parts cleaning before assembly

downer · Dec 21, 2014

my block is back from the shop and it's time to start putting everything back together. question is what's the best way to clean the internals before assembly? i've had the parts covered up, but they have some dust from sitting in my shop. rods, pistons, cam and heads are new but the rest (crank, oil pan, main caps etc) needs cleaning. i've heard everything from brake cleaner to hot soap and water and scotchbrite to trans fluid :icon_confused:

i'm not thrilled about using scotchbrite or any abrasive pad like that since they always seem to come apart, but i don't want to make this any harder than it has to be.

zrxsix3 · Dec 21, 2014

soap and water! then take a white glove and check for dirt/dust.
if there is repeat with soap and water til no dirt/dust found
if its 100% clean then dry it so i doesn't start pitting and rust and lightly film it with oil

broncobuckinaround · Dec 21, 2014

When I did mine. I got a huge stainless steel pot. And some purple power. Brought it to a boil and put the parts in that. Then once clean I dried it with compressed air.

enjr44 · Dec 21, 2014

zrxsix3 said:
soap and water! then take a white glove and check for dirt/dust.
if there is repeat with soap and water til no dirt/dust found
if its 100% clean then dry it so i doesn't start pitting and rust and lightly film it with oil

Plus 1, except maybe the white glove. I use old white sheet material.

Doofy · Dec 21, 2014

If the wife is not looking, run 'em through the dishwasher. Works really well.

adsm08 · Dec 21, 2014

Doofy said:
If the wife is not looking, run 'em through the dishwasher. Works really well.

This.

black_demon69 · Dec 22, 2014

mineral spirits and a parts brush works like solvent and wont cause rust maybe also use old t shirt for a rag.

straycat · Dec 22, 2014

black_demon69 said:
mineral spirits and a parts brush works like solvent and wont cause rust maybe also use old t shirt for a rag.

^^^What he said. This works the best. I have used it on all my bikes, boats and auto parts for many, many years. Mineral Spirits works the best.

downer · Dec 22, 2014

sounds like a plan, thanks for the help. never woulda thought using a dishwasher!

kunar · Dec 22, 2014

normal automatic dishwasher detergent generally reacts poorly with aluminum, just FYI.

i like the idea of the dishwasher as a parts washer, in fact i have one in my garage under the workbench for just that purpose. i have yet to use it though, because i havent found an acceptable detergent (non-foaming, non-flammable, doesnt react with aluminum and reasonably priced)

alwaysFlOoReD · Dec 22, 2014

I was just talking to the wife and a couple suggestions;
-front loading laundery machine detergent
-borax
mine;
TSP [tri-sodium-phosphate]

black_demon69 · Dec 22, 2014

kunar said:
normal automatic dishwasher detergent generally reacts poorly with aluminum, just FYI.

i like the idea of the dishwasher as a parts washer, in fact i have one in my garage under the workbench for just that purpose. i have yet to use it though, because i havent found an acceptable detergent (non-foaming, non-flammable, doesnt react with aluminum and reasonably priced)

mineral spirits just disable heating element.. might eat pump seals thougfh

straycat · Dec 23, 2014

black_demon69 said:
mineral spirits just disable heating element.. might eat pump seals thougfh

Nah....very safe to use. You can even get it in the orderless fomula as well. Great stuff.

parts cleaning before assembly

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