Prepping engine block for assembly

[DeNoZZo]

I am ready to assemble my shortblock. I have bearings, oil squirters, crank, and pistons. I just painted it the other day, but it's too rainy out to clean the block (to much moisture in the air for my taste). How do you guys suggest cleaning the block/prepping for assembly?

Heres some pics of my paint job (don't worry those are just the old freeze plugs, I will be getting new ones)

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[1AWD90]

I have always cleaned blocks with tranny fluid and a lint free cloth. It is a very good clean and also overs a nice lubricant to keep rust away. Just incase you dont get it together right away. However there are many techniques.

 

[DeNoZZo]

I have always cleaned blocks with tranny fluid and a lint free cloth. It is a very good clean and also overs a nice lubricant to keep rust away. Just incase you dont get it together right away. However there are many techniques.

What kind of tranny fluid? This may sound stupid, but does the tranny fluid then have to be washed away before final assembly?

 

[JesterJess]

I use lint free rags, and start with break clean on the head and down the cylinders. This will clean up ANYTIHNG left behind my any machining, or other particles. Then, I use marvel mystery oil. This will cover the bare metal, and collect all dust on your rag. Once you get it all wiped down, go over it with any weight or brand engine oil. This will further pick up any debris. Keep oil on any surface that does not have paint or a gasket on it. DON'T LEAVE ANY BARE METAL SURFACE UNCOVERED. Then just be sure to wipe the oil away before you gasket any surface.

Just keep it clean!!!

 

[stevestevesteve]

clear coat your freeze plugs, so they dont rust. i really like the color, especially with new plugs. i am not a fan of colored blocks, and i am outgrowing a gloss black block. i either like a satin black block or like a dull black.

 

[JesterJess]

Take a razor around the freeze plugs BEFORE you pull them out. It will keep you from ripping paint off of your engine when you pull the plug out.

 

[swade]

I used brake clean and a round toilet brush. It helped with getting shavings out.

swade

 

[DeNoZZo]

Take a razor around the freeze plugs BEFORE you pull them out. It will keep you from ripping paint off of your engine when you pull the plug out.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by this?

 

[JesterJess]

The edge where the current freeze plugs are painted to your engine block. Run a razor around there to break the bond that the pain on the plug has with the paint on your block. If you don't, you take a chance of pulling the freeze plug out, all of the paint is still bonded, and pulling paint off of your engine block.

 

[DeNoZZo]

The edge where the current freeze plugs are painted to your engine block. Run a razor around there to break the bond that the pain on the plug has with the paint on your block. If you don't, you take a chance of pulling the freeze plug out, all of the paint is still bonded, and pulling paint off of your engine block.

oh ok. Thanks!