Significant rust in cooling system (3 Viewers)

[AZ Roadrunner]

I'm in the middle of replacing the radiator, water pump, thermostat housing, thermostat, and related parts in my 1984 FJ60 (2F). I'm not a mechanic and I've never done this before, so I don't know what I should or should not worry about along the way.

With that said, below is a picture of the inside of my engine block (cooling passage?), looking through the hole where the lower thermostat housing attaches to the upper part of the engine block. The engine's innards appear to be significantly rusted, but admittedly I don't know (1) what it looks like when it's in perfect condition nor (2) what it typically looks like when a person replaces the cooling system on a 40+ year old vehicle as I'm doing now. Honestly what I can see inside the engine looks absolutely terrible, but the vehicle has been drivable in its current condition, so maybe it's not that bad?

Specifically, I'm wondering if I can just properly install my new cooling system parts and move on with my life, or if I need to do something about the inside of the engine before I drive it again. Beyond that, I welcome any input that y'all can share -- my father knew everything about cars and trucks, and he was restoring this FJ60 when he passed away five years ago, but now it's my project to finish and my dad isn't around for me to call and ask for help. Hence, I'm hoping to find help here.

Thanks in advance!

 

[tmxmotorsports]

First off sorry for your loss of your father lost my father 3 years ago. How was your heat working? Reason for asking is if it works very well the heater core isn't clogged and that's a good sign. There is a block drain on the diver side you could get more out by opening that can use a water hose hooked to the heater lines and try and flush it out that way and right in front also .
Tommy

 

[AZ Roadrunner]

How was your heat working?

I've mostly been driving it in the Arizona desert, so I haven't used the heat much -- but when I did try the heater, it worked decently well out of the driver's side heat vent, and not as well on the middle and passenger vents.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

I've seen waaaay worse and it was fine.

 

[AZ Roadrunner]

waaaay worse

The three extra "A's" are especially comforting -- thanks so much!

Also, I should have started with this in my first comment, but I'm sorry for the loss of your father as well.

BW

 

[BrickRunner]

I've used this evaporust product with success.

THERMOCURE Cooling System Rust Remover & Flush | CRC - https://www.evapo-rust.com/thermocure-cooling-system-radiator-rust-remover/

 

[MWM1]

I have used citric acid solution with great success in several vintage vehicles. There's plenty of links on the web, but it's basically citric acid powder from amazon and distilled water. Make sure to remove the block plug when draining and flush many times. It will get all the rust and gunk out!

 

[yotadude520]

Yeah the cooling system on my 2F was pretty sludgy when I took it apart too, flushing it out made a big difference.

Where in AZ are you? We've got quite a few 60's running around here and all of us love working on them and helping each other out.

 

[AZ Roadrunner]

Yeah the cooling system on my 2F was pretty sludgy when I took it apart too, flushing it out made a big difference.

Thanks!

Where in AZ are you? We've got quite a few 60's running around here and all of us love working on them and helping each other out.

I'm back and forth between North Phoenix and Flagstaff. How 'bout you?

 

[tmxmotorsports]

Thanks!

I'm back and forth between North Phoenix and Flagstaff. How 'bout you?

An 94fzj80 I built is in that area too.

 

[yotadude520]

Thanks!

I'm back and forth between North Phoenix and Flagstaff. How 'bout you?

I'm down in Tucson! You should join our local Toyota Club, Copper State Cruisers. Great way to meet some people that can help you out if you get stuck restoring this beaut.

Application

Please fill out the secured online application i f you would like to join CSC. Membership is $28 including shipping, which includes one CSC T-shirt (S,M,L,XL) and one CSC sticker. $2 more for...

www.copperstatecruisers.net

 

[AZ Roadrunner]

You should join our local Toyota Club, Copper State Cruisers. Great way to meet some people that can help you out if you get stuck restoring this beaut.

Thanks for the invitation! I may just do that.

 

[duncanrm]

I've dealt with a few sludgy engines.. vast quantities of water are required, repeated drainings including removing the block drain and reverse flushing both heater cores and the radiator is essential. Its nearly impossible to get them to run perfectly clean and your coolant always seems to have a slightly muddy colour.. I fit a coolant filter on these engines just to pick up the larger flakes of rust long term.