THSCC Forums

I have a block (and maybe the cylinder head) that I'd like to get cleaned up just so while its stilling around and while i'm working on its not caked with the dirt and grime it is now.. Its an assembled short block. Anyone know of somewhere cheap to get this done? I know most engine machine shops do something of the sort but I thought I'd find out if anyone knows a good cheap place before I start calling around everywhere to compare prices.

Also will they do that with it assembed? Its basically just the block with crank/rods/pistons etc.. everything else is/will be removed. I just dont want to deal with storing/moving all the individual parts and I'd like them all cleaned up temporarily.

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02 Focus SVT
STF 9

Ryan, He wanted it "dipped", not pressure washed!! Duh!





Seriously, I would like to know the real answer as well for future reference. Not that I think the pressure washer wouldn't work!

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Richard Casto
1972 Porsche 914
2013 Honda Fit Sport
2015 Honda Fit EX
http://motorsport.zyyz.com
Money can't buy happiness, but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than a Kia.

I am serious. I dont think machine shops will hot tank a block that is not bare.

I know when my honda was tanked, I left the water pipe (metal) that runs across the back of the block, they took it and a few other brakets off.

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02 Focus SVT
STF 9

Sorry. Wasn't clear with my attempt at humor. I didn't think you were joking. That really is probably not much different than "steam cleaning". Just without the heat. For something that is sealed up, I would give that a try. I would just be careful that I don't blow it through a gasket or something.

Regarding the partally assembled block, I would be concerned about washing off (tank or pressure washer) what bit of lubricants that remain and are helping to preventing rust. Even if I washed it one day and put the rest of the engine together the next, wouldn't you want some of those parts to be a bit pre-lubricated when you start it up for the first time?

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Richard Casto
1972 Porsche 914
2013 Honda Fit Sport
2015 Honda Fit EX
http://motorsport.zyyz.com
Money can't buy happiness, but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than a Kia.

No problem

I kinda thought you were serious. Scott Johnson told me to pressure wash my block and head. I thought he was nuts at first but as he put it "A machinists job is to machine, not to clean!".

After washing down something like this, a good once over with WD40 will prevent rust.

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02 Focus SVT
STF 9

i'm willing to give Richards suggestion a try.. anyone have a hot tub i can borrow

and ryans suggestion is what i thought i'd probably end up doing.. because its really the outside i want cleaned just would prefer not to deal with the mess it creates by doing that even if it is a mess outside..

does anyone own a pressure washer they would lend out?

Matt,

try George at CHS (Cylinder Head Specialties), they're on the US1 Service rd just before you get to Wakefield- I think the official name of the road is Star Rd.

They've got the equipment to clean your engine parts, and fair prices. George does lots of race car engine work, he is a wealth of information (if you can get him talking.....).

Bret.