The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop how do I clean the engine

I've got the 235 broken down to replace the gaskets but I wanted to clean the block without completly breaking it down to the bare block.
I've still got the head on and the valvetrain inplace,the pan on etc. I would like to get to grease in the knooks and cranies of the head bolts and the oil stains on the block so I can paint it.
Any suggestions on a cleaner and procedure (taping off areas etc.)?
Thanks,
Rick.........

Well, a power washer works great, but you can use a garden hose with Gunk or Purple Power which is more enviromentally safe. Definitely plug up any spot you think water will get into the block. Leave the spark plugs in the head.

Castrol Degreaser works very well for this, along with what has been suggested. Let it soak for while, scrub some, spray more cleaner, soak, scrub, and when you thinnk you got it all, do it one more time. Then get to a car wash or power washer, and go at it. Garden hose works with a spray nozzel, just not as good as a power washer.

Go rent a 3500 psi unit and hit the frame while you have it.

Joe

Elmer
Soda blast it , it will not hurt anything , gets all the film gone , and after you stablize it can sit for a month before you even think about painting it , and I got a Jackson back from a Ben Franklin . I was VERY pleased

http://s376.photobucket.com/albums/oo203/OldoginMd/?action=view&current=100_0333.jpg

I used a chemical that is sold for cleaning paint brushes. I brush it on, scrape and repeat. It cleaned my block so well that I had some flash rust forming after.

I have always had good luck using a stiff brush w/diesel or kerosene and then washing it down w/paint thinner or mineral spirits....joe

I first use a degreaser as described above, "Super Clean" formerly by Castrol it works very well.

Then I use some sort of paint striper, lately I use some in a spray can from Rustolium, found it at wally-world. rinse off with water and a wire brush.
Here's an in process picture of that http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2827267490080251109zSuklX

Then I use some lacquer thinner in a squirt bottle and lots of wire brushing, the little tooth brush ones by hand.
turns out like these http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2381582970080251109RQFbKb
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2387721890080251109siGDXz

Then prime with engine primer and paint with engine paint.
here's an in process picture http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2139348100080251109hatrCb

Might be a lot of work but well worth it

Grigg

I especially like the expierence of car/power washing. Little bits of grease/oil will fly, into your clothes, your mouth, on your glasses. What not wearing glasses? You will next time.

As mentioned elsewhere on stovebolt, be sure to clean all bolt holes of debris and fluids. Water etc can stay down in there for a suprisingly long time.

I have used most of the items mentioned above, but each time before priming or/and painting I rewash with Simple Green and scrub brush. If left over night you will get a light cover of rust. So you know that all the grease and oil film is gone.

thanks all for the suggestions. Now I have to get the geting.
Rick..........