What to clean Block and heads with?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
What to clean Block and heads with? If you are going to run cometics I am aware that you need to get the block and heads really clean. Other than using a plastic ice scraper and some gasket remover to get big stuff off, what else do you use?
Everyone talks aboout using a "non scratch" cleaning pad, so what exactly is this pad. Specific name brands would be appreciated. Everything I can think of like an SOS pad would scratch I would think.
Thanks for any help.
Everyone talks aboout using a "non scratch" cleaning pad, so what exactly is this pad. Specific name brands would be appreciated. Everything I can think of like an SOS pad would scratch I would think.
Thanks for any help.
TECH Addict
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,907
Likes: 1
From: Bergen County, NJ
lots of wrags for the bores, lifter openings, etc., Scotch brite pads & WD 40, 250 to 400 grit sand paper and a good straight edge, rubbing alcohol, a good strong vacuum and compressed air.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 572
Likes: 0
From: Western WA
I just did mine using 3M "Safest Stripper" and it works great! It comes in a black plastic bottle, with a yellow label and blue/black tartan pattern. It's a white creamy gel that is odorless, won't hurt aluminum (although it will cause surface rust on iron if left on for several hours) and is essentially non-toxic. Just brush it on, wait 5-10 minutes, and then clean off with a scotch-brite, plastic scraper, or rag. Works better than anything else I've found. Note: do not use ordinary paint strippers. They usually contain methylene chloride, which can attack aluminum.
I used a bamboo chop stick to get off the heavy stuff including carbon on the pistons and then a scotch brite pad with a little denatured alcohol. Careful of the pads, they shred as you use them so make sure you get all the pieces. Be especially careful near the lifters. Once done vacuum everything good. I even put a small hose into the block and pulled out all the coolant and any dirt that got in there, you will be able to see in there with a flashlight.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by GMC_DUDE
I just did mine using 3M "Safest Stripper" and it works great! It comes in a black plastic bottle, with a yellow label and blue/black tartan pattern. It's a white creamy gel that is odorless, won't hurt aluminum (although it will cause surface rust on iron if left on for several hours) and is essentially non-toxic. Just brush it on, wait 5-10 minutes, and then clean off with a scotch-brite, plastic scraper, or rag. Works better than anything else I've found. Note: do not use ordinary paint strippers. They usually contain methylene chloride, which can attack aluminum.
Where do you find this stuff at, I have checked Lowes, Wal-Mart, drugstores, and auto parts stores?
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?
Pouria Savadkouei
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
