Best way to clean engine?

[68Stepbed]

My chassis is mostly complete, and next on the list is cleaning and repainting the engine. I will be installing a new cam, lifters, timing chain, and roller tipped rockers, so the engine will be partly tore down. What is the best materials and methods to clean and paint the engine while it's still in long block form? I read the article in Classic Trucks, but it wasn't good on detail.

[Yukon Jack]

I power washed mine than used lots of Castrol Super Clean, then used a toothbrush and more Super Clean, then used the tooth brush and paint thinner. Lots of scrubbing! Once good and clean I used the VHT high temp engine paint and it appears to be holding up very well.

[Billla]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

My chassis is mostly complete, and next on the list is cleaning and repainting the engine. I will be installing a new cam, lifters, timing chain, and roller tipped rockers, so the engine will be partly tore down. What is the best materials and methods to clean and paint the engine while it's still in long block form? I read the article in Classic Trucks, but it wasn't good on detail.

VHT paint stripper CAREFULLY applied, then clean with a good water-based solvent (I like Super Clean too and as noted, lots of brushing Once you feel that it's clean, a good washdown with lots of water and then I prep them like I do for painting - I use a good pre-paint cleaner (I'm a PPG guy, but Eastwood PRE works pretty well). Finally, nice wet coats of VHT.

I haven't tried the POR or Eastwood engine paint but I plan to on an upcoming build of a buddy's engine.

Note that it might be a good time to take your die grinder and clean up some of the casting flash.

Send pictures! :-D

[TP from Cntl PA]

If you can get your hands on one, a hot water pressure washer and some "Purple" or "Simple Green" cleaning solution works wanders.

[cdowns]

i've always used kerosene with a stiff parts cleaning brush and wire brush for caked on stuff followed by a strong solution of spic-n-span with stiff parts brush or steel wool and a rinse of clear water with a hose or if available a pressure washer// a final wipe down with laquer thinner then prime and paint with paint of choice lately i've been using por15 engine paint or for a better variety of colors bill hirsh engine paint

[68Stepbed]

Pressure washing will get water in my crankcase, wouldn't it?

[woodridge]

I have found several cans of oven cleaner and a presure washer do wonders.Even better if it's a hot water washer. Do it in a well ventilated area, the fumes are a killer.

[woodridge]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

Pressure washing will get water in my crankcase, wouldn't it?

I usually pull the pan anyway to do the gaskets, when you are done washing, oil everything and rotate the crank several times to relube the cylinder walls and cam, I've not had a problem yet and have done several this way.

[Luvlegs]

You'd be suprised how fast you can clean up the block using only a toothbrush and lacquer thinner. I do it twice - the second time makes sure there is no oils left anywhere before prepping. Wipe it down with a clean rag/towel as you go along the second time.

[chevyboy55]

i use oven cleaner then a degreaser.

[jimmydean]

I was going to use the orange clean oven cleaner and Castrol Purple with a presure washer. My truck is ghetto, so it's all about cheap and easy.

I will put a new motor in before I need to paint this one.

[shifty]

i used a straight pressure washer last time around. wound up ruining those clothes and was washing droplets of oil and engine gunk off my skin for a week afterwards. It did a damned fine job of cleaning that bad boy up, though. Probably should have soaked it in Simple Green first.

[watahyahknow]

ovencleaner works good but can eat itself intoo aluminium when you leave it on too long , brakecleaner works good too dishwashingliquid and a lot of elbowgrease does the job to on just oil

[arkracing]

I usually use 2 cans of "Gunk" Engine Bright - available @ Wal-Mart (It's basically kerosene)

Pressure wash (with the sprak plugs in & stuff the exahust holes with rags)

Rotate Motor, Drain Oil, Spray some oil into the cylinders - and rotate some more. - put the plugs back in.

Usually get most of the heavy gunk and crap off the motor - then I use a wire brush on a drill or by hand - whichever works best on the particualar area.

Then I spray it down with a couple cans of Brake Cleaner and blow it off good with the Compressor.


VHT Paint seems to be the best Rattle Can
POR15 is some sweet stuff - a pint goes a long way - even when spraying it
Bill Hersch - is a little thinner than POR15 and doesn't cover as well - I didn't even thin it.