sludge removal from 555 Massey engine jacket

John Turuk · Oct 29, 2018

I've got about an inch of sludge buildup in the bottom of the jacket. I won't be tearing the engine apart as it still runs. I've removed all the stuff from the vicinity of the freeze plug. Probably all
that i can do. Just figured I'd see if there are any other options to remove some more of it. The stuff is pretty firm.

Thanks again for all of the help you guys give me!

John

Steve@Advance · Oct 29, 2018

No way I know to get it all out short of a complete teardown.

Trying to acid flush it will be hard on other fragile components, like the radiator and freeze plugs that are thinning.

I would just replace the plug, and any others easy to get to, go back with brass or copper expandable (not rubber) if you like. Then flush the system best you can, running with the hose in the radiator, drains open, thermostat removed to get max flow.

Once the flow is clear, let it drain, refill with your favorite antifreeze (50/50 and distilled water or premix). It may cloud up with rust at first, but it will settle out. As long as the antifreeze chemicals are right, it will be protected from further corrosion.

John Turuk · Oct 29, 2018

Yeah thats kind of what I figured. I will flush the system like you mentioned. So these "brass or copper expandable plugs" you mention are they standard freeze plugs but made out of brass or copper?

John

David G · Oct 29, 2018

Open up the block drains and take out all the plugs, stick the nozzle of pressure washer in all the orifices and blast till it all runs clean.

Steve@Advance · Oct 29, 2018

Yes, they are direct replacements.

They are somewhat limited to popular sizes.

Brass are common in marine engines, or just for extended life.

The copper are real handy for hard to get to places that you can't get a swing at with a hammer.
Copper Expandable Plugs

Stephen Newell · Oct 31, 2018

I think they have done something to antifreeze in the last few years that doesn't protect from rust as well as it used to. If you are not going to tear the engine down you might change the coolant often and do a flush each time. Perhaps you can dissolve some of it. Keep an eye on the temp gauge when working it hard.

showcrop · Oct 31, 2018

I have cleaned a whole lot of sludge out with just the removal of the T'stat and the temp. gauge bulb, and running water through. You could run it until the water runs clean, then put the temp gauge bulb and T'stat back in along with 50-50 vinegar and water and run it for awhile. After that flush it again.

sludge removal from 555 Massey engine jacket

John Turuk

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Steve@Advance

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John Turuk

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David G

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Steve@Advance

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Stephen Newell

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showcrop

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