Crazy WD-40 question

[Condor1970]

Ok, I have a 3.0L merc, and it is an older one from 1989. It still ooks pretty darn good, but has a few rusty spots here and there from age, etc. What friend of mine told me is on occasion, he will spray just a little WD-40 around the block to penetrate rust, and such, and just leave it on so the heat will sort of bake/season the iron block to help keep it from rusting worse. That way he doesn't need to try and repaint the whole thing. Turns black, and stays on. Anyone do this? Does it sound like it may be a good idea? Seems like a dirt magnet to me.

Maybe just wiping down the engine with a rag and WD-40 to get a light coat, and remove rust would be better?

I dunno. What do you guys recommend?

 

[Starcraft5834]

have not heard of that one........... Ive got a 1987 3.0... you can take something to brush off the surface rust, clean and dry it,, I got some high heat Rustolleum flat black and touched mine up... WD40 is a solvent and will cut some grease and oil for sure,, leave it there,, aaaaaaaaa no..

 

[thumpar]

WD-40 evaporates.

 

[Volphin]

WD stands for water displacement. It contains some solvents and a petrol base. It won't prevent rust.

 

[H20Rat]

WD-40 evaporates.

The carrier petrochemicals evaporate. Their only purpose in life is to transport the actual WD40.

 

[Fireman Doug]

I used to spray my off road dirt bike engine and fenders down with it to make clean up easier from the southern Ohio mud. Have never seen anything bad happen from leaving it on any surface for a long period of time, except maybe attract dirt when it is dry out.

 

[dingbat]

The carrier petrochemicals evaporate. Their only purpose in life is to transport the actual WD40.

Yep...and it leave a pretty tenacious film behind. Turns to "varnish" overtime.

 

[Grub54891]

I spray it on my weedwhacker cutting head,when done whacking,hose off,comes out clean!

 

[JustJason]

Are you trying to keep rust off an engine, or are you seasoning an old cast iron pan?

Use corrosion guard, it dries to a waxy like surface. It works better than anything else, that's why they make it.

 

[Walt T]

Naval Jelly will remove rust, then a coat of wheel bearing grease to prevent it. I can't wait to see pictures of that motor