Good question, Tony. I don't see by what mechanism linseed oil could neutralize rust. I mean, it's pretty neutral stuff. The raw form can be mixed into animal feed. The "boiled" form has had driers added to it to promote oxidation/thickening/hardening.

But I do see how it could neuter (so to speak) the ability of oxygen to form MORE rust: form a sufficiently thick barrier (multiple coats) and it will deny oxygen to the steel, so no more

4Fe + 3O2 --> 2Fe2O3

(If I remember right, etc.)

I have several times applied boiled linseed oil (thinned, and warmed) to the underside of our 1987 745, where the undercoating is drying up, and, I fear, actually holding moisture. Seems to help. Takes time, though, and makes a mess. :-)

Good luck. Search the archives here, if you like, and see some of the cool stuff that has been tried, including adding toilet seals (cheap beeswax) to the mix. :-)

Gregg, in rusty Minnesota