cleaning engine internals???

AintGotNoSolAintGotNoSol Wagonist
in Engine & Drivetrain
So I'm dismantling my old A6 motor so i can use the crank, rods, and pistons in my Z6. Of course, the tops of the pistons are covered in black nastiness, and everything in general is a little oily, a little gunky. I wanna get it nice and clean before putting it all back together.

What product should I use to clean this stuff? I remember reading someone's build thread and they soaked all their pistons in a bucket full of something, though I can't remember what.... and they came out looking wonderful.


Any help is appreciated.
Thanks.

Comments

  • 503Wagon503Wagon moderator
    Brake clean/foamy engine degreaser and a wire brush....and patience lots of patience.
  • piperottopiperotto Wagonist
    brakleen or any brake cleaner is the shit!!!! and it leaves no residue like some carb cleaning shit does.
  • Mr GMr G Wagonist
    Or you could just bring them down to a machine shop and get all that stuff washed up for maybe coffee money or a case of beer. :wink:
  • AintGotNoSolAintGotNoSol Wagonist
    Mr G wrote:
    Or you could just bring them down to a machine shop and get all that stuff washed up for maybe coffee money or a case of beer. :wink:
    haha i like this idea... gonna be at the machine shop getting the head resurfaced anyway!

    Thanks everyone for the ideas. I'll probably try some brake cleaner. i wonder if advance auto sells that stuff in a large jug...
  • cw00ekcw00ek Band Wagon
    Yea my machine usually just charges me a flat fee and I bring as much as they can fit to be cleaned. Ive given them a fair amount of business though haha...
  • ProOnThaSnowProOnThaSnow Wagonist
    You can usually buy a can of parts cleaner and just let them soak in it...

    If you wanna be cheap get a 5 gallon bucket and put a couple gallons of Diesel in it. Let them soak in there. We use Diesel in our parts washer at our shop and you'd be amazed the shit it will cut through. (We also used it to clean oil rigs when I was working on them.. I guess I technically still work on them, but I sure as F ain't scrubbing anymore! lol).

    Also, go to Carquest (or any automotive store) and get some "Purple Power" or "Purple Cleaner" DUmp it in a bucket and let them soak in that. DO NOT mix it with water and dilute it and it will just about cut through any grease or grime too.

    Just try to avoid anything flammable.
  • Gringo Van flipflipGringo Van flipflip Band Wagon
    Machine shop is the way to fly, dismantle all and bag hardware and send it in. usually like 20 to 40 bucks
  • AneelamAneelam Band Wagon
    Thanks for taking the time to discuss about this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic.
    If possible, would you mind updating your post with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.
    I love to say that it is a good post here by you...
  • driftin90driftin90 Senior Wagonist
    have you thought about a solvent tank? pretty cheap at harbor
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