Heat exchangers

[vannin]

I have 2 82 model AC buses. The keeper has rusted out heat exchangers but theparts bus has had and oil leak that has kept the rust on the exchangers to a minimum.
How/should I clean them up being an Aussie Im not sure how often I,l actually use the heater but I thought it would be easier to do while its apart.
Also is there a "better" gasket to use when I put it together?
PS Im very new to AC so Im learning as I go here.

Thanks Nik

[Wildthings]

Scrape any crap off the outsides and then just remove the accordion tubes and drive normally. The tubes will slowly burn themselves clean on the inside. Seal the ducts going forward into the cab with tape to keep from using the tubes as homes and entryways while you have the accordion tubes off. After 5000 miles or so you can reinstall the tubes and not have much in the way of stink.

[Randy in Maine]

You can also spray your favorite solvent in there and rinse it out good. I use Castrol Purple myself.

Repeat if needed.

[vannin]

Thanks for the replies. Im reading up as much as I can on AC engines. SO I could degrease then run not connected for awhile to help clean it out?
It has been a project for the last 2 years so hopefully it will se road use soon.
Nik

[zeohsix]

You could also have them sand or media blasted and paint them with a high quality epoxy or exhaust paint. They will live much longer doing it that way.

[bluebus86]

might as well connect them all up, if they stink from the cleaning solution, it will burn off, just turn the heat off to keep fumes out of the cab.