dodge_ss/t

ok i have a 427 and a 350 blocks that needs some work, i have no intentions of using them in the next 2 years but sincethere bare blocks i would like to clean them up (dirt, oil and grime) that's on the outside and paint them and store it in my spare room. it has to be clean and look good so i don't get an ear full so what's the best way to clean it up? sandblast? pressure washer and wd 40? dont want to spend a lot of $ on blocks i have no use for right now

J.T.vette

Go to autozone and get some engine degreaser, and pressure wash them.I would not use wd40, it will attrack dust.

1985 Corvette

How would WD40 attract rust? I've read it's good to spray on the block while the block is still wet before flash rust occurs.

hwcoop

I would use engine degreaser, pressure wash, use compressed air and blow out all the oil galleries, bolt holes etc, wipe the cylinders and machined surfaces with oil(after you painted the outside of the block)
Then wrap it up in plastic to keep dirt and moisture out.

dodge_ss/t

ive also read that. maybe if it dose atract rust then wd40 it and compliment it with a wipe down of oil?

ctk30

I sprayed my extra block with wd40 and it's fine

Theiskell

He said "DUST" not rust

dodge_ss/t

:o

Theiskell

I have used cosmeline (SP?) from a spray can that works great. When I lived in Florida I had a deep-sea boat and used it to keep my tools from rusting. They held up well out in the salt water you would have no problems with a block using that. I’m at work at the moment so I can’t give you the brand name, but when I get home I can take a look at the can for you.

LeMans Pete

I actually just got some degreaser, hosed it down and blow dried it with some compressed air, then applied some PB blaster to a wad of paper towels and whiped it down.

randommj

you should out 8 speakers and 1 square sub in the 427, thats wut I would do!

Miles

dodge_ss/t

thanks

Theiskell

Here is a link, This stuff is great.

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/...3Bcilubricants

ghoastrider1

just a note..easy off oven cleaner works well also to get rid of grease.

68/70Vette

You can buy engine storage bags (Eastwood, Morosco?). Why not just store them in their dirty state in a bag. They shouldn't be that noticeable. Out of sight, out of mind.

I note you didn't want to spend much money, but depending on how much you want to spend, hot tanking them is an option also.

But no matter what you do, I think getting an engine storage bag is the way to go. They are cheap and they will keep dust from accumulating.

TimAT

If you bag them and seal them up really well, moisture will condense inside the bag from temperature changes. Add a couple big bags of silica gel or put together a cotton bag of charcoal to draw the moisture.

7T1vette

Use the pressure washer and some good detergent to clean them up. Then dry them well and give them a light wipe or spray coating of light oil (not motor oil...something like 3 in 1 oil or sewing machine oil). WD-40 is a "water dispersant" [hence the WD], not an oil; it can't provide long term protection. Then bag them to keep dust, etc. out. I would not recommend any shot blasting, as the shot can get stuck in oil passages, etc.