Hello all!
Need some advice while this seems like a simple question this part of my build gives me some concern. I am regasketing my 302, I am not removing any pistons or anything like that, keeping it a short block and replacing all other gaskets and the timing chain. I have read multiple threads about engine cleaning and they all say the same thing (simple green or engine cleaner and a nylon brush until all the junk is gone). Where my concern lies is that I did that to my rear end that I put underneath the car and while fitting the suspension it has flaked off and now looks like crap and believe me i spent quite of bit of time cleaning it and I do not want to make the same mistake with the enigne. I am also concerned that I am leaving it a short block and do not want to take the risk of getting some engine cleaner between the pistons and on the crankshaft. I plan on masking and taping very well but it still has me concerned because this engine is a mess. it has alot of oil all around it (the reason why I am regasketing everything.)
Thanks in advance for any help or advice that is offered!
Non chlorinated brake cleaner and an air blower does the trick best for me.
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I know that you won't be welding on your engine but everyone should be aware of the possible dangers when using brake cleaner for certain things.
http://www.brewracingframes.com/id75.htm
When I cleaned my 302 block I left the old oil pan and timing cover on since I was going to relace them anyway. I used putty knives, gasket scrapers, screwdrivers, etc, to remove the somewhat thick gunk and then used brake cleaner, wire brushes and rags to get the rest off. I did the same with the front cross memeber and my ford 8.8 rear end. All have had paint on them for a couple of years now and no flaking or chipping so far.
Non chlorinated stuff won't make phosgene gas when welding around it, however they are flammable, safety is best practice in both cases.
I'm surprised - that stuff seems to flash off really quickly.
I had good luck with the POR-15 engine painting kit which includes cleaner, prep and paint: http://www.por15.com/ENGINE-PAINTING-KIT/productinfo/EPKA/
Happily, paint will stick to just about anything, even grease... for awhile. Epoxy primer is even more aggressive, where a solvent based paint can absorb a small bit of oil, some more than others. But leaching as much oil out of the pores as is possible can only help.
Jim
All cleaners will leave some kind of residue. Years ago I cleaned the the block, heads and intake of a Chrysler 340 motor I had in a Duster. After cleaning I used a spray gun and wet down everything with laquer thinner then blew dry. I painted everything with VHT engine paint and five years later it looked freshly painted.