Engine block cleaning
 

Does anyone know of a block cleaning service near Miami, FL or any suggestions on cleaning a block myself. Block needs rust removal in water jackets and some build up dirt and oil in valve train. Wanting to rebuild my engine.
Thanks, Rick

Re: Engine block cleaning
 

I'd highly recommend getting your block thermal or 'baked' cleaned. Your block will be heated to temps at or above 600 degrees and they come out looking like they just left the foundry. No way could I have gotten it that clean myself. Cost may be about $100. I'd Google search or call any engine builder in Miami and they should be able to steer you in the right direction.

Re: Engine block cleaning
 

If you want a total rebuild , I'd bake it . Then you'll need cam bearings installed also . If just a freshen up , I use Zep industrial purple stuff and a small pressure wash . I just did a 1936 engine and can send before and after photos by email . Be prepared to get wet and dirty .

Re: Engine block cleaning
 

$100? Cost me $495 for bake/bead blast. Then crack repair, heli-coil . . .

Re: Engine block cleaning
 

It cost $125 in NJ. May want to inquire why it cost so much in MA.

Re: Engine block cleaning
 

I used EVAPORUST for the water jackets, not cheap. I agree that the bake shot peen is the best way to go and you have to factor in the cost of the Evaporust.
You want to prime and paint the OUTSIDE of the block after cleaning and oil the balance to cut down on rust.
We have a NAPA in Titusville, FL that does this but I have no idea on their current cost

Re: Engine block cleaning
 

The shop I am using is PAINFULLY expensive, but I have a confidence level with their work and they are close by.

Re: Engine block cleaning
 

Thanks for all the input. I decided to soak with degreasser and pressure wash as it was not that bad. Also pressure washed the water jackets and got a lot of scale rust out Going to use the evaporust for water jackets. Can't find anyone that knows about the bake process here in Miami.
Thanks to all, Rick

Re: Engine block cleaning
 

1 shop baked & blasted the 59L block. Moved the work to another shop for the machine work, They bead blasted the interior of the water jackets. Very thorough job. Looks like new inside.

Re: Engine block cleaning
 

Just a note - I used "Rust-911" on the '51 Merc I now have in my '51. I did it 3 times with plain water flushes in between. I thought it turned out well. I have had the engine in the car for about a year now, and I have had no cooling problems. Here are some pictures of the result :

Re: Engine block cleaning
 

That's plenty clean! It's amazing how well these old engines run once you get the scale, rust, sand and core wire out of the water jackets...

Re: Engine block cleaning
 

That's what I did . I used the industrial purple stuff . Works great . I'm just a little north of you and all the good machine shops are gone .
I went into a parts store for some Plastigauge , they had no idea what I was talking about .
Good luck on your project .

Re: Engine block cleaning
 

Hell even Advance Auto had plastigauge!

Re: Engine block cleaning
 

That's what I thought !

Re: Engine block cleaning
 

Found some Plasticgauge in my stash that was purchased at J.C. Whitney 30 years ago.

Re: Engine block cleaning
 

Hmmm.....One of Tod's NEW blocks at $23-2500 is startin' to sound pretty darn reasonable. DD

Re: Engine block cleaning
 

Yep.