VH45 cleaning the block

[Ford Falcon]

For those of you who have had to rebuild an engine, what have you found to be the best way to get the block, valve covers, timing chain covers, etc cleaned? Chemical dip, hot wash, heat cleaning, something else? Being an aluminium block, should heating with high temperatures be avoided?Thanks.

[craigztoyz]

I have had great experience with Simple Green as a degreaser, and Dawn, yes the dishwashing crap, a lot of elbow grease and if doing a bore, have it Vatted.Consult your local Engine Machine Shop, where the guys are experienced in aluminum engines, which is a lot these days.But if doing it on a cheap budget at home, Dawn, and SG, a pressure washer is great too, Hotsy preferably, with the heated water, celan clean clean

[ZX2NV]

I usually get the stuff acid dipped first then the alloy bead blasted then dipped again to remove any beads still present.

Comes up a treat





Pretty cheap too

[Ford Falcon]

ZX2NV, that looks to be in showroom condition there!Someone told me here in California they don't allow acid dipping. I'll find out. If they do, I might do the same.

[ZX2NV]

I dont know exactly whats in the tank but they call it acid dipping out here

Also with the bead blasting make sure they plug the water and oil gallery holes well to stop material entering the parts. Forgot to mention that one

Plus for those that didnt pick it thats a VG30 engine not a VH