I need to know exactly how to clean the block out in preparation for a rebuild. It's sitting here in two halves ready to be done. Is it just a case of get the Gunk on it then hose it down, or is there any special procedure. Having just had a big end failure with swarf all in the sump and the crank wrecked, where are the areas that I need to pay particular attention to and how do I get at them?

 

Firstly id replace the sump and modine with new items as its not worth the risk,If this is not an option use truck wash and give all parts a thorough soaking and leave for a while for the degreasing agents to work, Then give all parts a thorough blast with a pressure washer,When doing this make sure that any components cannot move around the garden/patio and get damaged.Id then use brake/carb cleaner (buy a 5 litre drum and a despensor as it will be cheaper than cans) give all components a thorough cleaning,By doing this immediately after washing and then drying you will prevent any reaction with the water. Once you have cleaned a component that could rust apply wd 40 or similar to prevent this.If you have access to a compressor with blow gun blow off all water especially down any bolt holes. If a compressor is not availble use the brake cleaner to wash all remaining gunk from bolt holes and then spray with oil.If you havnt got a pressure washer you will have to scrub a bit harder with an old tooth brush.

 

As above but make sure you remove ALL the oil gallery blanking plugs,so you can clean them through and inspect them for any remaining debris.
Same goes for the cylinder heads - remove the main oil gallery blanking plugs and the oil restrictor in each cylinder head and clean.
Clean and prep of all the engine components/ancillary's should account for approx.60% of your time and the other 40% is building it up.
Dont scrimp on the prep work otherwise you will be doing it all over again.

Mick

 

Excellent, thanks. So I shouldn't let the block drip dry then?

 

If you have/beg/steal/borrow a compressor - its much better to force air through the gallerys to clean/dry and it will shift the leftover grime etc on the block halfs,cylinder heads,sump etc.

Mick

 

If you let them drip dry the ally will look manky and you will form rust on your liners in minutes.

A good hot wash is best.