Would you clean up the casting flash?
Would you clean up the casting flash? Assembling an aluminum 5.3. Block is bare and cleaned up. Just put cam bearings in. Would you clean up the casting flash before assembly or don’t worry with it?
Next to the lifters
Middle galley
Next to the lifters
Middle galley
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 271
From: Bossier City, Louisiana
Some of those yes, some no. They appear to be brittle pieces but yea, they might never break off to wreak havoc on a bearing somewhere. But since you have the opportunity right now . . . . yes.
Rick
Rick
Might be a little **** but these alum blocks have sharp edges everywhere on the outside. After slicing my hand maneuvering mine around, I took a small fine tooth file and knocked off all the sharp edges.
My alum 6.2 block had a lot of casting flash inside. Really sloppy casting compared the my LS1 and L33 blocks.
My alum 6.2 block had a lot of casting flash inside. Really sloppy casting compared the my LS1 and L33 blocks.
While not a hands on engine builder/assembler, I would want all the casting flash or slag clean up and removed. Had several engines built professionally that sort of clean up was part if the professional attention to detail. I can't see anything good coming out of leaving flash etc.
Others may have different views.
Best wishes with your project.
Others may have different views.
Best wishes with your project.
If the engine is completely apart then absolutely. Removing sharp edges and casting flashes like that helps with oil drain back and reduces the possibility of a stress riser.
Just my .02.
Just my .02.
