Engine Case Cleaning

cab83_750 · 03-09-2007, 06:37 PM

Instead of sending my engine case out, are there any alternatives to cleaning the nooks and inside-portion of a 911 engine case?

I am thinking more of a spray (ala Oven-Off) that you spray, it foams, lifts the grime, and then you wash it off.

I will out to try an engine degreaser in a can first.
2nd try will be something I bought at Home Depot --- it is their strongest paint remover (thick stuff that you paint onto parts).

Thanks.

p.s.,

I do not have Oven-Off in my house...but if I recall correctly, it is not good for aluminum.!!!

TimT · 03-09-2007, 06:52 PM

Easy Off and paint stripper are the last things you should clean your case with!!!

Wondering where you got the idea to use those products!!!

No need to "send your case out"

If there is a transmission repair place in your town.. drop by and ask if you can have the case cleaned.... the tranny places have giant dishwasher type machines that they use to clean tranny cases and parts.

Of course after the case is cleaned elsewhere you still need to inspect and clean it prior to assembly

cab83_750 · 03-09-2007, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TimT
Easy Off and paint stripper are the last things you should clean your case with!!!

Wondering where you got the idea to use those products!!!

Well, my brain is somewhat travelling at around 500 mph as I had to work 48 hours straight without sleep to get Daylight Savings Time compliance on the computers..... then the Easy-off idea kicked in.

Anyway, I have been using brake cleaner and Scottbrite to clean the case perimeter; spray a little, scrub, spray, scrub, and so on and so on. Then it dawn on me that maybe I need something stronger than brake cleaner to melt the dirt off quicker than brake cleaner.

However, I thought I would first solicit the Pelican community for approval.

Jeff Alton · 03-09-2007, 07:23 PM

I use my local machine shop who has a large aluminum safe washer, liek a dishwasher. Then I finish clean it by hand. Easy off will attack the aluminum pretty good, I would not go near a case with it.

Cheers

88-diamondblue · 03-09-2007, 08:11 PM

Agree with Jeff on this one. Took mine to the mechanics and had him run it through the parts washer. I had already spent a lot of time cleaning the case, didn't get far. I was amazed with the results. Compare the difference.

dtw · 03-09-2007, 08:39 PM

3 trips through the industrial parts dishwasher here, got good discount, less than $100. Then about another 16 (sixteen) hours on my own with a case of brake parts cleaner, scotchbrite pads, and bore brushes. Oh, and a really good respirator.

Jeff Alton · 03-09-2007, 09:09 PM

Like Dave says, you are not done when it comes home. I get the case, cam towers, chain boxes and covers, valve covers etc all done for about 75 cdn...

Here is how it looks when you have done your parts once it is home again....

Cheers

88-diamondblue · 03-09-2007, 09:44 PM

How could I forget the hours of cleaning after the case wash. A gun cleaning kit works really well for the oil passages. There are all different size brushes avalable. I removed the oil passage plugs and brushed with brake cleaner. Blew carb cleaner through the oil squirters as well. Then make sure all the case sealer is off. Seemed like it was never going to be clean enough.

jluetjen · jluetjen's Garage

Here's a few more threads on the subject to give you some ideas of the choices and how they work.

turbobrat930 · 03-11-2007, 07:49 AM

All I used with my case is Mineral spirits, soap and water, and about 120 hours of hand polishing and 4 big cans of Mothers AL polish.....
another 930 rebuild....It is FINALLY coming together!!!