external cylin der head cleaning advice?

[wicked98gsx]

Ok so Im nnot getting my exact question answered in the post related to this so Ill ask a little more specifically to my needs... I just removed my head to replace a blown Head Gasket and the head has what I can only assume is caked on grime from the day it was built till now...

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I just want to clean up the external part of the head from all this nasty-ness and get it to shine as good as it can. Not looking to clean the exhaust and intake ports... or anything internally cause as you can see below... the internals of the head are decently clean for 142xxx miles

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what would be better for this project? Brake parts cleaner or a less harsh cleaner?... also not looking to hot tank the head either!

 

[talonalex92]

I would say use brake parts cleaner and a tooth brush.

 

[My1GLaser]

Engine degreaser or purple power, scrub brush, water hose and then dry with compressed air.

 

[hotrodssnova]

Take it to the car wash and blast it. Then brake cleaner and elbow grease.

 

[awdtalon4451]

Luma-brite! baddest stuff on the market for cleaning aluminum

 

[Black95TSIawd]

If you have removed your head, its best to get it resurfaced at a machine shop before putting it back together. While at the machine shop, have them clean and and do a once over. You more than likely need to replace the valve seals and might as well do a valve job since the head is already off. Better off doing it now than doing it twice when your car smokes and you are losing compression in the valve due to the mileage.

 

[BogusSVO]

I would agree, with 142k mikes, I would have the head checked out at a machine shop.

A decent surface, and have the guides checked for excessive wear.
A new set of good valve stem seals, and a new set of valve springs, Like the BC1100 with stock retainers. ( BC springs can be had for $100 or less shipped to the door.)

Do
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/341028-4g63t-head-oil-port-mod.html

Make sure that when the head is surfaced...

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/cyl...0613-why-not-let-your-head-belt-surfaced.html

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/new...face-4g63t-cylinder-head-mls-head-gasket.html

 

[goodhart]

Any of the above, or you could try some muriatic acid and a toothbrush. Make sure to dilute it with some water. Works great for cleaning aluminum

 

[awdtalon4451]

I took an old intake mani and cleaned it with Luma-brite to show you how bad@ss it is. This just sprayed on and let sit for about 4-5 mins, pressure washed off. Absolutely no elbow grease involved.
Before:
After:

 

[e85_4g63]

Damn... Got a part number for the Aluma-blast you used?

 

[xrdgx]

I took an old intake mani and cleaned it with Luma-brite to show you how bad@ss it is. This just sprayed on and let sit for about 4-5 mins, pressure washed off. Absolutely no elbow grease involved.
Before:
After:

That lumabrite works great man I'm going to try that

 

[awdtalon4451]

That lumabrite works great man I'm going to try that

Only 33 more to go!