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Thu Oct 27, 2011 7:46 am

I see a lot of the 36 builds where the cases look like a million bucks. Some are painted, chemically treated to change colors, and all in all look great. I am prepping one now and it is going to need some work but internally it is better than the other one I have so function first. Any suggestions on cleaning and prep?

Thu Oct 27, 2011 10:33 am

Every builder will have their own take on this, here's mine.

Most automotive machine shops have a parts washer in the back, that resembles an industrial dishwasher. They work great for removing the surface gunk and grime, given enough time. After machine work and before the build, you must hand clean the oil passages, through.

If that isn't convenient, then paint thinner, solvent, 'motor bath' painted on and left to soak, hit it with a wire brush. Cleaning up any white chaulky oxided areas with a scotchbrite pad and wire toothbrush works. Messy business doing it this way, wear throw away clothes and big safety glasses, keep your mouth closed if you don't like the taste of petro-based cleaners.

For the oil passages, a high pressure washer (the kind used for cleaning driveways and building paint prep, 1500psi or more) works real well, followed by hand scrubbing with brass rifle bore brushes available at most sporting goods stores for little money. Compressed air is also a must for this, to blow out any residual junk that the water blasting and bore brush treatment might have left behind. Tedious but necessary work.

Joe does an awesome show quality job with the chem treatment he uses on the engine cases he builds from. But his customers are willing to pay for that level of detail, for an engine perhaps going into a very special and rare car. Looks great, but not needed for a functionally high quality rebuild. They sure look nice, though :D

Thu Oct 27, 2011 11:48 am

Here is some of my work showing proper case prep./results. Enjoy. Cheers! Mr. Okrasa 8)

1952 Barndoor 25hp Longblock

1300cc Stroker Longblock Build

Dont forget these plugs also!

Fri Oct 28, 2011 6:33 pm

Thanks Guys! I appreciate the input and that is a nice looking case. This is my first 36 so the shot of the back is good to see.

This one is going to require a dozen scotch brite pads but isn't oily. My father in law puts them in the block washer at the shop for 3-4 hours, a type 4 case came out looking great last month. I'd say like new but these darn things are so pourus that they never look new again it seems.

I've got one that is really oily and dirty. It was removed to be rebuilt in 1971 and the guy put it in his basement and it sat. I have no idea what is under all the oil and grime. It could be in better shape. Maybe I'll finish tearing this one down and see what's under the oil. It won't be oxidized like the other one.

I've been reading a little about the chemical treatments but seems like a lot of work. Nice for a car build or a show car but we race, seems like a lot of work for racing.