What's the best way to remove rust from engine internals? Specifically, rotor and intermediate housings. What chemicals/procedures are best to use?
Anyone know of a website or anything?



BTW, Mike, I got that engine out of the 80. Doesn't look pretty. Good test case, though. Don't know if it was you or your old lady, but damn that clutch was BAD off. Flywheel needs resurfacing, too. Tried to go out to Lane's and get another motor but he wouldn't sell me a blown motor for $100... jeez...

 

I used some 1000grade sand paper, and a brillo pad attached to a electric drill, seemed to make the rotors shine, then I WD-40ed em

 

I'm gonna try my luck with a wire wheel. The rotors are really rusty so if Mazda ever used some sort of coating on the rotors, it has already rusted away. I don't think I'll hurt anything. I've just got to be careful with apex and side seal grooves.

I got rid of surface rust on the cast iron side housing surfaces by using a piece scotchbrite (the green stuff).

 

use a REALLY, REALLY fine wet sandpaper (so you can sand it with oil. DO IT VERY GENTLY!!! especially when you're doing the rotor housings. also try to do it in the opposite rotation that the rotor would travel.

 

Okay, thanks. Should I soak them in anything prior to sanding them?

 

**** I knew it would be rusted a little, the clutch was trash way back when LOL

What did the rotor hosuings look like? Were they scored? Apex's broken?

 

After you get everything cleaned up, give everything a thorough scub in hot water and laundry detergent.

I don't know the chemical process why, but cast iron will not rust after a good scrub with laundry detergent. I cleaned a side housing so well you could eat off of it and it refuses to rust!

 

I just bead blasted my engine at work last night. Came out looking brand new. No rust, no grease nor grime.