cleaning parts

[nicnmike]

I've decided to tackle the heads myself. I bought the valve compression tool and got a lapping tool and compound. the only thing I don't have is a cleaning tank, but I've been googling. Here is one thing I've found. Has anyone tried this? If so, do you know how aluminum will react if dipped in a vat highly alkaline solution? I'd really like to clean the heads, valve cover, the intake manifold, the pendulum and a few other bits and pieces.

An Easy Way to Clean Old Parts - YouTube

 

[BoatRacer]

I'd use a bucket and a case of cheap brake clean, just use it in a well ventilated area.

 

[nicnmike]

Yeah, I just saw another video that stated strong alkaline solutions were bad for aluminum.

My other thought is to use a pressure washer, blast it and then come back with brake cleaner.

 

[Hyde802]

I'd use a bucket and a case of cheap brake clean, just use it in a well ventilated area.

This.

That videos is cool thought. Might have to check that stuff out.

 

[92-SR5]

A solvent tank is a really good investment if you work on vehicles. I love mine.

 

[highlux]

You will waste more time...effort..and money....by not just dropping it off at a mchine shop and having them tank it. You will never get it as clean.

This is not something you skimp on.

Spend a couple bucks Scrooge MC Duck.

 

[CodeButcher]

I've decided to tackle the heads myself. I bought the valve compression tool and got a lapping tool and compound. the only thing I don't have is a cleaning tank, but I've been googling. Here is one thing I've found. Has anyone tried this? If so, do you know how aluminum will react if dipped in a vat highly alkaline solution? I'd really like to clean the heads, valve cover, the intake manifold, the pendulum and a few other bits and pieces.

An Easy Way to Clean Old Parts - YouTube

I know the secret ingredient in the drain cleaner. Muriatic Acid. Notice how he has rubber gloves on. Methyel Etheyl Keytone or MEK, also works. There was a suggested video by Metal Rescue, where a girl was NOT wearing gloves.

 

[92-SR5]

I know the secret ingredient in the drain cleaner. Muriatic Acid. Notice how he has rubber gloves on. Methyel Etheyl Keytone or MEK, also works. There was a suggested video by Metal Rescue, where a girl was NOT wearing gloves.

I use muratic acid to clean grime off wheels. Works awesome but you have to be careful.

 

[CodeButcher]

I use muratic acid to clean grime off wheels. Works awesome but you have to be careful.

I've seen it strip the clear coat off some rims it was accidentally spashed on. It's common use is cleaning concrete or acid washing a swimming pool.

For small parts there is Parts Dip from any Auto parts store, and hot tank/parts washer the bigger parts.

Most of the time, I just use cheap brake cleaner and a detail brush.

 

[92-SR5]

I've seen it strip the clear coat off some rims it was accidentally spashed on. It's common use is cleaning concrete or acid washing a swimming pool.

For small parts there is Parts Dip from any Auto parts store, and hot tank/parts washer the bigger parts.

Most of the time, I just use cheap brake cleaner and a detail brush.

Yeah it is harsh, but that is why I use it on rims that don't have any coating. haha Makes them look brand new though.

 

[crash813]

You will waste more time...effort..and money....by not just dropping it off at a mchine shop and having them tank it. You will never get it as clean.

This is not something you skimp on.

Spend a couple bucks Scrooge MC Duck.

With something as big as a head or block....just go get it tanked. Why hassel with a big setup....caustic chemicals...cleanup....disposal....etc. tanking it will be cheaper and do a much better job. K.I.S.S.

 

[nicnmike]

So far my favorite new cleaning tool is a pressure washer. Messy, but effective. I'm using it on parts that I've taken off of the truck, like the intake, various brackets, the bellhousing, etc. It doesn't get it shiny clean, but it easily removes the big blobs and oily caked on sandy crap. Wearing a rubber apron is highly suggested.

 

[KidVermicious]

My little stuff gets brake cleaner and a bristle brush. The larger stuff gets taken down to the DIY car wash. I wish I had somewhere to put a parts cleaner tub.

 

[nicnmike]

My little stuff gets brake cleaner and a bristle brush. The larger stuff gets taken down to the DIY car wash. I wish I had somewhere to put a parts cleaner tub.

There is oil everywhere under my car. It was really thick in the bell housing area for some reason. The main seal didn't look leaky, so it either seeped in from the valve cover leak, or it was there from a previous leak. Anyway, after removing the bell, I used a whole can of brake cleaner and blasted around the front of the transmission. spray, wait a few seconds, spray, wait a few seconds. It was awesome, no scrubbing required. :bowl: <- this is how my head felt afterwards, but it wasn't too bad. I did have a fan on.