# Rust removal from cooling system

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/rust-removal-from-cooling-system/85968>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [July 12, 2014, 10:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rust-removal-from-cooling-system/85968 "2014-07-12T22:30:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Fender1325](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/96bed5/32.png) [@Fender1325](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Fender1325)\
**Post date:** [July 12, 2014, 10:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rust-removal-from-cooling-system/85968/1 "2014-07-12T22:30:02Z")

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Is there a safe way to remove rust from a cooling system? It’s on a 1950 cadillac that’s all cast iron with a copper radiator. I’m pretty certain the coolant passages in the engine are plugged up from rust. I took off the rad hoses and rinsed everything out until it ran clear, but I’ve done this before and the car still runs hot.

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**Author:** ![Fender1325](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/96bed5/32.png) [@Fender1325](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Fender1325)\
**Post date:** [July 12, 2014, 10:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rust-removal-from-cooling-system/85968/2 "2014-07-12T22:33:51Z")

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A friend said really the only way is to take the freeze plugs out of the engine and rinse out all the caked up rust.