Rust flaking off engine block

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 29, 2022 | 03:51 PM

Rebel2005

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Mar 2022

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

Rust flaking off engine block

I have a 2005 6.0 ltr diesel with rust flaking off the block. Only suggestion from my mechanic is to flush it monthly or have it rebuilt. 247k miles pampered since I drove it off the lot in 2005. Just finding out that it should have been flushed every two years. Anyone else dealing with this or have suggestions?

Mar 29, 2022 | 07:30 PM

LindenBruce

Laughing Gas

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 972

Likes: 224

From: Linden, Ca.

Unless you are running straight water, you should not have rust in the cooling system. It's possibly casting sand, which some have had trouble with. But again, if you have flushed the cooling system in the past this should not be a problem. Have you ever done any cooling system maintenance? B.

Mar 29, 2022 | 08:43 PM

FishOnOne

Lead Driver

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 7,910

Likes: 2,635

From: The Great State of Texas

You would think if your water jacket is rusty and flaking the oil cooler would be clogged.

Apr 6, 2022 | 09:26 AM

Rebel2005

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Mar 2022

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

I apologize for my delayed response. I am not running straight water. It always has the required amount of antifreeze. The cooler was replaced in 2012 when I did the EGR bypass. No other maintenance to the cooler or flushing has been done.

Apr 6, 2022 | 09:28 AM

Rebel2005

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Mar 2022

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

I apologize for my delayed response. My mechanic said he expects the cooler to fail in the near future due to the rust & clogging already occurring in the cooler.

Apr 8, 2022 | 01:30 PM

Rusty Axlerod

Lead Driver

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 8,241

Likes: 155

From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)

Maybe check engine grounds. Corrosion is an electro-chemical process. If no issues are found a sacrificial anode could slow things down a bit. It used to be common to hang one from the radiator cap.

Apr 8, 2022 | 02:23 PM

FiveOJester

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 1,491

Likes: 295

From: Fresno, CA

If you only changed the coolant once since the truck was purchased new that would likely explain why you are having corrosion issues. I assume you are running the Ford Gold which I believe requires a replacement every 2-years maximum. It doesn't hold very well in this application.

Highly recommended to switch to a red ELC coolant. With a rusty block you'll want to flush it really thoroughly, and then change the oil cooler. Don't change it before the flush as you'll just plug up your new one with debris that you'll break loose during the flush.

Coolant filter likely a good idea as well to help try and catch some of the debris as well.

Regards,