Hot tanking block

[1FAST2G]

Can you hot tank a block with the rods and pistons still installed? Everything else will be stripped from the block.

 

[Kingdom]

can somebody explain what hot tanking really is. I know its a method of cleaning the block. but what is involved exactly?

 

[CycloneAWD]

The block must be void of everything, bearings, gaskets and parts...the Tanking process involves a KEG of beer...no wait...HOT TANKING...

What it is is a mild, or semi-corrosive acid bath, which totally gets into all galleries and holes thereby cleaning every crevice out...Getting all the gunk, and sludge, and whatever else may be in that 4G63 of yours...Its really worth it, if you are doing a total rebuild...Just had mine hot tanked about 2 weeks ago...

 

[Kingdom]

is their any pressure involved or just dipping the block in acid?

I want to know if you can do it at home, or do you need special equipment. plus, were can you buy the acid etc?

 

[CycloneAWD]

Np pressure, just dipped...as far as where to obtain said acid...I have no idea...but a local auto machince shop should have facilities to do it for you...or MAYBE...get you info as to where to do it yourself if you really wanna...But I truly don't see why you would wanna do that yourself...I mean locally here, its like 30 dollars to get a hot tank done...So I mean let them do it...less hassle you know??

 

[Kingdom]

Originally posted by CycloneAWD
Np pressure, just dipped...as far as where to obtain said acid...I have no idea...but a local auto machince shop should have facilities to do it for you...or MAYBE...get you info as to where to do it yourself if you really wanna...But I truly don't see why you would wanna do that yourself...I mean locally here, its like 30 dollars to get a hot tank done...So I mean let them do it...less hassle you know??

I wish man, I would pay a $100 dollars. nobody does it here.

can you do it to the head also, or just the block.

 

[mclaren55]

Umm, you need an actual Hot Tank to do it, so I doubt you can "do it at home". Plus, it will eat away aluminum and such, so you need to dip the block void of everything.

Not a DIY project.

 

[psychlow]

Hrm.... well, I have some 3M sulfuric lying around....

Anyone know what type they use?

 

[98TsiAWD]

I would not Hottank a block. Cast-Iron is porus. Do you want all that acid in your motor oil later on?
Use some elbow grease and do it yourself.

 

[Kingdom]

Originally posted by 98TsiAWD
I would not Hottank a block. Cast-Iron is porus. Do you want all that acid in your motor oil later on?
Use some elbow grease and do it yourself.

Thats what I did the last time. 20cans of Carb Cleaner and some thinner. a brush & a Tooth brush and some sink cleaning tools (long thin brushes) for the gallies and two hours later good as new. But still not as good as hot tanking, I have seen a hot tanked block and that really looks brand new.

 

[TurboTerror]

You need to just find somebody to do this for you. The process is easy, the block is dipped into a thinned out acid bath which cleans out EVERY little possible spot it can get to leaving you with a totally clean surface to work with on your rebuild. The materials you need are a little more difficult. You need a special type of formulated acid(not sure what they use) and a specialy designed tank. The tank is designed with a thin glass layer surrounding the inside to keep the acid from eating away the metal box. Just find somebody in your city who can do the process for you. It's not expesive at all, just let somebody else hassle with it.