I just bought my first Ford Pickup, a 2008 F150 Limited. I raised the hood today and noticed that some of the components have a good bit of rust on them (pulleys, manifold, clamps, headers, steering gear/linkage, etc.) There are like actual rust flakes built up on top of the headers where they start to curve down and out. Some of the bolts look as if I couldn't get them out now if were to try. I am worried that I have been duped, even though I didn't look good at the engine before buying. Do I have serious problems with these components or is this common and cosmetic? Is there something I should do to get them cleaned or take it back to the dealer?

Thanks for your wisdom in advance!

BTW, I have always been a Chevrolet guy but I am now FORD all the way and I cannot believe I waited this long.

 

It doesn't sound like you have an issue but take a picture of the engine and post it for us to see that might be more helpful.


Welcome to Ford!!!

 

Don't know if this will work or not, if not would you go to my profile and look at the album titled "rust" and they are there.

 

I don't know where you live, but here in New England, after 2 or 3 winters of road salt and chemicals that's what mine looked like.

 

I live in SC, but this truck originally came from VA. I suppose it could have been near the coast. Did you have to do anything, or is there anything I should/need to do?

Thanks

 

Or, is there a safe way to remove the rust without removing components?

 

We get some heavy winters from time to time in VA and if the road salt is not washed off well it will do that. From what I see you are fine and should not have any issues but I am no mechanic.

 

My truck was a GA truck for 4 years, and has spent the rest of its life here in VA. My headers show rust, but it's just surface rust. Afterall, they are iron and will show it well.
From what I can tell in the pics, like the other guys have said, it's just surface rust. You could take a wire brush (brass works well) to those areas around the steering linkage, etc, and then put a light coat of VHT paint on them, or some fluid film. Either way, those small areas do not seem to uncommon.

 

Thanks to all for the comments and easing my mind. All you guys have a merry Christmas!

 

best thing to do is get some Fluid Film (available at John Deere dealers) and give it a try....will protect for MANY years.
I used to coat my snowplows and never had any rust and snow didnt stick.