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Engine rebuild - how critical is rust?

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JimLaney

JimLaney

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Rebuilding 1098 for MKIII driver. Engine apart for more than 10 years but at that time the block was cleaned and surfaced along with the head (both covered with tape for storage). Crank and new bearing as well as cam was installed at the time of storage. The rocker assembly had some surface rust on the shaft and on the pressed rockers as well. PB Blaster and wire brush cleaned it up and allowed disassembly and further cleaning. The lifters and pushrods have surface rust but no pitting. My question is: must I go back with all new or can I cleanup and reuse knowing that I may have to rebuild again in 10-20,000 miles?

Guidance is appreciated by this first timer.
 
Surface rust is usually pretty easy to deal with and there's no reason I can see why you shouldn't be able to reuse everything with some cleanup. The main think it to be sure the bores don't have surface rust. The product you're using is probably fine, but for surface rust, a light brushing or soak of phosphoric acid followed by a rinse and dry will make everything look new again. Phosphoric acid is commonly available in home improvement supply stores as "metal prep and prime".
 
Thanks Gerard! I appreciate your help.

Here is a photo of a cleaned up rocker assembly:

Cleaned up Rocker Assembly
 
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