Engine Block Cleaning & Painting

[Jamo]

Well my engine came back 2 weeks ago from Aelred ( thanks mate ) and i'm nearly all set to build it.

However the block needs cleaning, I can't find a place local that can hot tank it, infact I mention the word hot tank and most places do a "dime-bar" and ask what is that?

So what I'm looking for is a definitive guide on how to clean up the block after machining and also any painting tips?

Terrybullwon has supplied an excellent method but would be interested.

Oh and i'm back btw during the day for now

[GT500]

MIne just fit in the dishwasher!
Took the basket out (and any crockery), couple of pieces of wood to sit on.
three dishwasher tablets (lots of caustick soda in them) came out like a new un!
Take it out as soon as its finished its cycle, don't let it dry (surface rust starts) cover in wd40.

[Jamo]

LOL I haven't got a dishwasher and the Chef isn't local

[Flat on my back]

.

Malmesbury strippers did a grand job on mine...and not far from Aelred.

You seen the pics.

[terrybullwon]

LOL I haven't got a dishwasher and the Chef isn't local

LMAO

[Jamo]

Malmesbury strippers did a grand job on mine...and not far from Aelred.

You seen the pics.

Not far from Aelreds he says, thats a 150 mile round trip for me!

Got a website address for Malmesbury strippers?

[Puglife]

Not far from Aelreds he says, thats a 150 mile round trip for me!

Got a website address for Malmesbury strippers?

Prob not Work safe if you do search that Jamo

most machine shops do cleaning service very cheap, think head and block and other bits was £30 from Xcel near me.

[Flat on my back]

.

https://www.malmesburystrippers.co.uk/

[Error404]

http://www.surfaceprocessing.co.uk/

In Dudley mate

[Jamo]

http://www.surfaceprocessing.co.uk/

In Dudley mate

Gold Star for Error404 they want £60

Is that a lot?

[Flat on my back]

Well...

got a block, head, cam cover plus 4/5 other alloy bits done for £90.

[pixsaudisex2]

an some bits for free to when do you fancy picking the other bits up..

[Jamo]

an some bits for free to when do you fancy picking the other bits up..

? You've lost me Pixs

@Puglife yes that search did reveal some interesting results

[pixsaudisex2]

dont worry Jamo i was hijacking your thread as you so call it ( i was talking to flat on my back i have a few bits i cleaned for him ) an as i like you ( driving an avant an all that.) i was wondering if you was going to ask me how i got them done an i was going to see if the cleaner i can use would be any use to you as you live in brum and i know where i can use one for free but its a steam jet wash ( although its blooming hot it isnt steam as so much as fin hot water.. )

[dubmeister]

Well my engine came back 2 weeks ago from Aelred ( thanks mate ) and i'm nearly all set to build it.

However the block needs cleaning, I can't find a place local that can hot tank it, infact I mention the word hot tank and most places do a "dime-bar" and ask what is that?

So what I'm looking for is a definitive guide on how to clean up the block after machining and also any painting tips?

Terrybullwon has supplied an excellent method but would be interested.

Oh and i'm back btw during the day for now

Getting the block pro cleaned saves a lot of hassle!! £60 seems about the going rate.

I have a hot steam cleaner in work to do them but you have to coat the bores/bearing surfaces with wd40 or similar.

My method is:
Clean the block of all rust/dirt oil/general **** in the parts washer.

I remove the oil gallery plugs and use a rifle brush http://www.brushescorp.com/Gun_Brushes.htm to clean them out (you would be surprised how dirty they can get) then all the core plugs and clean as much inside as i can.
With the water galleries in the top of the block, if there is any loose crap/rust etc clean them out with a needle file- but not TOO big that they are larger than the gasket hole!!(seen it done!! )

THEN steam clean the block with the plugs still out,
Blow all the galleries/holes/etc dry with an air line
coat all the surfaces that can, and will rust.Then stuff the bores with paper soaked in wd40.
I use oversize ally bar cut to a bullet shape for the new oil gallery plugs and bash them in flush. Fit new core plugs with a smear of threadlock.
Then get it ready for paint.
If there are any rusty parts wire brush them down
I use PJ1 motorcycle paint http://www.bandcexpress.co.uk/cgi-bi...l?cat=PJ-PAINTas it goes on great, and more importantly looks great!!- and doesn't flake off 10 mins after the engine has run!!!!

Once you are happy with the paint,clean all the threaded block holes out with a tap and slot the end of an old head bolt to clean those out.
blow any crap etc out.

Remember clean. clean and then clean it again!!

If you are ready then to build the motor clean all the mating surfaces with brake cleaner and build away!!

Hope this helps
BTW if i have forgotten anything it's down to the alcohol destroying the brain cells so please take this into account!!