Engine: V8: Is this a concern?

[Stu V8 2007]

Hi, I assume this is an earthing strap?
There are a lot of strange marks on the body, and wanted to check if this is a concern or not?
Many thanks.

[eternal optimist]

Yes, it is. No idea what the scratches are from, but the rust would be bothering the heck out of me.

[Stu V8 2007]

It's not rust, it's leaking coolant.

Need to fit that too!

[XJSDriver]

Weird scratches but the mount and strap look solid so no concerns apart as stated the potential for corrosion setting in; suggest get some touch up paint - find a local paint factor and they will make you up a couple of cans - much cheaper than buying touch up from Halfords.

[Stu V8 2007]

It's how I imagine the metal would look (the scratches) if you fired elelctrical sparks at it, if you see what I mean, just curious.

The red is coolant, I'll clean that up, don't think there is corrosion.

[XJSDriver]

I see what you mean now - these are definitely scratches so no worries; if there had been sparks you would see evidence of burns too and I would expect the sparks (current jumping across the air to the metal) to create pitting rather than scratches.

[binty]

Those scratches look like someone has use a wire brush on a drill, possibly to clean up the mounting but let it slip. Earth strap looks quite new so may be related.
As they are just scratches a spray corrosion wax like Waxoyle or Dinatrol would probably seal it just fine and prevent problems if you don't fancy prepping and painting it.