[BogusSVO]

How to final wash an Engine Block
You just picked up your block from the machine shop, and your ready to build your engine.

The block may look clean, but it is not.

It still has grim and grit from machining in it.

It is up to you as the builder to final wash the block.

First gather together what you will need to clean the block.

Lint free paper towels, WD-40 , a good degreaser and a can of brake cleaner.

Now find a place to wash the block, a table or engine stand will be fine to use.

Now spray the degreaser all over the block, take good care to get the inside of the block and cylinder walls.

Let the degreaser work for 15 to 30 minutes, Do NOT let the block dry, reapply as needed.

Now spay the block down with clean water till the water runs clear.

Now quickly blow the cylinders and main bearing saddle surfaces dry with compressed air.

Now spray WD-40 in the cylinders and main bearing saddle surfaces to prevent rust.

Now spin the block around and spray brake cleaner into the oil galleys, I would recommend that any oil galley plugs be removed for this step if they were not at the machine shop. Just make sure to install them back.

At this point, take compressed air and blow through all the oil galleys,

main and head bolt holes.

Repeat till all signs of grit and old oil is removed.

Now take a couple paper towels and fold into ¼ and spray WD-40 on them, soaking them well.

Now wipe the cylinders down

Look at the paper towel now. This is hone stone grit and rust. Leaving this in the cylinders can cause issues with the rings glazing and not sealing.

Keep flipping and folding the paper towel and soaking with WD-40 until the paper towel comes back out clean!!

Now look in the corners inside the block and in general give the block a good look over for anything missed.

Make sure any oil galley plugs that were removed are replaced.

You can not get your block too clean!!

[Justin_]

Good info man. Great write up.

[wrenchez81]

Neato!!!

[delslow1975]

good info

[TimsII]

Very nice info man..

[GTS*JASON]

That is one sexy and clean engine.

[crvtectim]

Very nice! I will pass this on to my buddy. He just got his block back from the machine shop and is about to begin assembling the engine. Thanks for sharing

[Ninedeesicksz28]

keep it up duder

[mikgsxx]

very nice!

[viciousjames]

good write up

[syndony]

This is a nice write up, i dont think ive seen one like this on here before and its a very important process that i believe many people over look during the 'excitement period' after getting their engine back. most machine shops make an effort to clean out the block with compressed air after putting it through the shot blaster, but you never want to assume that its clean enough to assemble when you get it back. good job!

[BogusSVO]

sydony.. if you look thu the DIY fourm.. you will see a few more how tos I have wrote up.

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[barker]

Most people "assume" that the machine shop has "prepped" everything for reassembly when they pick it up. NOT TRUE! It is the responsibility of the builder to final prep ALL parts beforehand. If you notice, the block has been degreased and sprayed with brake cleaner and WD40. Still, the rag comes out dirty. I see alot of posts in various forums about premature engine failure. IMO, this is the biggest reason...incomplete final prep. Clean, clean, and clean until you think the thing would be ok in surgery! It costs the same to build a POS engine as it does to build a GREAT one! The difference lies in the prep and procedures used. Clean, measure clearances, and test fit (dry build). Dale loves you all enough to educate you. Keep it up Dale. Good shit.

[OldGreg]

you should be a teacher/instructor. thats if you are'nt already one.

[BogusSVO]

greg.. no I am not one.... I have thought about it... but I have not looked into it

I went to George stone Vo-tech way back about 92 if I remember.. lol

[nissan300v6]

wow very informative

[G8_James]

Useful thread. Thnx

[EddieG]

I'm about to do this during the week.