A series of water-dispersible and oil-dispersible corrosion inhibiting solutions are disclosed which contain a polythioether represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are H, a methyl group, or an ethyl group, X is a divalent organic radical selected from the group consisting of --C.sub.2 H.sub.4 --, --C.sub.4 H.sub.8 --, --C.sub.2 C.sub.4 OC.sub.2 H.sub.4 --, and C.sub.2 H.sub.4 SC.sub.2 H.sub.4 --, n is about 2 to about 40, and p is 0 or 1. The corrosion inhibitor solvent is preferably a hydrocarbon, such as an aromatic solvent or an alcohol, but may be water. Metal equipment can be protected through the use of the invention corrosion inhibiting solutions by contacting metal with an effective amount of inhibiting solution containing the polythioethers in a continuous exposure or batch treatment.