Question for the gang...........

What is the best way to restore the original look of an engine block / head and other aluminium parts?

I've heard a bunch of different stuff;

1. Sand and paint it with High heat Aluminum paint.
2. Light blasting followed by a high heat clear coat.
3. Degrease (use Gunk or other product) and polish it. (I've never seen the polish)

Which is the best? I'm asking because I'm getting ready to drop a turboed B20B into my 95 Civic Hatch. If you make a recommendation please name the specific product and technique.

Thanks,

Bullet50

 

have you tried simple green to clean your engine bay?
just get some thin brush, a rag, and water.
wet the engine bay with some water.
spray simple green thoroughly. let it sit for about a min or so.
brush the area gently where there is a lot of grease.
spray water. try not to use too much pressure on the hose.
let it dry and you're done.
i did this to my engine bay it worked out very well.
i hope engine bay is what u meant when u seaid engine block.

 

What other parts do you cover up besides the distributor and starter? I know this sounds stupid but help a brotha out.

 

I've used simple green on alot of parts I've allready remove from the car. My procedure for cleaning reusable parts (ex; battery, trays, any type of interior part, etc.) once removed is;

1. Wash part with car wash gel (any type will do) to remove heavy dirt and grime.
2. Spray Simple Green onto wet surface and let sit for one minute (to remove any remaining traces of grease & grime) and rinse well.
3. Armour All.
4. Brand new Part.

I find this works really well. Now as for my question I was wondering about the actual Engine block and all other aluminum parts. I'm doing a full restoration of my Hatch so I want to restore the block, etc. to as close to perfect as possible. Thanks for you response though.

B50




[Modified by Bullet50, 7:54 PM 8/28/2002]

 

oh my bad. didnt know u meant the actual block.
i dont know much about cleaning the block. sorry.
good luck on getting some info. im sure someone knows how to do it right.

 

TTT............... Come on gang! Don't tell me everyone has dirty engines in their cars. Someone must have the skinny on how to do this properly.

Thanks,

B50

 

Cokinut,

Anything Electrical............... Fuses, the parts you mentioned, etc. etc. In other words take a real good look around before you start and if in doubt cover it up and deal with it later. No use taking chances..................

Later,

B50

 

have it hot tanked at a machine shop

looks like new when finished , but it must be a BARE block

no internals

 

Thanks Doc........... I'm stripping the entire block and head so that will work out fine. Any proceedure for following the hot tank (ex; high heat clear, etc.)?

Thanks,

B50

 

Simple Green

 

for bare block ...get some mild acid degreaser...and a wire brush..scrub the **** out of it..rins it off..let it dry..then give it a good coating of engine paint..aluminum color is my favorite. looks very very nice.

 

Thanks Guys........

I think I'll try em all. Whichever works out the best I'll go with. If anyone has anymore suggestions hook me up.

B50

 

buy this engine cleaner and detailer called CD2. you can buy it at any auto store. just cover dist. and any open eletrical part. first run the car for 5-10 mins to loosen the grease. then cover your parts. spray the cleaner wait a few mins wash with water. take off bags start motor for 10-15mins to dry water then spray detailer. work bomb everytime. this is what mine looks like after!

 

since the motors out hot tank it

 

Thanks man..................

Sweet looking engine / compartment. I hope mine looks half as good as yours when done.

B50

 

'

No water spots on the chrome parts????