Boiler block surface rust ... an issue?

Jack M

The boiler block flash rusted when it was moved to an unheated garage. Do I need to clean this rust off? or can I ignore it? The system was drained and stored for a few weeks while some work was being done and I noticed this rust just the other day. The rust was caused by surface condensation when temperatures changed suddenly. Will the surface rust eventually compromise new block? I've used "stove polish" on cast iron stoves to prevent rust in the off-season but the wax in the stove polish smokes when you first fire the stove up. I can't think of anything else that would protect the boiler without causing issues when I fire it up again. Do all boilers eventually rust on the outside?

Fred

That's not going to hurt anything. It's just a little surface oxidation. When do you plan to put the boiler back in service?

hvacfreak2

I unloaded my Megasteam in the rain and it did the same thing. My guess is that they just don't treat them with a lot of oil maybe as an effort to keep oil out of the block. But there are plenty of other things that require concern , a little oxidation is not on that list.

Jack M

good to know there are bigger fish to fry. I could always brush it down and paint it. There must be a good paint for high heat applications such as this.
I'd like to get to have everything up and running by early fall to work the kinks out.

hvacfreak2

Insulation and a boiler jacket are the best products to cover that .

But if you are concerned with details here you go. You could also consider polishing and having that block plated as well.

eastwood.com/paints/rust-solutions.html