Building a 5.4 Modular.

So I feel like an idiot but what was I suppose to do. I bought a new 5.4 block from Ford. Did a light touch hone on the cylinders to get a good cross hatch. Then washed the block with brake clean first then water to get the hone debris out, can be too clean right? Well as I blow dried the block, blowing out all the water etc, all the surfaces turned rusty. A good wipe down and some WD40 made it look better. My concern is the oil galleys on the inside, pushing the rust powder into the bearings on first fire up. Is this something I should be concerned about or is it going to dissolve and pass thru and get caught by the filter. I plan on running some solvent thru the main galley to get as much out as possible, blowing it out and then a light coat of WD40 to preserve.

Should I worry and what would you do?

 

 

Wipe the cylinders out then spray them with WD-40, spread it around (if the pistons are in spin the engine once if you can) then go about your business and all will be well.

 

Agree with above....WD-40...spray is liberally and wipe down where you can reach......also purchase a set of engine cleaning brushes as they are designed to reach into those holes, etc.

 

It's a brand new block from Ford. But thanks.

 

Youll be fine. If you find the wd40 is dissapating too quickly, wipe the bores down with a clean rag with some atf or 30 weight on it. Thatll stop rust and help with initial lube for the rings on startup.

 

The same thing happened when I cleaned my 302 after getting it back from the machine shop years ago. I did the same thing everyone here has stated and cleaned the bores with a lint free towel and WD40. That was about 200,000 miles ago and it's still runs fine.

 

You should get a bore gage and mics to check piston clearance. I would not just trust where the factory left it. What kind of rings you use will determine the grit of finish stone you use. You should also be using a fixed hone, nothing spring loaded. Like already said, wipe the cylinders with a clean paper towel till they are clean.

 

Something you may want to consider after washing with water is spraying it with the WD-40 before blowing it off with air. The WD will displace water and cote the surface as you are blowing it off with the air and will minimise the rust.