Best Methodology on cleaning a cylinder head

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01-27-2019, 07:42 AM

dpine

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Best Methodology on cleaning a cylinder head

This head has been sitting in a plastic container with no VC for many years on the garage floor so its acquired quite a bit of dirt/grime and upon further inspection some metal shavings from who know what.

I would like to clean it up for a down the road project. What cleaner/degreasers are safe for it? Should I break it down (pull valve train) when I do this?

thanks

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01-27-2019, 03:56 PM

DaX

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re: Best Methodology on cleaning a cylinder head

Are you wanting the experience of cleaning it yourself? If not, just take it to a head shop and ask them to clean it - shouldn't be more than about $50.

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01-28-2019, 09:23 AM

dpine

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re: Best Methodology on cleaning a cylinder head

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaX

Are you wanting the experience of cleaning it yourself? If not, just take it to a head shop and ask them to clean it - shouldn't be more than about $50.

I dont know if I want the experience of cleaning it myself.I was going to tackle it because I have my doubts about any shop locally cleaning it. I have no problems sending it off to a reputable shop.

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01-28-2019, 12:40 PM

DaX

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re: Best Methodology on cleaning a cylinder head

@Txdragon , care to chime in on your thoughts of cleaning a cylinder head yourself?

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01-28-2019, 03:02 PM

turboLScrx

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Re: Best Methodology on cleaning a cylinder head

I might be way out of line, but a head that filthy, I’d spray it down and let it set with a good degreaser and take a pressure washer to it. Then blow dry it with a air Nozzle and then spray it down with some WD-40 immediately ........ or take its to a machine shop. Lol. I can’t think of any parts that would be effected by the pressure, it’s the lack of oil to protect it that would hurt it....... now the best and correct way would be to fully disassemble it and clean each piece one at a time and reassemble and lock away in a tight container with a light coat of oil

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01-31-2019, 10:47 PM

Bently_Coop

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Re: Best Methodology on cleaning a cylinder head

My local machine shop will surface the head and jet wash for around $50, well worth it, sure is nice to work on clean stuff and have a clean head going back for a head gasket job.