acid, and for that matter won't etch much.

[rodandtom]

Dragging this one up out of the depths of a search as I've got the same rust in mine :)

 

Rod - did you get it done in the end?

 

Thanks!

John

Hi

 

No I didnt. I gave it to ML Motorsports in Medway to do a recon job on, and just left it. The consensus on here was that it wasnt anything to worry about so I left it.

 

Rod

[grahama]

Have a look at electrolysis cleaning on t'internet. I did mine like this, stripped all the rust out and didn't damage any shiny metal, bores , bearing faces etc.

Will post a before and after pic tomoz as at work at mo, jet wash it out after!


Graham

[frobnitzz]

Cheers Rob.

Electrolysis cleaning sounds interesting, to google I go! Got loads of bits need cleaning on my project :)

[grahama]

Hi Rob, sorry for the late reply,  been busy having a birthday lol !

 

anyway here are those pics I promised you.

 

Block first before

 

 

 

 

 

during

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

after a jet wash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

this is what's left behind

 

 

 

you can do anything using this method it is only limited by the size of your container

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

you get the idea.  The main point I found is that any good material isn't affected or taken away like vinegar rust removal can do.  Hope this helps,

 

Graham

Edited by grahama, 15 June 2013 - 08:27 AM.

[Captain Mainwaring]

Interesting !! 

I have a small zink plating setup for bits on the bike. I tend to satin plate but it looks quite good, considering it's done in an old tupperware container.

[Captain Mainwaring]

Have a look at electrolysis cleaning on t'internet. I did mine like this, stripped all the rust out and didn't damage any shiny metal, bores , bearing faces etc.

Will post a before and after pic tomoz as at work at mo, jet wash it out after!


Graham

 

What did you degrease with? I've found that Caustic (oven cleaner) can works well as a degreaser on non sensitive items - also cleans cadmium plate very well.

[frobnitzz]

Wow that looks great :) how long did you leave the block in?