I'm needing to clean out my block and head, since I am doing a rebuild and did a little port-n-polishing, I need to clean out the metal flakes/grit. I searched and saw people recommend brake cleaner, and someone else suggested water and soap. I don't want the mess of brake cleaner, and wouldn't water and soap cause things to start rusting? I'd have to oil it all back down, right?

I was thinking of using gasoline, but that doesn't seem like it'd get the flakes very well.....any suggestions?

 

Bump cause I need some stuff to remove my HG.

Blaze

 

I used brake cleaner but it was taking too long so I just brought it down to a machine shop and had them hot tank it. I should be getting it back soon.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by michaelOlson &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I used brake cleaner but it was taking too long so I just brought it down to a machine shop and had them hot tank it. </TD></TR></TABLE>

and it shouldnt be very much. 60 dollars or so if the head and block are bare

 

Acetone.

Go to a beauty supply store and get a big bottle of PURE Acetone.
Works great and most importanly EVAPORATES QUICKLY.

I use this when I need to clean/prep aluminum.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WOTTEG &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Acetone.

Go to a beauty supply store and get a big bottle of PURE Acetone.
Works great and most importanly EVAPORATES QUICKLY.

I use this when I need to clean/prep aluminum.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Or you can go to Home Depot and get a gallon tin jug of Acetone for what I would imagine would be less than a beauty store.

 

I'll try acetone next time, it should be much easier.

I took it outside, sprayed it down good w/ soapy water, let it drain out and sprayed WD-40 on it all the while; motor oil went on as soon as it completely dried out.

 

take a air chuck and blow out some of the debris, then squirt the head down with water( it will get the seats rusty only if you let the head sit to long)I wouldn't use soap that would make a real mess, then get your brake clean and quickly shoot the head down with it-use the whole can if you want this will make the head much easier to dry and it won't leave a residue and then take out you air chuck and blow the head off until dry.

Or just spend the money and take it to a machine shop and let them do it, it will probably come out cleaner to.