jjamm7667

Is there a way to clean some of the build-up out without taking the heads off?

Tuskyz28

Start with a heavy wire brush and purple power. Having access to a air gun will help too.

ls1nova71

iTrader: (4)

Put it on an engine stand and turn it upside down before you get carried away, that way any chunks will fall out rather than in. Brake parts cleaner works pretty good too.

ijimmy

Id skip the purple power . It can etch aluminum severely

Project GatTagO

iTrader: (7)

Loosen all the rocker arms so that the valves are shut. Anything that falls inside the intake port can be blown out with an air compressor.

Andrew

bczee

iTrader: (12)

Like said above.. loosen rockers and turn upside down.

Soak with Seafoam (either the liquid or the spray).. it works good on loosening Carbon build up. The use the wire brush and compressed air.

BC

audacious nick

Carb cleaner is more effective of a solvent compare to the completely overpriced Sea foam.

Bowtie316

iTrader: (1)

I use a shop vac first thing, then loosen rockers like posted or rotate engine to close the valve in the hole you want to clean, then vacuum and a screwdriver for the heavy stuff, then you can carb cleaner and towel wipe out the rest.

vernlee

I'm cleaning my engine right now , not sure about the head chambers but as far as the rest of the engine ( external ) I have tried it all , and the best by far is mineral spirits in a spray bottle and a stiff brush end of story . spray on let it stand for a few minutes wire brush it around spray clean with more mineral spirits let dry . at least this is what worked best for me.

1981TA

iTrader: (7)

If it's mostly oily crap, I'd loosen the rockers as advised, flip it over and use a tooth brush and a cup of gasoline on the ports and mating surfaces (wire brush elsewhere). Once the heavy lifting is done, spray it with brake cleaner. Obviously, this would have to be done in a well-ventilated area, away from combustion sources.

straightpipez

From an engine builder guy, mineral spirits. Works great.