Cleaning the head

[TeclipseFTW]

So I sent off my short block to be rebuilt, now I need to clean the head and valves possibly, how can I go about doing this?

 

[kahl23]

Machine shop should be able to hot tank it for you, that would be the best. If you dont want to do that you could strip it down and try using brake cleaner and a toothbrush, or you could just wait to reinstall it and use Mopar CCC or Seafoam.

 

[TeclipseFTW]

Any idea on what a hot tank costs? And do I have to take off the exhaust mani and upper air intAke off to have it hot tanked?

 

[kahl23]

Depends on the shop, you would have to ask around, and no, leaving the manifolds on completely defeats the purpose of hot tanking.

 

[TeclipseFTW]

so I can leave everything on the head including hoses and electronics wires... And it will be fine??

 

[bigjdog84]

What is going on in this thread?

You're going to want to remove both manifolds, cams, lifters, rockers, and NPT plugs from the oil galleys. You cannot put aluminum in a hot tank that is made for cleaning cast iron (which is what most machine shops have their ph values set for--if they even check them). Most machine shops will jetwash aluminum heads.

 

[kahl23]

Wow, I just realized I said leaving the manifolds "off", I meant on. No, you need to take off the manifolds, cams, lifters, rockers etc.

 

[blackGSX2g]

Most machine shops shouldn't charge more than $200 start to finish for a complete head rebuild. You have to take off your manifolds, but they will strip it down, resurface, clean it up, grind the valves, put new valve seals in, and re-assemble for you.

If you are getting your short-block done you might as well pony up the extra $200 and have a fully rebuilt engine. Way easier/cost effective now than it will be down the line.

 

[TeclipseFTW]

sweet thanks guys, i thought there was something wrong when he said put the whole thing in the hot tank... but yeah maybe i can afford that