brake cleaner and an air compressor ring a bell here.
I finally got around to lapping my valves last night. Now there is a fine residue of lapping compound on the head. Its impossible to wipe it all off with a rag.
Also, there is some visible stuff on the other parts of the head. I want to get it all off so there's no problem with things grinding together.
Whats the best thing for cleaning loose oily grit off of parts such as rocker arms, valve guides, valves, pistons, camshaft, etc?
Thanks,
DanH
1989 535iA 254k Miles
1992 535iM 330k Miles
brake cleaner and an air compressor ring a bell here.
95 E34 530I V2.37
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Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.
John F. Kennedy
I was gonna say brake cleaner as well.
I was thinking of brake cleaner and carb cleaner too, depending on what the grit is.
Is there anything else commonly used besides those? Perhaps something that is not sprayed out of a can.
DanH
1989 535iA 254k Miles
1992 535iM 330k Miles
Lacquer thinner is a pretty decent solvent. It evaporates quickly though, can be hard to keep a rag wet with it for very long. Available at hardware stores, Home Depot, etc.
I have also heard of people using kerosene to disolve it. Im in the process of rebuilding my head too. How is it on the M30, the M50 wasnt bad with the right tools. Almost done, the head is back on the car and the cams are in, now all i need to do is time it and put it all back together.
How about a parts washer?
Brake cleaner would also do the trick.
best, whit
can gather up the head. cam, rockers, etc and take them to an automotive machine shop, they have a storm vulcan or a safety kleen parts cleaner, usually i can get them to clean up everything for me for 5-10 bucks. Comes out all nice and clean, no grime.
Originally Posted by DanH
Machine shop dishwashers are your best bet- but actually soap and water has always worked as well. good luck-
Bought a small sandblasting cabinet with blasting gun for $99 @ Re-Tool
here is the oil cap i salvaged off a '92 318 or 325 that had coolant, oil, grime, and dirt packed all over it and gross. Sandblasted it and then decided to paint it black, though un-necessary.
Last edited by Jon K; 07-22-2005 at 04:59 PM.