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Best way to clean a block ?? #2583818
11/27/18 07:42 PM
11/27/18 07:42 PM
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Ontario, Canada
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Stanton Offline OP
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So is there one way to clean a block that will get rid of oil, grease, crud, paint and rust ??

Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2583825
11/27/18 07:48 PM
11/27/18 07:48 PM
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maximus Offline
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I take mine to a local engine builder. He bakes the block for me. Comes out looking like a fresh casting, spotless. I think he charged me $60.

Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: maximus] #2583827
11/27/18 07:54 PM
11/27/18 07:54 PM
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Eagle, Idaho
Neil Offline
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Some here appear to bead blast them as I have seen the oil passages come back full of small media bits.


No matter who cleans it and how always use solvent and brushes to clean all the oil passages. Not trusting anyone to do that good enough. Same with the crank oil holes. Clean parts until your sick of it and then do it again.

Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: maximus] #2583846
11/27/18 08:27 PM
11/27/18 08:27 PM
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Rio Linda, CA
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Originally Posted By maximus
I take mine to a local engine builder. He bakes the block for me. Comes out looking like a fresh casting, spotless.


I believe that's the most common way nowadays, caustic chemical hot tanks have been prohibited in many areas but still remain in some.


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Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: John_Kunkel] #2583856
11/27/18 08:50 PM
11/27/18 08:50 PM
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Blair County,PA
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This outfit is close to me,only way I'll ever have anything stripped/cleaned again.Anything that comes out of this place looks as new,cast iron,sheet metal,aluminum etc.A complete car body looks like an assembly line product.You can let it sit for 6 mo and no rust ,when ready to paint all you do is wash it down with soap and water and you're good to go.These are not hot tanks,everything room temp but don't know if something of that nature is available or permitted in your area but I would find out if possible.

http://www.mecchemicals.com

Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2583865
11/27/18 09:13 PM
11/27/18 09:13 PM

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The shot blasting systems use stainless shot that is non magnetic--it comes out easy as pie--This is a wonderful way to clean rust and years of junk

The shot does however work on the edges or the lifter bores and so a Ball Broach lubed and used in each lifter bore is a must--NO honing--that just makes grit that is very hard to remove--Goodson makes lifter ball broach kits and any shop worth it's salt uses it on older blocks to help promote smooth lifter operation no matter if block shot blasted or not--More often old "worn mushroomed lifters are yanked out the top of lifter bore thus scoring lifter bores--Dumb! They should always go out the bottom to prevent this
Hope this helps
I LOVE bake and shot blast ( no sand or glass media ever If I can help it)

Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2583885
11/27/18 10:03 PM
11/27/18 10:03 PM
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Central Florida
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You mention paint too. Are talking inside or outside? Inside, I know the guy with bndautomotive that makes quantum blue lubricants has a formula he came up with using distilled white vinegar. I've read posts of his. Might just be for flushing though, I don't recall for sure. I don't know if it's worth your asking just throwing it out there. http://bndautomotive.com/

Oustide, brake clean?



Facts are stubborn things.
Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2583902
11/27/18 10:28 PM
11/27/18 10:28 PM
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Shot blasting ensures the need for fresh machine work.


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Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2583909
11/27/18 10:36 PM
11/27/18 10:36 PM
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Ontario, Canada
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Stanton Offline OP
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I can't see "baking" removing rust !! We're talking surface rust on the outer bare areas and rust and gunk in the water jackets - that being my main concern.

Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2583922
11/27/18 11:04 PM
11/27/18 11:04 PM
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Eagle, Idaho
Neil Offline
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I always clean the block up a reasonable amount before handing it over. This is just removing the freeze plugs and using a coat hanger to dig any clods out of the water jackets ect., and a decent degreasing.

When the block comes back I brush everything with solvent multiple times and clean out the oil passages. What I have seen on a relatives engine a few years ago was the oil residue in the oil passages collected the media pellets and then they stayed put until you go after them with a brush. Some machine shops will tell you it's clean because they blew air thru all the passages. but that method simply doesn't cut it.

For the outside of the block if it's rusty just wire brush it's clean. No big deal.

If you have something with super neglected water jackets one might be able fill them with Evaporust or sim. before taking the block to the shop to ensure it comes out as clean as it can be.

To clean up inside the block and the lifter galley area a new toilet brush and some solvent in a spray bottle is great.

Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Neil] #2583955
11/27/18 11:45 PM
11/27/18 11:45 PM
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The shop calls it baked but it could be hot tanked. All I know it is free of oils, paint and rust when I pick it up.

Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2583964
11/28/18 12:01 AM
11/28/18 12:01 AM
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Michigan
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Mechanical rust removal generally is preceded by “baking” to rid of grease and paint.

Most shops around here call it “bake and blast”.

After baking at 800 degrees the block is placed in a Wheelabrator which is simply a rotating cage holding the part that has a fan wheel that spins and throws shot at the part.
After that it goes in to the jet wash.

You would be surprised to see how much shot makes its way in to the cooling passage and gets rid of rust, of course you want to remove all the core plugs before the blast op.

You of course need to perform all the machine work after this process.
One more trip to the jet wash.

Once home get out your rifle cleaning rods that range from .22 to shotgun.
I always hone the lifter bores before the block goes to the shop.

Then wash with liquid clothes detergent, rinse then oil it and bag it ready for assembly.

Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2584034
11/28/18 03:22 AM
11/28/18 03:22 AM
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Florida STAYcation
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The last one I did MANY MOONS AGO was hot tanked the bead blasting in select areas THEN whirly birded ....

Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: A727Tflite] #2584076
11/28/18 10:43 AM
11/28/18 10:43 AM
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Originally Posted By Transman
Mechanical rust removal generally is preceded by “baking” to rid of grease and paint.

Most shops around here call it “bake and blast”.

After baking at 800 degrees the block is placed in a Wheelabrator which is simply a rotating cage holding the part that has a fan wheel that spins and throws shot at the part.
After that it goes in to the jet wash.

You would be surprised to see how much shot makes its way in to the cooling passage and gets rid of rust, of course you want to remove all the core plugs before the blast op.

You of course need to perform all the machine work after this process.
One more trip to the jet wash.

Once home get out your rifle cleaning rods that range from .22 to shotgun.
I always hone the lifter bores before the block goes to the shop.

Then wash with liquid clothes detergent, rinse then oil it and bag it ready for assembly.






This is what my shop does. Comes out really nice. Been using it for years and it does take care of rust BETTER than a hot tank.

Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: fastmark] #2584118
11/28/18 12:13 PM
11/28/18 12:13 PM
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Don’t forget the inside of the block. Water passages clear of rust deposits helps keep the motor cool. Before taking the block for cleaning plug the freeze plug holes and pour in some muric acid. Let sit for about 30 minutes and then flush with water, the water dilutes the acid. If you have a gravel driveway that’s the best place to do it. After you are finished flood the area to totally dilute the acid. Make sure there are no pets around and be careful with that stuff. Very toxic fumes.


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Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2584224
11/28/18 03:58 PM
11/28/18 03:58 PM
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Stuttgart, Arkansas
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Here we go again. Everybody wants to try the latest trick. I have a Better Engineering block washing cabinet. (That doesn't work because it only cleans the outside.) I have a drum of Evap-o-rust. (That doesn't work because it won't remove paint or grease.) I have and ultrasonic tank. (I doubt that it would work and I sure don't want to put a greasy block in there.) Blasting doesn't work because it won't get the rust out of the water jackets or the sludge out of the oil galleys. Baking might do something but I want my block clean everywhere. Muratic acid will work in the water jackets if you leave the core plugs in and block everything off but I would sure rinse with something other than water to neutralize. (Possibly baking soda.) The only thing that works for real is a 50 year old caustic hot tank. Not every shop can do this now-a-days, but find a shop that can. It is the only one step process that will get your block perfectly clean.


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Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2584555
11/29/18 04:54 AM
11/29/18 04:54 AM
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Ive had some of the worst of the worst sludge filled and what look like 2 oil changes on 100k miles and I always pre clean a bit and my local shop does what looks to be a fine job.

I only have them tank and clean and then they do use some sort of media and all looks good.

But even after getting it home and doing all the brushes, cleaning, washing with hot water with compressed air right there, even leaving the block out in the summer sun to help it dry how much time do you really spend on cleaning prior to assembly?

Ive never got a block back from any shop that I considered clean.

Even the dipstick tub isnt immune.

AND how many small block guys pound out the rear hidden plug, many shops dont and thats one ugly passage.

Here is one that one of the last things I do is run assembly oil through all the passages, oil itself has good cleaning properties. As mentioned a gun cleaning kit, pipe cleaners ect.

Its not hard to get all the cleaning residue out if your the one doing it, you know what you used and what comes out and compressed air with a long thin tip is your friend. I use a length of ss nitrous tube with different attachments on the end for a long reach.

This is my next to last step, using new engine oil, you can see it runs out clear but if you run the cloths through you see what you left. My last step is a rag over every outlet and I blast them with starting fluid because it leaves zero residue.

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Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: rickseeman] #2584628
11/29/18 12:36 PM
11/29/18 12:36 PM
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Originally Posted By rickseeman
Here we go again. Everybody wants to try the latest trick. I have a Better Engineering block washing cabinet. (That doesn't work because it only cleans the outside.) I have a drum of Evap-o-rust. (That doesn't work because it won't remove paint or grease.) I have and ultrasonic tank. (I doubt that it would work and I sure don't want to put a greasy block in there.) Blasting doesn't work because it won't get the rust out of the water jackets or the sludge out of the oil galleys. Baking might do something but I want my block clean everywhere. Muratic acid will work in the water jackets if you leave the core plugs in and block everything off but I would sure rinse with something other than water to neutralize. (Possibly baking soda.) The only thing that works for real is a 50 year old caustic hot tank. Not every shop can do this now-a-days, but find a shop that can. It is the only one step process that will get your block perfectly clean.



Well, I’ve done numerous blocks using muric acid and have always used water. I guess baking soda would work but I never found that to be necessary. Every cook has his own recipe.


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Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2584634
11/29/18 12:48 PM
11/29/18 12:48 PM
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Stuttgart, Arkansas
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The problem for me is the unknown. You hear about people using some acids and after the rinse the acid keeps eating. Since I don't know enough about it I would want to neutralize. Muratic acid works so good it's unbelievable.


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Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2584661
11/29/18 01:29 PM
11/29/18 01:29 PM
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You use muriatic acid to help control your pool's PH, so water does have an effect.


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Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Supercuda] #2584686
11/29/18 02:31 PM
11/29/18 02:31 PM
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And if you get acid splashed in your eyes you wash it out with, you guessed it, WATER! Enough water will dilute and wash away the acid.

If you use muriatic acid and after rinsing the block it "keeps eating away" then you haven't rinsed it out properly. That's the real answer.

Muriatic acid is better known as hydrochloric acid. It's the same stuff that digests your food, stomach acid. I think that's the reason we need salt. The body uses the chloride ions to make acid.

The environmentally conscious metal stripping place listed earlier got a chuckle, because it's located in Nanty Glo, PA. When I was working in Indiana County I had a partner who would say, "That'll make your Nanty Glo!"

R.

Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2584697
11/29/18 03:04 PM
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I really like the ultrasonic method for a final clean. In my opinion there is no better way for a final clean.

I considered getting a cleaner big enough for a block but it just wasn't practical for me - size wise, financially and even the power to heat the water. I ended up with one big enough to do heads and cranks. Plus I might clean only a few blocks again in my lifetime.

But the ultrasonic cleaner will not address heavy grease or rust/scale so off to the machine shop it goes to anyway.

BES (Tony Bischoff) did my last motor and he has the same cleaner that I have and also the larger one that does the blocks.


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Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2584807
11/29/18 06:57 PM
11/29/18 06:57 PM
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For what you're wanting to do, the bake and blast method is best as long as you're going to be boring it and all afterwards. As long as it is baked properly, there should be no shot left caked up in grease anywhere in the block. The idea is to cook the block until all oil and grease is dried up and crusty so it blasts off clean and dry.
You never blast a block that hasn't been baked and obviously it has to be stripped of everything before it goes in...cam bearings, freeze plugs, oil galley plugs, etc.
I used to use the AMPRO bake/blast setup at the shop I ran. Worked great.

After machining was complete it went trough the jet washer. 180° water through high pressure spray nozzles w/ ZEP cleaning solution mixed in. Great for removing grease and oil, but won't touch rust or paint.

As a general rule, if the block/head/whatever wasn't rusty or EXTREMELY greasy (like went years w/o an oil change and sludged up) then it just got run through the jet washer.


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Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2585055
11/30/18 07:38 AM
11/30/18 07:38 AM
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Has anyone ever used dry-ice as a blasting media? A friend who works in a major food facility said they have used it to clean food grade handling equipment that had stuff baked on. He said it came out looking like new and all that was left was the dirt that was blasted off. No media to get into things. The dry-ice dissipated away. The operator had to use an oxygen source while he was doing it and they had to ventilate the building very well. But my friend was very impressed with the outcome of the process. I wonder how that would work on a block, heads, etc???? Do not know if it would be cost effective either.

Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2585239
11/30/18 04:15 PM
11/30/18 04:15 PM
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We used to use dry ice to blast semiconductor parts. Still had to clean them afterwards, but this was a class 1 clean room so it's real particular about particulates, lol.

Never had anything rusty/greasy or oily run thru the blaster. That would have contaminated everything.

No need for O2 or ventilating the building, though the blast cabinet did have a real good ventilation system and you had to ground things or you would get zapped by static electricity, still got zapped anyway.


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Re: Best way to clean a block ?? [Re: Stanton] #2585278
11/30/18 06:09 PM
11/30/18 06:09 PM
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Most all machine shops will hot tank your block after machining. That is great for getting rid of all the external gunk. Good engine cleaning brushes are a must. Use a good industrial soap and hot water. Scrub all the internal areas then use the brushes in ALL the oil passages. And clean them repeatedly. Then I use a pressure washer to rinse and blow dry with compressed air. Then clean the cylinders, I use acetone and an old white T shirt. Keep scrubbing until you don't get coloring on your towel. Do not use paper towels, they leave too much residue. After your done, wipe your cylinders, lifter bores, mains and any machined area with wd-40. Then bag the block until ready to assemble. But make sure it is absolutely dry before putting a bag over it. Remember, Cleanliness is next to Godliness!

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