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Started stripdown, how best to clean?
speedyxjs - 28/2/09 at 08:46 PM

Stripped down my new motor today. Its in really good condition.
Now that i have better access to the head and block, what is the best way to clean it? I dont have a steam cleaner and dont really want to get the hose pipe on it as it is in the garage.

ps - air conditioning pumps are REALLY heavy!!!

ETA - If i decide to paint it, what paint should i use?

[Edited on 28-2-09 by speedyxjs]

MakeEverything - 28/2/09 at 08:47 PM

HAving seen the photos of it, id say the best way to clean it is with Thermite....

speedyxjs - 28/2/09 at 08:51 PM

For anyone who hasnt seen it





It has shed quite alot of weight today which wont be going back on. Must have shed at least 50kg

mr henderson - 28/2/09 at 08:52 PM

Once the major muck is off (paraffin or Gunk) then I like a combination of maroon Scotchbrite and WD40 (or similar)

Paul TigerB6 - 28/2/09 at 09:03 PM

Thats the big Jag lump you bought - i'm surprised you can move around in the garage enough to clean anything with that huge lump in there!!

If you had an airport near you, you could borrow one of those machines they clean planes with - that would be big enough

Simon - 28/2/09 at 09:07 PM

Chuck it in the dishwasher. Works a treat apparently

ATB

Simon

speedyxjs - 28/2/09 at 09:08 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Simon
Chuck it in the dishwasher. Works a treat apparently

ATB

Simon


Do you know of anyone with a dishwasher big enough?

omega0684 - 28/2/09 at 09:12 PM

vinegar dip it and leave it over night

ss1turbo - 28/2/09 at 09:13 PM

Nope....

I've heard Mr Muscle oven cleaner works well - but you need to make sure its washed off/neutralised! Might leave that one...

WD40 and scotchbrite seems the best..

Why paint the ally bits? Clear laquer maybe...

speedyxjs - 28/2/09 at 09:16 PM

quote:
Originally posted by ss1turbo
Why paint the ally bits? Clear laquer maybe...


I was thinking more about the rocker cover.

ss1turbo - 28/2/09 at 09:24 PM

quote:
Originally posted by speedyxjs
quote:
Originally posted by ss1turbo
Why paint the ally bits? Clear laquer maybe...


I was thinking more about the rocker cover.


Nitromors and more laquer...

Failing that, proper engine laquer - comes in a range of colours (including 3 types of black!)

Simon - 28/2/09 at 10:43 PM

quote:
Originally posted by speedyxjs
quote:
Originally posted by ss1turbo
Why paint the ally bits? Clear laquer maybe...


I was thinking more about the rocker cover.


I like the polished ones in your av, but it will be a lot of hard work, even with proper polishing equipment.

Haven't you got any restaurants locally with industrial dishwashers. Or take it to the car wash on a trailer

ATB

Simon

Benzine - 28/2/09 at 10:59 PM

I bought loads of cheap toothbrushes and used them with petrol & gunk to degrease my engine.

mediabloke - 1/3/09 at 01:15 AM

quote:
Originally posted by ss1turbo
I've heard Mr Muscle oven cleaner works well - but you need to make sure its washed off/neutralised!

Worked for me. Took all the old silver paint off the head too, mind. A good wash, dry & lacquer works a treat afterwards!

Only thing - I've been sad to get it mucky since...

Richard Quinn - 1/3/09 at 08:08 AM

Brake cleaner is pretty good once you've got the worst off. It's about the only solvent based solvent left available now!

speedyxjs - 1/3/09 at 09:18 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Simon
I like the polished ones in your av, but it will be a lot of hard work, even with proper polishing equipment.


I didnt think about that one. How would i go about making it look like that?

mr henderson - 1/3/09 at 10:22 AM

quote:
Originally posted by speedyxjs
quote:
Originally posted by Simon
I like the polished ones in your av, but it will be a lot of hard work, even with proper polishing equipment.


I didnt think about that one. How would i go about making it look like that?


You need a polishing machine (like a bench grinder, but 1500rpm max) with various polishing mops and compounds.

Plenty of time, too

John

Simon - 1/3/09 at 01:08 PM

AS Mr H says, but you may have to do some heavier work on the casting itself - it'll probably be a bit rough, so sanding with an abrasive might be needed. The finer you get with the abrasives will reduce the effort required for polishing.

ATB

Simon