finally got the head off! but now theres so much crap and residue left on the head and the bottom block. whats the easiest way to clean it? i heard of using a spray and a scraper, but if i use that, the liquid will go all over the head and on the pistons and inside the block. is that ok? how would i flush it out? also, ive heard of people "hot tank" cleaning the head. where would i get this done? should i get all the gasket residue off before getting it hot tanked?

thanks for the help..

 

use a plastic scraper, preferably. it will not marr the top of the block. not a big deal if brake cleaner gets in the motor, just stuff paper towel into the cylinders and into the water jacket around the cylinders.

hot tanking can be done by many machine shops, it will clean off all grease and oil residue, and looks great, but gets dirty again quickly and will make the rest of your engine look really dirty if they aren't clean already. not that i am a clean freak, but it looks bad when you have a clean head and a filthy motor.

 

k get carburator cleaner.... and blades... one of those hand blade holders... use a blade veryyyyyyyy careful so u dont cut the surfaces or chip anything off..

 

does the valvetrain need to be out for the head to be hot tanked?

 

yes..... head and all parts that are going to be submerged on hot tank clean acid need to be striped down from all other parts

 

umm didnt really understand that...i have the head out, do i need to remove the rocker arm assembly or can they just hot tank as is?

thanks for your help however