VandykeT/A

The heads that came off my trans am I plan to use on my camaro. They've been off for a year or so just sitting in my building. They've all ready got the valve springs for the Torquer 2 I plan to install at the same time on them but my question is will some degreaser and water hurt them to get all the oil off them? Will it hurt the valves, seals, etc? They've got a bout 65k on them if it matters. Also my intentions were to have a machine shop cut about 10 thousandths off them but I'm a little short on time to do the work. Would the 10 thousandths really make a difference in power? Its a set of stock 241s.

badazz81z28

iTrader: (6)

Honestly...65K miles, they are already off the car? I would spend the cash and replace the seals. Water and soap will not hurt any of the metal components, but degreaser will most likely dry out the seals and crack them.

mark21742

It's a pain, but the that big of a deal to change out the seals, and while you have them tore down use some kerosene and a paint brush to get them spotless.

3rdCoastPowerSports

iTrader: (5)

can you explain this kerosene trick?

garygnu

do a valve seat leak teat,if the valves leak get a valve job also. .010 mite gain 5 hp,how much dose the shop charge for milling a pair of heads.

VandykeT/A

The guy that runs the machine shop comes in where I work and I just asked him when he could do them. I didn't even ask a price. he charged me 10 bucks to fix a header that had to be milled. I figure he'll be on the cheaper side but if I'm going to do my heads/cam it has to be done monday-wednesday of this week coming. Its my only time off work and I'm afraid he won't have them finished by then. 5hp wouldn't be worth messing with imo. is the leak test something I can do or the machine shop? I'll probably just end up swapping seals if it works out ok.

dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

IMHO, regardless of how many miles are on the heads, I'd at LEAST have milled as a clean up for a true flat surface.

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

I agree.

As far as cleaning, I use degreaser like Super Clean and pressure washer. If you don't have a pressure washer you can take the heads and degreaser to a car wash and do it there.

redbird555

iTrader: (14)

I always use some simple green or purple power with a hard brush and scrub them really good then use a pressure cleaner to get it all clean. Of course though after blasting them I always replace the seals and I would suggest you do the samr

mark21742

Just pour some kerosene in a shallow pan and dip your old paint brush in it (old toothbrush works great in real small areas) and scrub the greasy spots down with the kero...wipe it off with a clean rag, then repeat with fresh kerosene.....once or twice over usually does good, unless It's real grimmie.....them may have to work a few spots a little more.

VandykeT/A

I've done the kerosene trick just with gas before on a transmission case. I never thought about taking them to a car wash. I'm about to order some valve seals. This is a dumb question I'm sure but once you compress the spring, remove the locks and retainer, and spring does the seal just slide down the stem.