clean and prepare engine for paint

The 235 engine in my '55 1st series Chevy truck needs to be replaced. I found a great 235 engine in a '60 Chevy truck for a good price. Pulled the engine and hauled it home. Its coated with grease and sitting in my garage. I removed the bellhousing, clutch, flywheel, intake manifold, exhaust manifold and carburator. I want to degrease and clean the engine and prepare it for paint. Looking for any suggestions for degreasing and cleaning the engine.

 

Oven cleaner and a power washer worked great for me. I just sprayed it on thick and let it sit for several hours then power washed it off. Took it down to almost a bare metal.

Ryland

 

I load it up in the truck and take it to the quarter car wash. (how long has it been since it was a quarter?)

After that, I usually start with a putty knife to scrape the heavy stuff off and work down to smaller screwdrivers for the smaller areas. The build up was made in layers over time and I've never found a grease cutter that would work through it all even in several applications. Then it's on to the wire brush.

Once the heavy stuff is gone and you have an oily cast iron surface then you can start with the degreaser. I use a can of Gunk spray degeaser and a scrub brush. Then a final application of lacquer thinner or mineral spirits to wash away anything left.

I always end up wet and filthy but the engine is ready for paint.

 

AAAAHHH yes the last sentence is never spoken but oh so true. hahahaha

 

I did this. I only let it sit for 10 minutes or so though.

Before:


After oven cleaner:


After paint:

 

I sprayed Gunk and left it on for an hour. Took it to a car wash and sprayed it down. It looked a little better. Came home and took a putty knife and screw driver to remove the chenks. I sprayed it with oven cleaner. Let it be for a half hour. Cleaned it with soap and water. It is looking better. Still more preparation left. I believe the oven cleaner worked the best.

 

Oven cleaner (let it set and do it's thing) and power washer. I'm lucky enough to have hot water in the garage, so that helped running that through the power washer.

I tried doing it with a putty knife and got so damned frustrated it wasn't even funny. Whipped out the power washer and was done in 15 minutes....

 

thanks for the info

 

I've found a combination steel-bristle brush and scraper deal at the local Home Depot for about $1. Sprayed straight citrus degreaser on the motor, then applied my own (elbow) grease...did a bang up job. This was on a VERY nasty chevy 292 that came out of a farm truck...some places had over 1/2" thick coating!