What do I use to clean a head?

[Bushboy]

Hello

Im doing a 1242 conversion on babzs sei but im doing an overhaul on the engine before it goes in which includes the head gasket.

At the moment all ive got the the actual engine lump. eventually babzs 1108 head will be going on the lump but for now I want to concentrate on cleaning up the engine.

I need to clean the surface for the head to attatch to but im not sure what to use. I also need to clean the top of the pistons etc. whats the best thing to use to get all the crap off etc.

Thanks

 

[Luke]

i used Gunk engine de-greaser and a paintbrush. and did final wash with some petrol.

When cleaning the mating surfaces (block and head) dont, wahtever you do, use a sharp metal instrument as if you put a scratch in it you're in trouble. The block will be more resiliant to scratches compared to the head, but id take just as much care. A plastic scraper should do the trick, just be carefull

 

[Bushboy]

yeah i already tried with petrol but its not shifting much will get some degreaser stuff

 

[dave]

get it skimed that cleans it

 

[Fivehundred]

Clean carbon out of the combustion chambers with water washable paint stripper, Nitromors works well. Don't use it on the pistons, they shouldn't really need c;leaning and if they are cruddy the engine is probably burning oil.

 

[VindiVee8]

Shampoo

 

[Bushboy]

so is it safe to use water to rince the surface? wont casue any problems getting into places it wouldnt normaly when in use?

 

[dave]

dont use water, use petrol, a little carbon on top of pistons is not that bad, getting a bit of that carbon stuck between a piston and cylinder is very bad, better to leave the carbon on

 

[Fivehundred]

Don't use petrol, it's highly dangerous to use for cleaning. The fumes are extremely explosive and heavier than air. If it explodes it does incredible damage.

Water is fine to wash off a head with. Use a water soluble degreaser, paint stripper like I said before for heavy deposits. Frankly though I'd take it to a machine shop and get them to stick it in their washer.

Peter

 

[SkinzCinqSporting]

I tend to find shampoo is good for cleaning heads

 

[GhostWKD]

I tend to find shampoo is good for cleaning heads

was thinking that earlier, didnt want to be the one to say it though

 

[SkinzCinqSporting]

was thinking that earlier, didnt want to be the one to say it though

I have no dignity lol!

 

[dave]

have you already bought the 1242 lump? i got that one in daryls old car thats had the top end re-done
with new pump as well

 

[Bushboy]

ive got the lump only. not got a head for it yet was gonna strip alot of it down to replace with new parts etc.

how much you want for yours dave?

 

[dave]

dunno

 

[Bushboy]

 

[dave]

open to good offer, as it all been done good n propper,