internal engine cleaning

OK, this will probably sound stupid, but I'm not much of an engine guy. only built a couple, and never even thought about doing what id like to do.

i picked up a "low mileage" engine for my truck. i don't know what the odometer read, as the dash was yanked. i don't know how the motor ran, as the VATS and hacked wiring harness had it disabled. i do know that i only paid 75 bucks, so it was worth the gamble.

as soon as i get a car out of the shop, I'm going to Begin to getting gaskets replaced and inspect this motor. i have to swap the oil pan for my truck, so ill have the ability to check the rods and mains. the plugs and oil are clean, so I'm not too worried about the rings and head gaskets.

i plan on replacing what is worn, cleaning and painting, and putting it in.

what i would like to do while i have it apart is clean any sludge, carbon, etc out. is there any reason i shouldn't? what is the best way to do this with and assembled long block? i was thinking a bunch of cans of brake cleaner and shop air. any better ideas? i really don't want to pull it farther apart than i have to. if it needs machine work or rings, ill have it hot tanked and rebuild the while thing, negating this question.

also, should i put head gaskets in since I'm already in for every other gasket? what about other parts? water pump, oil pump, and freeze plugs are a given.

michael

Id be real careful with the brake cleaner, dont want to get it on the bearings and smoke one on startup. If you are knocking loose any large carbon deposits you want to be sure that no flakes remain where they could get lodged in an oil passage and clog things up.

If you're in that deep it couldnt hurt to do head gaskets. It will give you a chance to inspect and clean the combustion chambers on the heads and the tops of the pistons.

Either rebuild it completly, or throw it in as-is. "Do, or do not. There is no try."

About the only thing I've seen with documented success (and no scary side-effects) that's intended to clean an engine while in normal usage is AutoRx, darling of the BITOG boards.

Streetwiseguy wrote: Either rebuild it completly, or throw it in as-is. "Do, or do not. There is no try."

What he said.

Streetwiseguy wrote: "Do, or do not. There is no try."

"Mudhole? Slimy? My engine this is!"

RealMiniDriver wrote:

Streetwiseguy wrote: Either rebuild it completly, or throw it in as-is. "Do, or do not. There is no try."

What he said.

What they said. I say leave it alone. Don't replace headgaskets, etc. If it aint broke, don't break it.

pull the pan change the oil pump and rear main seal. when you have the pan down check the timing chain as well. this stuff is easier to do with the engine on a stand than it is when it's in the truck. An ounce of prevention........