Best way to clean an aluminum block???

[pupi305]

L&G's

I need your input on the best way to clean off grime, grease, etc off of my engine block i want to paint the block (even tho i have heard it ain't such a good idea) but i have been told degreaser then pressure wash it and also put it in a tank with water and degreaser for 3 or 4 hours then rinse, but then again i am wondering if i should take it to a machine shop and have it hot dipped? All your response will be truly appreciated

[98TransAmWs-6]

Painting an aluminum block is a big no no. It interferes with the innate cooling properties of aluminum and will not allow it to shed heat properly. But to clean a block I would start with some general purpose degreaser then step up to diluted simple green 50/50 solution. You could also get it professionally cleaned at a machine shop by hot tanking it which is by far the best method IMHO.

[SMWS6TA]

^^^+1


In addition having it hot tank will mean new cam bearings

[pupi305]

I like the idea of hot tanking it because it also cleans the internals... Just not sure if its safe! But from the sound of it that should be ok

[98TransAmWs-6]

I like the idea of hot tanking it because it also cleans the internals... Just not sure if its safe! But from the sound of it that should be ok

It's perfectly safe. That is how they clean the block prior to rebuilding it. In addition to what I said if you are bent on painting it I would run a bigger radiator (or a more efficient one) and a big oil cooler at the very least. But I would never recommend painting an aluminum block.

[pupi305]

Any clear coat so it stays nice and fresh?

[98TransAmWs-6]

Any clear coat so it stays nice and fresh?

You could but I am pretty sure any paint (clear coat or any paint) on the block itself will mess with the heat dissipation properties aluminum has. I would just clean it regularly after it is hot tanked. A degreaser such as a 50/50 solution of simple green should keep it nice and shiny after being hot tanked. Even with paint it will get greasy.

[pupi305]

Ya i could do that and really u wont get to see the block too much after everything is installed i will just powder coat like valve covers and brackets to dress them up a lil

[98TransAmWs-6]

Ya i could do that and really u wont get to see the block too much after everything is installed i will just powder coat like valve covers and brackets to dress them up a lil

Sounds like a good plan. I plan on doing that myself at some point.

[ls1camino]

Power washer...just make sure everything (crank, rings, etc.) is dry and well oiled before putting it back together.

[2002ssslp]

L&G's

I need your input on the best way to clean off grime, grease, etc off of my engine block i want to paint the block (even tho i have heard it ain't such a good idea) but i have been told degreaser then pressure wash it and also put it in a tank with water and degreaser for 3 or 4 hours then rinse, but then again i am wondering if i should take it to a machine shop and have it hot dipped? All your response will be truly appreciated

Take it to a machine shop and have it hot tanked.

[pupi305]

Ok made up my mind i was originally going to take it apart and degrease it and pressure wash it but leaning more towards hot tank... Might start taking it apart this weekend i already received the arp torque lube and royal purple maxx tuff assembly lube on the way cant wait to start building it!

[pupi305]

Ok its that time have the block soaking in gunk and when im ready to pressure clean it within an hour or two i will spray it with simple green industrial grade degreaser and lets see how she comes out!

[cammed goat]

When I used to clean boat motor blocks/parts, I hot tanked them and upon removal, sprayed with Simple Green then hosed off everything.

[pupi305]

Cool good to know! I pretty much just pressure washed with gunk and degreaser and it came out pretty clean but i ended up painting it i know its a big no no but i wasn't happy.. pre paint
post paint