cleaning an alloy cylinder head (and cylinder block)

[Cyder]

So I've removed the Head and it's filthy, on the outside is oil from a rocker cover leak and the inside is a rather lovely shade of creamy brown!

How should I clean it up? I'm thinking of getting some 'Gunk', rinsing it through first with warm water and then applying the Gunk, is that the right way to do it?

In terms of cleaning the block and mating faces, I understand scotchbrite is the best thing to use, or a fine wet+dry?

Cheers

[fourfoldroot]

Dishwasher.

[Cyder]

That might be an issue!

[stevesingo]

+1 for dishwasher

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Steve

[Cyder]

Don't have a dishwasher, looks like it'll be elbow grease and running water then.

Bit concerned about not damaging the valve seals and other bits though.

[one eyed mick]

thry will need replacing any way

[one eyed mick]

they will need replacing any way !

[DrDeAtH]

Just have it chemically dipped.... That will clean it with minimal effort... And a few shekels outlay.

[jimmyboy85]

soak it in diesel/kerosine, you can clean it straight away with this and a scotch bright or leave the parts to soak for a few days and any crap will just wash straight off and get the hard to clean bits with the scotch bright.

Or ultra sonic cleaner works a treat if you have access to one.

[blitzracing]

Mister muscle oven cleaner works a treat at getting the oily carbon muck off, but keep it any bearing surfaces or the gasket areas as it does eat into the metal very slightly. Rinse it very well and use an air line to blow through all the oil and water ways aftewards. It will leave alloy with a dull grey finish however, not a bright silver. I ran over the areas you could see over with a highly diluted sliver paint just to brighten it up. Still looks fine after 4 years.

[littleredrooster]

IME Jizer is better than Gunk. Don't wet it first - this will stop the solvent working properly. Soak overnight a couple of times if needed, then pressure wash.

I personally would not put any acid- or alkali-based cleaners anywhere near waterways or gasket faces for fear of long-term damage potential.

[Cyder]

Tried Gunk and found it to be a bit crap, so instead tried a WD40 one (green can smells of lemons) and it worked a treat.

January's fun is bolting the bugger back together!