Engine component cleaning before assembly

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Apr 19, 2010 | 05:55 PM

Brumbach

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Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2007

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From: Middlesboro KY

Engine component cleaning before assembly

Well, it's time to begin assembly on all my reconditioned components. I've had them oiled down to prevent rust. How do you recommend I clean them before engine assembly?

Thanks in advance,

Apr 19, 2010 | 09:17 PM

Bluestripe67

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C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020

Can you be more specific about what parts you have.

Dennis

Apr 20, 2010 | 06:32 AM

Brumbach

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

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From: Middlesboro KY

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluestripe67

Can you be more specific about what parts you have.

Dennis

Sure, all of them. Block, crank, cam, heads, pistons, piston rods, intake, etc.

I'm hearing to us everything from kerosene to simple green to clean. Use paper towels and not rags to avoid lint. Apply a little WD-40 afterwards to prevent surface rust from appearing before assembly is complete. Have I heard wrong or do you have a better idea?

Thanks,

Bill

Apr 20, 2010 | 06:49 AM

Hitch

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From: Clayton NC

To clean the parts use Brakleen in the Green can but any brake cleaner will work. Usually when we build a motor we go thru about 4 to 6 cans. Blow out the push rods, spray down the rockers, spray down the lifter bores, cylinders and mains. Spray down the bearings, cam shaft etc. Everything gets sprayed until there is no color change on the lint free rags.

Apr 20, 2010 | 07:56 AM

Chuck72

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From: Tampa, Fl.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hitch

Also, the bare block needs a good hot soap and water bath using an engine block brush set, followed by a thorough rinse and blow out all passages, esp. if the block is fresh from the shop, as tiny metal particles stick to the cast iron as a result of machining. It may look clean, but it isn't. Some folks also paint the lifter galley to promote oil return flow. Be careful to not get any WD40, etc., on the outer block surfaces that later will get painted, as your paint will not stick.
Chuck

Apr 20, 2010 | 08:31 AM

jim lockwood

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Brumbach

Block, crank, cam, heads, pistons, piston rods, intake, etc.

When you wash the block, consider spraying the cylinders and the deck surfaces with WD40 while they are still water wet. Then dry the block with with compressed air. This will reduce the chance that light surface rust will form. Don't worry about WD-40 overspray on surfaces you intend to paint; after engine assembly you can clean these with Brakekleen.

Quote:

I'm hearing to us everything from kerosene to simple green to clean. Use paper towels and not rags to avoid lint.

I'm not a big fan of either paper towels or rags when I'm assembling an engine. Both can leave lint particles that are larger than the clearance between bearings and journals. Brakekleen and compressed air are my friends.

As a side note, before you start assembling your engine, and frequently throughout the process, mop the floor of your shop and leave it wet as you work. This will keep down dust that could land on your freshly cleaned parts and surfaces. Cover the engine and components any time you walk away, no matter how briefly.

Good luck,
Jim

Last edited by jim lockwood; Apr 20, 2010 at 12:16 PM.