When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Tips on cleaning up junkyard engine for a swap project
Got a 4.8 for my 84 Camaro, I have the intake off now because I need a different one. Just wondering what is the best way to clean up all the grime and grit under the intake and around the ports on the head without getting a bunch of junk down in my engine. Also wanting to clean the outside of the engine in general.
Should I just vacuum up all the loose debris and then spray on some cleaner? brake or carb cleaner, something like that?
Is it ok leaving the intake ports exposed or should I just tape them off?
Sounds like you know! Yeah, If you have a vacuum you don't mind using...I would vacuum while scraping the bulk off of the surfaces,then spray on a rag and wipe the intake sealing side of the heads. Tape the ports, then you can go at it without worry
I cleaned this with a wire wheel in a drill, Wire brush, Scraper and one can of engine degreaser. I sprayed wd-40 on paper towels and stuffed them in the ports and used a shop-vac at the same time as I pulled them back out when I was done. Final rinse was done with a spray bottle of water and paper towels.
Heads are not painted, Valve Covers/Front Cover painted with Cast aluminum colored caliper paint. Oil pan was just degreased because it's not going to be used.
With the covers and the intake manifold still on and some spark plugs in the heads just shove some rags into the exhaust ports and pressure wash the crap out of it then come back in with compressed air. If the intake is off remove the rockers to closes all the valves and get after it!
I cleaned this with a wire wheel in a drill, Wire brush, Scraper and one can of engine degreaser. I sprayed wd-40 on paper towels and stuffed them in the ports and used a shop-vac at the same time as I pulled them back out when I was done. Final rinse was done with a spray bottle of water and paper towels.
Heads are not painted, Valve Covers/Front Cover painted with Cast aluminum colored caliper paint. Oil pan was just degreased because it's not going to be used.
Before
After
That's kick ***! What's that blown rat going into?
I cleaned this with a wire wheel in a drill, Wire brush, Scraper and one can of engine degreaser. I sprayed wd-40 on paper towels and stuffed them in the ports and used a shop-vac at the same time as I pulled them back out when I was done. Final rinse was done with a spray bottle of water and paper towels.
Heads are not painted, Valve Covers/Front Cover painted with Cast aluminum colored caliper paint. Oil pan was just degreased because it's not going to be used.
Was this done in a Low vacuum, hermetically sealed room that was temperature controlled, and sterilized???
I cleaned this with a wire wheel in a drill, Wire brush, Scraper and one can of engine degreaser. I sprayed wd-40 on paper towels and stuffed them in the ports and used a shop-vac at the same time as I pulled them back out when I was done. Final rinse was done with a spray bottle of water and paper towels.
Heads are not painted, Valve Covers/Front Cover painted with Cast aluminum colored caliper paint. Oil pan was just degreased because it's not going to be used.
Before
After
Man that thing looks sweet!!! curious to what kind of paint you used for the block...high temp rattle can? or something better.
More like well insulated and temperature controlled and not wanting to wash it outside in 10* weather. So paper towels and spray bottle had to do.Yes just Rust-oleum engine paint, Didn't bother with primer....I don't expect the engine to last more than a year or two.
Not bad for some cheap paint I might just have to spend the $20 on some cans when I pull my ls1. You think the paint would last 5+ years primed and cleared?
Not bad for some cheap paint I might just have to spend the $20 on some cans when I pull my ls1. You think the paint would last 5+ years primed and cleared?
I have one that's 8 years old that was primed and painted with the same paint and it still looks good.
03-26-2018, 12:09 PM
Tips on cleaning up junkyard engine for a swap project 
