Chemical cleaning engine ?

[ausb1]

My engine had sat for some time and was seized ,there was alot of rust deposit in the cooling jacket which i was washed out ,i just wondered whether i should go ahead and have it chemically cleaned ? the engine has been sleeved to 20 thou will chemical cleaning affect the sleeves in anyway ? Thankyou

[w30bob]

Hi ausb1,

Are you talking about having the block hot-tanked? If the sleeve was put in properly with the correct interference fit there shouldn't be any problem cleaning the block. If it wasn't put in properly...........well, you know how that goes.

regards,
bob

[ausb1]

Im not familiar with the process, hot tanked with caustic soda right ? i thought it would be wise to get it done while its apart ,will have to call a engine rebuild shop about it ,need the valve seats inserts replaced as well pitted

[w30bob]

Hi ausb1,

Well........that depends. The term "hot tanking" means different things to different people. Most engine builders used to use a caustic soda bath, but due to EPA regulations and the fact that a lot of their business is now dealing with aluminum blocks........I'm not sure what they use. Some solvents remove rust, others don't, etc, etc. It's really best to ask the rebuild shop what their hot tank accomplishes so you're clear about what to expect. Asking afterward is too late..........and if they don't know what's in their hot tank...........get your engine out of there and to a better rebuilder.

regards,
bob

[ausb1]

Thankyou Bob, i found a engine build shop near me that does the caustic cleaning and another doing ultrasonic cleaning so will have to look in to it next week ,decided i want to do it all good and right while its apart so ideally it will last, even if it costs a bit more new valves ,seats ,springs guides ,balanced etc