bad choices, rust on crank...

[MopaR&D]

Me being my lazy self I left my freshly-polished 360 crankshaft on my garage floor sitting on a bunch of plastic bags for the past six months or so. I didn't plan on letting it sit for that long or else I would've lubed it and wrapped it in a plastic bag (obviously plans changed), but now there's some surface rust on one of the rod journals. Can I get it cleaned off without too much trouble or do I now need a new crank?

 

[jefflock]

Just take it back to the machine shop and have them polish it back up. And next time, lube and cover.

 

[TurdFerguson]

600-800 grit, long strip used lightly and evenly with wd 40 applied.

 

[godfatherofchry]

scotch brite pads work good with wd-40 be sure to clean good before putting together......Artie

 

[MopaR&D]

OK thanks a lot guys, saved me some grief... And just making sure there isn't a specific 'Scotch Brite' pad for cleaning up metal auto parts? Do they just sell one kind, in the home cleaning isle of the supermarket I'm guessing?

 

[evil 340]

red scotch brites are more aggressive. grey s are finer. they might even make a finer one yet, but a grey scotch brite is very fine. about 600-800 grit range. that would do it.

 

[fishy68]

If it's not very bad WD-40 on a shop towel might take it off. Takes some elbow grease but it works.

 

[RustyRatRod]

It's toast. I'll take it.

 

[dodge freak]

If it's not very bad WD-40 on a shop towel might take it off. Takes some elbow grease but it works.

Chrome polish works even better, I would first use the oil and yes it will start to rub off.