Cleaning after 4.0 L crankshaft removal

[grh777]

I have the engine out of my 92 Ranger and have taken the crankshaft out. I am going to have to replace it because one of the rod bearings ground up as well as the crankshaft journal. So, my question is, how is the best way to clean the metal filings out from around the pistons. Someone told me to use kerosene and a paintbrush with the engine on its side. Someone else told me to use a pressure washer with soap to spray the cylinders out. Does anyone know a good way of doing this? Water and metal doesn't sound like a good combination, but the person was a retired Ford mechanic.

 

[Big Jim M]

Sounds like that old lady might be on her last legs, don't it? I think I'd grind the crank and before reinstalling rods, mains and seals I'd Wipe down everything that has shavings appearing on it. I wouldn't worry too much about getting her squeaky clean. Your filtering system should catch whatever it is you miss. Then I'd put a clean as new pan on there and fire her up. Don't expect her to run any better all you are doing is taking the knock out of her.
Big JIm

 

[ElleShooTiger]

Noooo, dont spray water, even mixed with something else. Or you can, just make sure to dry it out fast and spray it down with wd-40 or engine oil immediately after!

You can spray WD-40 heavily and it will flow, carrying the shavings with it. Just get some rags and wipe as much as you can, and also move the pistons by hand to gently push any shavings down off the cylinders. Put in a new oil pump and clean the pan. Then dump in some cheap oil and a cheap filter and run it for 10-30 minutes at idle so the filter can catch the rest of the shavings, then change the oil and filter and you should be good, just break in the new bearings according the instructions.

Good luck!