I've read it's good to spray on the block while the block is still wet before flash rust occurs.
:o 
clean a bare block
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: starting to wonder if im welcome here texas
clean a bare block
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
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
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 14
From: Airdrie Alberta
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.
Then wrap it up in plastic to keep dirt and moisture out.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: starting to wonder if im welcome here texas
ive also read that. maybe if it dose atract rust then wd40 it and compliment it with a wipe down of oil?
Last edited by dodge_ss/t; Jul 8, 2008 at 10:15 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 1
From: Liberty Missouri
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. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
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.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: starting to wonder if im welcome here texas
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.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 1
From: Liberty Missouri
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,244
Likes: 786
From: Redondo Beach, California
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
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.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
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.