Rusty colored coolant

David P · Oct 16, 2011

Background:

I have a 1981 International Hydro 84 tractor that was running hot this summer. I pulled the radiator, flushed the fins and took it in for a pressure check. Everything was fine and after checking with the dealer I replaced the coolant with distilled water with the idea of running the water for the next 10-20 hours to flush things out a bit. I just emptied the radiator and the block and noticed that the water is rust-colored. I refilled everything, again with distilled water, ran it for a while and emptied it out again. I am still seeing a rusty-colored water.

So... where to go from here? Is there anything that I can run through the system that will clean things up? It may be worthy to note that the tractor has only about 1300 hours on it so it has done some sitting over the past 30 years. I will call the dealer tomorrow to get their take on it but thought someone on the forum may have an idea for me.

Thanks!

woodchuckie · Oct 16, 2011

Once the block starts rusting I don't know if you can clean it or stop it without tearing it down. But I'm sure someone will know.

whistlepig · Oct 16, 2011

Sometimes if the block starts rusting small chunks of rust will break loose and clog the the radiator. Years ago I had this happen and a radiator shop took the top off the radiator and with a small wire cleaned out the chunks of rust.

David P · Oct 16, 2011

whistlepig-so the rust in your system was limited to the radiator?

whistlepig · Oct 16, 2011

The rust was coming from the engine block because the previous owner must have ran it a long time with out antifreeze. It caused the cooling passages in the block to start rusting. This was on a 1968 model car. I was told that once a block starts rusting there was nothing that could be done to stop this. I kept the car two more years and had to remove the radiator four more times in those two years to have the radiator cleaned out. Its been a long time and there may be an additive available now that will arrest the rusting in the block. At the time I was dealing with the problem there was no cure.

Egon · Oct 16, 2011

Run a flushing type cleaner in the tractor coolant system with the tractor working hard. Drain, flush with water and put some good quality anti freeze in for coolant.

The anti freeze should have some corrosion protection addatives.:thumbsup:

David P · Oct 17, 2011

I came across this product on the redpowermagazine forums. Anyone tried it? I took some of the coolant to the dealer this morning and they didn't seem too concerned. In better light it looks more greenish with some minor brown coloration. I think I'm in better shape than I did originally.

http://www.fleetguard.com/pdfs/product_lit/emea_brochures/LI33024-GB.pdf

whistlepig · Oct 17, 2011

I hope this works out for you and don't have the problem I did. In fact I am the only one that I have ever heard of having this problem so it must be kind of rare.