[LCML] Head Removed was Re: White smoke in exhaust

[Jeff Zepp]

David Moylan wrote:

>Got the head off today, slow going since I only have a few hours of 
>light after work and no decent garage to work in.  Didn't notice any 
>problems besides the obvious gasket blowout between #3 and #4.  I'm 
>trying to do as much as possible each day to put myself in good shape to 
>get it running again this weekend.
>
>What's recommended in terms of cleaning the head and block before 
>re-install?

If you aren't taking them in to a shop to be hot tanked, there are a couple of methods that work pretty well for us driveway mechanics. A wirewheel on an air powered die grinder works great on removing rust and carbon. In my experience it is one of the most labor saving ways to go short of hot tanking stuff. 3M abrasive wheels are even better but they are harder to get into nooks and crannies. Prior to that, just scrubbing everything with mineral spirits (paint thinner) and rags and brushes works OK for general grease and oil, but doesn't do squat for caked on stuff and carbon. Old tooth brushes are good for getting grease and oil out of nooks and crannies with mineral spirits. Haynes is all down with using kerosene, which is very similar to mineral spirits but a little more volatile. I have a number of friends who use diesel fuel for grease removal. I have had limited success with the water based cleaners compared to the petroleum based solvents.

If you have compressed air available, be sure to dry everything off, this will both remove any residual oil films and also any grit or dirt that might be left in those films. Engines are as much about cleanliness as anything and any dirt is basically an abrasive that will wear out you bearings as quick as can be. You don't want that!

Happy cruisin'!

Jeff Zepp
Kittredge CO USA
1971 & 1976 FJ40s, 1978 FJ45, 1987 FJ60
Rising Sun 4WD Club, TLCA #4063
http://rzeppa.org