18 replies to this topic

[whistler]

Are there any DIY chemicals that are suitable for dipping a block and head into to remove about 20 years of crud from a Metro block and head. Looking at making up a tank for dipping. Been told that I can use caustic soda but at what strength? Anyone used chemicals for dipping at home?

[Spider]

Ideally you need two tanks, but maybe able to get away with one.

 

Caustic is awesome for removing paint, grease and general crud but it won't budge rust at all. You can get it quite cheap in granular form from the hardware for mixing with water. It will work cold, but if you heat it, it really works better and quicker. I run my tank around 80 degrees.

 

You can to a large degree get by without the caustic tank and just use manual methods of cleaning paint off and degreaser for removing the oil & most of the crud.

 

The other tank you probably will need is an Acid Tank. I use Phosphoric Acid in this one, it eats rust, usually a block only needs 5 - 20 minutes in this tank. What what you put in it as it can do harm if left too long. Also, don't put hardened parts in to it, as they'll be ruined in minutes.I'd suggest putting only 'clean' parts in to the acid as it quickly becomes diluted with just about anything.

 

Naturally you'll need to thoroughly wash between these cylces, especially as the caustic is alkali it will ruin the acid. You'll also want proper PPE (face shield, apron, gloves) too.

 

I recently tried a commercial product called Evap-o-rust. I found it worked, but was slow and quite expensive, especially as 5 litres only did one block and had lost it's 'zing'.

[grizzler73]

For the cost and hassle if you only have one engine do it is probably more effective to take it to a professional, if you are having machining done at any point they will clean it before they start anyway. Disposal of the chemicals can be tricky also. I have stated preparing a surface rusty block, I ran a DA over the main surfaces and used a wire brush/wire wool on the curved surfaces, came up a treat!

[DR3AM-W3AVUH]

This is from Graham Russell at Russell Engineering in one of his articles

"Starting with the block, it should be chemically cleaned to remove as much of the rust and rubbish from the water ways and oil ways as possible. But, don’t forget to remove the two oil gallery plugs first to ensure everything that can be is cleaned out. Now, there is a cost-effective way to get rid of all the rust out of the block (and the cylinder head too) without any special high-tech tools. Simply mix up a solution of molasses and water (one part molasses to three parts water) in a plastic tub. If the mix is too thick to get into the water ways easily, you may need to thin it out a little with more water."

[ings]

Just go to a professional. it is not expensive and they know what to do. with the wrong method you contaminate your engine with particles or you harm the enviroment with nasty waste water.

[whistler]

This is from Graham Russell at Russell Engineering in one of his articles
"Starting with the block, it should be chemically cleaned to remove as much of the rust and rubbish from the water ways and oil ways as possible. But, don’t forget to remove the two oil gallery plugs first to ensure everything that can be is cleaned out. Now, there is a cost-effective way to get rid of all the rust out of the block (and the cylinder head too) without any special high-tech tools. Simply mix up a solution of molasses and water (one part molasses to three parts water) in a plastic tub. If the mix is too thick to get into the water ways easily, you may need to thin it out a little with more water."[/size]

Is this the type of Molasses to use?
http://www.hollandan...NxoCXv4QAvD_BwE

[whistler]

I would normally take it to a machine shop but as I don't know whether the corrosion in the bore is too deep to be rebored I thought I'd try and clean it out myself. At least de-rust the bores to see if there's deep pitting.

[Laurie]

My local mini specialist charges minimum £1k for an engine deep clean and powder coat

I'm watching this thread with interest to be honest

[Hewlett_T]

My local mini specialist charges minimum £1k for an engine deep clean and powder coat

I'm watching this thread with interest to be honest

Mine was cleaned for fee, but it was painted not powder coated so maybe that's where the cost comes in.

Edited by Hewlett_T, 16 August 2017 - 04:23 PM.

[Laurie]

My local mini specialist charges minimum £1k for an engine deep clean and powder coat

I'm watching this thread with interest to be honest

Mine was cleaned for fee, but it was painted not powder coated so maybe that's where the cost comes in.

Maybe, but that's a still a heck of a minimum fee for doing it

Edit: it's also worth bearing in mind you can buy a new engine (might be reconditioned I'm unsure) for less

Edited by Laurie, 16 August 2017 - 04:39 PM.

[grizzler73]

£1000 to clean and paint an engine!!!? Wow!

[Laurie]

£1000 to clean and paint an engine!!!? Wow!

Minimum ;)

[Spider]

 

£1000 to clean and paint an engine!!!? Wow!

Minimum ;)

 

 

Hmmm,,,, maybe shop around,,,,,,,

 

My local guy charges $60 for a Hot and Cold tanking,,,, that's about 30 quid,,,,,,

 

and I doubt powder coating is a good idea, none the less, I can't see 970 quid in it.

 

Maybe he wasn't just talking about these processes but also all machining?  (still sounds dear though)

[Laurie]

 

£1000 to clean and paint an engine!!!? Wow!

Minimum ;)
 

 
Hmmm,,,, maybe shop around,,,,,,,
 
My local guy charges $60 for a Hot and Cold tanking,,,, that's about 30 quid,,,,,,
 
and I doubt powder coating is a good idea, none the less, I can't see 970 quid in it.
 
Maybe he wasn't just talking about these processes but also all machining?  (still sounds dear though)

This is the price from a local mini specialist, granted the price does include pulling the engine in and out but, and I quote:

"
As for a price for powder coating the engine, they normally turn out at around £1000.00 INC V.A.T this includes removing and refitting the engine.

Please bear in mind that it is fairly difficult to quote to powder coat a engine as when we have the engine out and start dissecting it we could find issues internally within the engine."

Which in turn pushes the price yet higher

The next nearest mini specialist is Somerfords, who I found unbelievably rude on the phone.

[Northernpower]

 

£1000 to clean and paint an engine!!!? Wow!

Minimum ;)
 

 
Hmmm,,,, maybe shop around,,,,,,,
 
My local guy charges $60 for a Hot and Cold tanking,,,, that's about 30 quid,,,,,,
 
and I doubt powder coating is a good idea, none the less, I can't see 970 quid in it.
 
Maybe he wasn't just talking about these processes but also all machining?  (still sounds dear though)

This is the price from a local mini specialist, granted the price does include pulling the engine in and out but, and I quote:

"
As for a price for powder coating the engine, they normally turn out at around £1000.00 INC V.A.T this includes removing and refitting the engine.

Please bear in mind that it is fairly difficult to quote to powder coat a engine as when we have the engine out and start dissecting it we could find issues internally within the engine."

Which in turn pushes the price yet higher

The next nearest mini specialist is Somerfords, who I found unbelievably rude on the phone.

Sounds like someone is trying to extract a lot of money from you.