oiling exterior of cylinders?

[fastbacker]

Hey all. I'm getting ready to put my pistons with new rings and freshly honed cylinders back on my 2.0/4 engine. A couple of days ago, I sprayed down the fins on the cylinders with PB Blaster (to keep from rusting) after honing them and cleaning with solvent. I started thinking this might not be a good idea as the oil in the pb blaster might attract dirt and clog the fins. Should I clean it off, maybe with brake clean?

-Craig

[dmenche914]

clean is better, however to prevent rust 9which can trap heat, it is recommended to apply a THIN caot of high temp flat black paint, this will help stop rust,and still provide good heat transfer. dont do a glossy paint, nor put it on thick, it must be high temp (ie Bar B Que paint).

I read a research paper some times ago (sorry no referenace) that tested VW cylinders for heat condution to the air, thin coat of flat black paint prerformed the best, verses, rusty, gunked up, and clean cylinder fins.

an oily surface will attract dust and effect heat flow.

Be sure to add the VW bus type screen over the fan inlet on the engine, this will help keep leaves and other debries out of the fan, and off the cooling fins.