To save a few bucks, thought I'd try to clean my own head instead of having it hot-tanked. What sort of cleaning chemical should I use? I know hot tanks are alkaline caustic solutions .. should I try to buy something like that? Or just use hot water and some kind of degreaser?

 

Baked on carbon is a lot more stubborn than common engine grease. Maybe if you used a toothbrush or a fine wire brush it would come off with the degreaser but I don't know for sure.

 

Use solvent tank and some scotchbrite on the tough areas use a wire brush
or Crossbuff in a die grinder. I use a Sand blaster filledwith plastic meadia works great doesnt hurt the seats on the head and removes anything real fast