Pbeyer2010

iTrader: (1)

Hi guys,

As the title suggests, what solvents are safe to use with the ls1 block and heads ?. I am looking to make a parts washer and soak the block , heads and misc pieces to remove grime. What products can i use and what works best ?

Thanks,
Phil

Grimes

iTrader: (3)

you can use simple green, as long as you rinse all the chemical off afterwards with water. I've used it when washing down my engine bay. Nice thing about simple green is that it is not a super harsh chemical that you'll have to worry about getting sick from.

Pbeyer2010

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Grimes,

From what i have heard, simple green may be a no-no with the aluminum block and can discolor aluminum. I was also looking at a safe solvent like "purple power". Do you have extensive experience using the simple green with the aluminum components?

-Phil

Pbeyer2010

iTrader: (1)

to clarify, i am looking to submerge the parts as the block is out and striped down.

Grimes

iTrader: (3)

If you leave it on, i think it can discolor, but I have been using it for years with no ill effects. Have not heard of purple powder....

sherman8r

iTrader: (6)

purple power and the purple zep degreaser are the same thing and they will both make the aluminum turn darker. both of those need to be rinsed after application as well. i have always had good luck with solvent based stuff. and it works better in my opinion.

schnellttz06

I think by the time you get enough solvent of any kind to soak a block, you could have just paid a machine shop to dip it for you. But I like to use Marine Clean for mine, it will turn the aluminum darker if you leave it too long, but works great if you wanna paint your covers.

TipsyMcStagger

iTrader: (1)

Pine-Sol

Have a look here.

Tipsy

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

Not sure but whatever shops use in their hot tank works awesome or even sand/soda blasting, but you gotta do a lot of cleanup after that

RPM Graphics

iTrader: (26)

i used some Eagle-1 mag cleaner.

The_Bishop

iTrader: (10)

I'll second the Pine-Sol. Worked wonders on a set of heavily caked up valve covers I pulled off a van motor.

S10xGN

iTrader: (11)

Our local shop uses Varsol, it's like a light kerosene...