Cleaning An Mi Block Before Painting

[Dave_McC 0]

Got my block back from being hot tanked a week ago, but there's still some crud - especially where the casting is recessed (one side is particularly bad for this) and also on the flywheel end face.

 

I've been using scotchbrite to get the stuff off I can get to, but what have others done for the rest of the block?

 

Cheers

 

Dave

[pugman211 0]

i always find something like a small cleaning brush or toothbrush etc with some parafin/petrol will always help clean off then gunk

[ORB 227 1 Cars]

Easyest way is to steam clean after going mad with the Gunk.

[Sandy 191]

As above, definately don't grit blast it. Grit blasting is the only way to properly prepare intricately shaped alloy for painting, but it's near impossible to remove all the grit and residue from the oil galleries after.

[oliver17491 0]

use something called TFR its an acid and it cleans them up a treat, put it on neat then leave for about 5 mins and presure wash off or even better steam it. mind your hands becasue it is a strong acid. avalable from aqua jet, or a velet supplyers

[Baz 421]

use something called TFR its an acid and it cleans them up a treat, put it on neat then leave for about 5 mins and presure wash off or even better steam it. mind your hands becasue it is a strong acid. avalable from aqua jet, or a velet supplyers

 

TFR(Traffic Film Remover) also known as 'Truckwash' is actually the opposite end of the PH scale, a strong Alkali, so will clean grease, but some of the dirt will require an Acidic cleaner, like a strong alloy wheel cleaner for eg.

 

Although saying that, i've found 'Gunk' or similar to be better sometimes depending on the grime i suppose, but cant seem to beat the petrol/diesel mix stuff i have a load of laying around atm. (Thanks to Ashley Peddle filling his car half up with diesel some months back, cheers dude!! )

[welshpug 1,657]

find a friendly garage that work on trucks/buses, theyll have a steam washer and the neccesary chemicals, if they do saturday mornings go in about 11 ish

[Hilgie 16 2 Cars]

As above, definately don't grit blast it. Grit blasting is the only way to properly prepare intricately shaped alloy for painting, but it's near impossible to remove all the grit and residue from the oil galleries after.

 

If you have it blasted using soda, there is no problem with residues. The soda will just solve in the oil. And after running in the oil is changed anyway

 

Really sand or grit blasting engineparts is a no-go.

[lagonda 42]

Someone on here recommended stone/brick cleaner. I bought some from B&Q & it does seem quite effective. Has warnings about strong acidity but it didn't hurt my hands at all.

[Guest Roy]

i used gunk and a stiff brush on my v6 engine and it worked a treat

[pugrallye 0]

Have always used ultrasonic baths for getting rid of dirt/ grime etc, obviously not something the DIY mechanic has at home, but most specialist engine builders have them and im sure £20 stuffed into their palm with solve your issue

[Dave_McC 0]

Right, I've given it a good dosing of Jizer degreaser, jet blasting it off after each coating. It's certainly looking quite a bit cleaner, but I'll try using some alloy wheel cleaner next and jet blast that off.

 

Failing that, anyone know anywhere near Crawley / Gatwick airport that has an ultrasonic cleaning tank big enough for an engine block?

 

Cheers

 

Dave