Hot-tanking okay for old cases?

[xpofer]

I'm rebuilding the 1200 on a '64. This is my first VW. I'm by no means a professional mechanic, but I've rebuilt a few engines. I've always started by taking the block, manifolds, etc. to the machine shop for 'hot-tanking'. When I took these case halves in, the guy said, "oooh... are those magnesium or aluminum?" and went on to explain that whatever solvent they use seems to damage magnesium. I told him I'd find out and call him back.

Research on the Samba has revealed that ALL factory cases are magnesium.

Anyone have experience with this? I could resort to the tried and true "Armstrong" method, but 1) I'm lazy and 2) these are really dirty.

Are there truly bad solvents/cleaning methods to avoid? Is there a method preferred by those who have rebuilt a ton of these?

[Jim Hunter]

Some cleaning solvents are highly corrosive and can eat magnesium in a few hours!!!

Oven cleaner works wonders in a mag case !
And if you want to really clean it you need to remove the oil galleys plugs to clean them too!

Good luck,
Jim

[PK]

Look for a shop that will basically steam clean it, Hot water and heat.
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59 Beetle Sunroof, Gas Heater
69 Notchback Auto Trans, Dual Carbs - Sold
69 Notchback Manual Trans, FI, Gas Heater -Sold
69 Notchback Auto Trans, FI, Gas Heater

[sunroof]

The chemicals they use for stripping and cleaning cast iron will eat the magnesium.

Don
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Better and better mistakes!

[bugheadred]

Im not telling you to take it to the car wash but that is what I do

[Murt]

Cillit Bang
Hot Water
Stiff brush
Elbow Grease

Seriously look up Cillit Bang, do you have it in the States ?
They have been spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in the uk on cleaning metalwork at decommissioned nuke plants, and this stuff at $3 a go was found to be a fantastic solution if you’ll excuse the pun
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1966 VW Beetle ‘Jules’
1967 Kombi Splitscreen ‘Barney’
2018 VW Caddy Maxi R Line
2017 Golf GTD saloon
2008 VW EOS 2.0 TFSi

[bluebus86]

paint thinner works well.

Some hot tank recipes will damage the VW case, others are ok. Besure the hot tank is magnesium safe.

Good Luck.

Bug On! With a clean motor!
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Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information

Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022

[TDCTDI]

An old dish washing machine works beautifully.
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