Cleaning black sludge from block

HughN · Post by **HughN** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 11:16 am

Hi,

First post from me!

I'm taking apart a 3.5 V8 EFi Land Rover engine that has been blowing exhaust gases out the top end of all four cylinders on one bank, turning the oil into a black sludge the consistency of golden syrup. Oil was still getting everywhere it needed to and everything looks shiny and clean where it should be shiny and clean.

Both heads are off, with the sump and timing cover coming off soon. The rocker gear and cylinder heads cleaned up well with some white spirit and cellulose thinners. Being a lazy so-and-so, I don't want to take the block out if I don't have to.

The top of the block under the inlet mainfold is quite gunky: I can shift most of it with an old credit card - any suggestions on what to do with the remaining bits? With the sump off and camshaft out shall I risk using lots of solvent and let it drop down, removing the crankshaft for a final clear-up?

Any suggestions gratefully received!

SWMBO would also like to know how to remove the sludge - from door handles, sofas, computer keyboards, dogs, children and biscuit-tins...

topcatcustom · Post by **topcatcustom** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 12:11 pm

Best way is to strip it right down- then you dont have to worry about big lumps of that gooey crud getting everywhere it shouldn't. I'd get the crank and pistons etc out, do the lot with a stiff brush and some solvent, then get rid of all traces with water and dry it and spray the lot with something like WD40 to dispell any water.

HughN · Post by **HughN** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 12:21 pm

Sounds like a good plan - thanks.

kiwicar · Post by **kiwicar** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 2:31 pm

Hello Hugh
If you are going to strip it (which I think is a very good idea) get the oil gallery plugs out and bottle brush the oil galleries, this will get all the old oil grud out of there and set you off on the right path on your rebuild. The best thing I have fould for getting old oil residue off a block is Fairy Power spray it is really good, if you have access to a jet washer then the job will be easy. If you can get the block hot tanked when you have done this then that is even better but you will need to get the core plugs out. If you don't intend replacing the cam bearings don't hot tank it, just Fairy power spray and the jet washer.
Best regards
Mike

HughN · Post by **HughN** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 2:59 pm

Thanks Mike,

Am I right in thinking the oil gallery plugs are at the rear of the engine, i.e., a block-out job?

If Fairy Power Spray is good enough for Ainsley Harriet it is good enough for me...

topcatcustom · Post by **topcatcustom** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 3:07 pm

There are 2 plugs in the front of the engine either side for the oil galleries, and at the rear they are threaded plugs (which will be bloody tight) instead of knock in/out plugs (IIRC!!!!!!!) If you unscrew the plugs first, you can put a long piece of bar through and knock the front ones out. I might be completely wrong and there are just 4 core plugs- but I cant remember?!

bodger · Post by **bodger** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 3:27 pm

i used industrial over cleaner , it does pistons really well too ...but do them only for short time as it eats ally quite well ..
but use is outside and with gloves .....
you can get it in 5ltr's from cleaning product wholesalers

kiwicar · Post by **kiwicar** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 3:41 pm

Pistons go in the dish washer don't they,

it is only the block that won't fit in the dishwasher!

Mike

gelmonkey · Post by **gelmonkey** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 4:55 pm

Hi
I have used Acetone to clean a Rover block in the past.
It eats through crud and goo really quickly and evaporates leaving no residue.
Muscle Manta has told me he has used paint stripper on a block and heads to clean them up but he is from Thatcham so draw your own conclusions from that one.
You can also use something like Daz to clean the block using lots of hot water as long a the block is stripped down.
With regard to SWMBO chuck the kids in the washing machine on a short spin,deny all knowledge of any other wrong doing and things will go splendidly.
You may even get banned from the house and have to go and live in the garage

cheers
Paul (never one to take the mickey out of anyone)

mgbv8 · Post by **mgbv8** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 5:11 pm

So its not just me thats been busted by the missus as she found engine parts in the dishwasher then

kiwicar · Post by **kiwicar** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 5:21 pm

My Throttle bodies came up luverly!

Mike

HughN · Post by **HughN** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 5:52 pm

Ah yes, the degreaser of choice...

I once had to confess to her that on a Friday afternoon when she was out of the house I did something I didn't want her to know that I did. Something dirty. Something shameful. Something that might be considered strange. Something I didn't want her finding out about. Yes, I put my car-cleaning cloths through the washing machine....

bodger · Post by **bodger** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 6:19 pm

kiwicar wrote:Pistons go in the dish washer don't they, it is only the block that won't fit in the dishwasher!
Mike

use oven cleaner on the block then hose it off in the garden NOT ON THE LAWN though ...lol

kiwicar · Post by **kiwicar** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 7:35 pm

Hi Hugh,
that is the same dish washer we have. . . didn't know you could get a wheel in there though.
Mike

gelmonkey · Post by **gelmonkey** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 7:48 pm

Strange but Mrs Gelmonkey does'nt find that amusing

Could you get the heads on the top tray?
Shame to waste the space really

P