[Dcollins85]

I have had a 302 engine laying around for a while now waiting for me to clean it up. I haven't had the time to start in the past but now I do! My question is how and what can I use to clean the engine up? It's completely dismantled down to the block, heads, pistons, cam shaft, etc. are all taken off of the block and it's all separated. What can I soak the block / heads / cam shaft and all that in to clean them up so I can get them looking like new? I want to get it all cleaned up so I can see what's good and what's bad. Someone told me Brake cleaner and a car wash for the block.. but that sounds somewhat redneck...

 

[toolguy]

There's no magic or easy way to do it unless you take it to a place that has an ultra-sonic cleaner or a hot tank. Degreaser, hot soapy water, lots of different cleaning brushs and elbow grease. A pressure washer can work well too. Spray it down w/ a rust inhibitor (wd40 or similar) to keep surface rust from setting in when you're done.

 

[Dcollins85]

My fathers got a heat tank, but it's more for smaller engines like 4-wheelers and lawn mowers. I've got the block and heads soaking in a degreaser. I've dismantled the carburetor as well, is that something that's safe to soak into a degreaser or heat tank?

I know that there will be a lot of soak, rinse, power wash, repeat along with elbow grease just from watching my father fix/repair lawn mowers at his work. Sometimes he brings them home, I wasn't sure if it's the same principle just a larger application.

Is there anything I shouldn't soak in a degreaser? My theory is if it's metal it's safe.

 

[toolguy]

Degreaser/carb cleaner will work fine for the carburetor. You can degrease plastics as well. Most automotive plastics from an engine compartrment will with stand the chemicles used in degreaser. It may discolor it, so try it in a spot first.

 

[Dcollins85]

Let one of my heads sit in degreaser for a day and than hit it with a power washer...

Before and after pics below...

 

[Dcollins85]

After cleaning up the carburetor and rebuilding it.. I have decided to shy away from the 2 barrel and go for the full 4 barrel carburetor... I won't lie about this being the first engine I have built up. I don't know a lot about carburetors along with most of the other parts on an engine... so I figured you guys would be the right people to ask.... What's a decent street legal carburetor for a 302? I don't want factory because well.. this engine isn't the one that came in my car! So I want something with some power behind it! I have looked at Edelbrock and Holley carbs.. but it's all rocket science to me.. I'm willing to learn just I don't know what to look for. When they start throwing out measurements and what not I just get cross eyed and confused.

 

[toolguy]

A carburetor choice will depend on the intended use and horsepower of the engine. If your going to use all the stock parts you have in front of you, than 600-650 CFM carb will be more than enough, and give you some room to grow. It is your choice on a vacuum or mechnical secondaries. Mechanical secondaries offer more tuneability, which maybe more confusing for a newcomer. I prefer the Holley and Demon Carb lines, but have worked with Edelbrock's as well. I would get something with an electric choke.

 

[dacofaII]

Oven cleaner

 

[Dcollins85]

Oven Cleaner? >.>


Or... are you referring to my not so clean oven top? After power washing my heads I did turn the oven on to 200 degrees and threw my heads in it so the water wouldn't rust them... >.>

 

[toolguy]

He's talking about using oven cleaner as a degreaser. It works ok.

 

[Dcollins85]

Oh wow, that's true! It is tough on grease and caked on stuff that's in your oven.. Never thought of that!