So I’m thinking a DIY head clean of my aluminium head...I’ve heard of full submersion in coke, would this work, will it damage the journals/valve guides/seats? Can I fully submerge in hot soapy water instead and use long brushes for the channels without harm? Do I need to watch out for anything? I’m thinking valve seats/guides...are they made from a different metal? Are the cam journals aluminium, will they come to any harm when submerged? I’ve cleaned off the main gasket face with a green plastic scotch-pad and Bioethanol (just happened to have some handy), though I now read this is bad for aluminium (IS THIS TRUE when used in this manner - will it CONTINUE to do harm to the face now it’s evaporated away)? Thanks peops!
Coke is not going to damage anything, but I would just use a strong detergent and a stiff brush....or both as I have never tried coke.
Many thanks, TD, a positive start to the thread...do you think ANY coke will do? I wonder what’s in it that does the job? I’ve seen one guy on YouTube using branded Coca Cola which made me think there might be a difference, given he was happy to pay top dollar?
Basically it's the phosphoric acid that does the cleaning they used to use it (in different concentrations) in alloy wheel cleaner but stopped in favour of hydrochloric for some reason....I knew there was a reason I don't drink Coke.
Abandoned the DIY clean in favour of a professional steam clean and pressure test in Avonmouth, Bristol. Should have it back Monday/Tuesday
A guy I used to work with was into restoring really old Brit bikes. He used to clean alloy engine cases in the dishwasher and got very good results prior to his divorce. No idea if the two events were linked though.
A mate of mine used to sell second hand engine components and used an industrial size dishwasher which was the same principle
I remember my Mum ruining a set of fancy wine glasses with gilt decoration in our first dishwasher due to the aggressive detergents used.
That reminds me, I think my dishwasher is due a service Well, the thread was derailed anyway, cylinder head to guilt wine glasses. Gotta luv this forum.
Where did you get your dishwasher? Our Beco is about to die.....not sure the wife would stand for that model.
Trade secret TD, but one tip though, get one with small feet, they can stand closer to the sink, saves all that lower back strain. (Though a little internal support alleviates a lot of that)
Good quality paint stripper...not the ‘new’ stuff...like original Nitromors used to work wonders, carbon n all....safe on alloy cylinder heads..I used to use it on alloy aircraft bits so no danger of damaging the alloy..leave overnight then thorough clean in hot soapy water and rinse .
Ethanol of either type does no harm to any cylinder head , cast iron, steel or aluminium ! But it will affect any rubber 'O' ring's or such , even after only a minutes contact! Don't use any to flush a motor out , as it will cause any seal's in water pump and even rubber hose's to soften and swell up !!
