Summary
The various specialized equipment and tools used in this process are not readily available in most general automotive workshops, and for some or all of these you may need to use a professional machine shop. The objective of this procedure is to show you how to clean and degrease the engine.
Part 1. Preparation and safety
Objective
- Clean and degrease the engine.
Personal safety
Whenever you perform a task in the workshop you must use personal protective clothing and equipment that is appropriate for the task and which conforms to your local safety regulations and policies. Among other items, this may include:
- Work clothing - such as coveralls and steel-capped footwear
- Eye protection - such as safety glasses and face masks
- Ear protection - such as earmuffs and earplugs
- Hand protection - such as rubber gloves and barrier cream
- Respiratory equipment - such as face masks and valved respirators
If you are not certain what is appropriate or required, ask your supervisor.
Safety check
- Make sure that you understand and observe all legislative and personal safety procedures when carrying out the following tasks. If you are unsure of what these are, ask your supervisor.
Points to note
- Almost every rebuild requires machining of some sort. The various specialized equipment and tools used in this process are not readily available in most general automotive workshops, and for some or all of these you may need to use a professional machine shop.
Part 2: Step-by-step instruction
- Prepare the components for machining
Almost every rebuild requires machining of some sort. The various specialized equipment and tools used in this process are not readily available in most general automotive workshops, and for some or all of these you may need to use a professional machine shop.
- Clean the components
Before the parts are examined beyond a quick visual inspection, they need to be cleaned. Depending on their condition, everything from the block and disassembled heads to the crankshaft and all the covers may need to be put into the jet wash for degreasing.
After that, the heads and block will need to be blasted or baked until they are perfectly clean and any of the external covers detailed to be ready for paint later on.
It is much easier to inspect and properly assess the condition of all the parts when everything is clean. After all the grease has been removed, every part should be visually inspected for cracks or damage.
