Engine cleaning...
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Central Florida
Engine cleaning...
Alright me and a friend tore down an engine last Saturday. We took both heads out, the rockers etc. Everything is covered with what looks like milkshake, on top of that theres about two inches of engine sludge throughout. My question is what is the safest way to clean out an engine? Would an engine degreaser be out of the question for spraying out the inside of it?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
It can yes, but be aware that the carb cleaner will clean all the oil off the parts.
It would be better to dismantle the engine, and reassymble it after cleaning using an assymbly lube etc...
If the milkshake substance is just water mixed with the oil. Using fresh oil, and engine heat will clean and extract the water with time, and is better than using solvents in my opinion, especially if you are not going for a rebuild. Change the oil and filter between 100/500 miles untill the moisture is gone should do it.
It would be better to dismantle the engine, and reassymble it after cleaning using an assymbly lube etc...
If the milkshake substance is just water mixed with the oil. Using fresh oil, and engine heat will clean and extract the water with time, and is better than using solvents in my opinion, especially if you are not going for a rebuild. Change the oil and filter between 100/500 miles untill the moisture is gone should do it.
FTE Legend
Joined: May 2008
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From: In my own world
I use gas, then clean it the 2nd time with brake clean. don't smoke while doing this, and you will want to be outside. stiff wire brushes, some round, some square are a big help. put down plenty of card board, to help contain the mess.
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From: Central Florida
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Cleaning the gunk out will not turn your motor back into a well cared for unit that will last many miles. I hate to tell you, but if it was that sludged up, the oil had not been changed very often and or it was driven on many short trips and the thermostat may have failed open also. All of this creates wear in the engine, so cross your fingers and hope for the best, that's where you are at right now. Hopefully none of the sludge will or has made it into the oil pan where it can clog the pickup screen on the oil pump.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Central Florida
Alright thanks! My gas tank had rust in it so I've gone ahead replaced it, bought a new sending unit, so thats all brand new... should I just buy a new fuel pump? Its the pump that is on the engine.