Part Cleaning

[pbmr2]

Hey All,

As I'm about to start a project and installing second hand parts like engines and gearboxes I'd like to know your tips for cleaning these items before fitment.

Basically looking for ways to make the bare aluminium look clean again.

Been watching youtube vids and half the planet has their own views on it. Seems like the least destructive method so far is White Spirit.

How have you all made your nice installs look like new parts (for a short while at least) before fitting them?

[[email protected]]

i too want to know this

[MartinF]

Use the dishwasher, but make sure the significant other is not at home when you do

[stecad]

You need to be very careful using the dishwasher. The tablets contain caustic which eats aluminium and any soft metals. It will even pit mild steel.
I use white spirit and carb cleaner. I've tried Jizer but it never really seems to be as effective.

[thomp1983]

Brush on parrafin with a stiff brush then pressure wash off

[pbmr2]

ok didn't make this clear, sorry poor communication on my part.

We are talking a 153 gearbox and a 3sgte engine with turbo in full working order and in 1 piece. turbo drive shafts and hub carriers, subframe. None of these things will fit in a dishwasher and don't have one anyway.

If the parts were small enough, like engine mounts etc, think the dishwasher idea is great

wondering how is best to get road dirt, aluminium oxide and oil off the bare castings so only clean things are installed?

Will have the engine on a stand for a number of weeks before fitting so plenty of time. It needs full servicing with timing belt, water pump etc Just seems daft to install a messy setup. Will be deep cleaning the engine bay during the conversion too.

[pbmr2]

Brush on parrafin with a stiff brush then pressure wash off

ah that sounds like a plan!
Used to have a bucket of paraffin wipes and they cleaned stuff really well, though left lint behind.

Hmm wonder where I can buy paraffin?

edit: B&Q do it for cheap

[pbmr2]

You need to be very careful using the dishwasher. The tablets contain caustic which eats aluminium and any soft metals. It will even pit mild steel.
I use white spirit and carb cleaner. I've tried Jizer but it never really seems to be as effective.

yeah have read White Spirit works well, cheers

[alanmr2turbo]

brush on or spray on GUNK and jet washer

[pbmr2]

Tried Gunk before and it was ok but didn't really get the hard to remove stuff off very well. Used it neat and let it soak in, brushed the life out of it and did a couple of passes. Was a little disappointed.

Sure it got the wet oil off and even some of the dried on oil but the brake, clutch dust etc didn't move. I've got 2 unopened cans of it (there was a deal when buying) that will prob only get used for cleaning the engine bay, not the engine.

[craig]

Hey All,

As I'm about to start a project and installing second hand parts like engines and gearboxes I'd like to know your tips for cleaning these items before fitment.

Use the dishwasher, but make sure the significant other is not at home when you do

How big's your bloody dishwasher????

I use to use Autoglym machine cleaner. Seemed to work well.

[SonicSW20]

brush on or spray on GUNK and jet washer

This.

The brush on one is a LOT more potent than the spray one. The brush on one works very well if you put it in a spray bottle, but make sure you're in a well ventilated area. Shits nasty.

[2mad]

Hahahahah .. I used the dishwasher after a light degreasing .. that stays between us

[CalMac]

Your local engine builder/specialist will have a hot parts washer - I've had heads and inlet manifolds etc. hot washed a few times and they don't charge much

I've tried quite a few heavy duty degreasers (Jizer, Gunk, Muc-Off, Meguiars) steam cleaning etc. but none of it really works that well. Toothbrush and aerosol carb cleaner can do quite well but takes forever. I've never had anything media blasted besides wheels but it does leave a rough surface so will probably wreck engine parts, might be ok for a gearbox casing though - especially if lighter grit blasting is available. That gets EVERYTHING off Need to ask a powder coating place about that