What's the best way to clean out the freeze plug water jackets on a big block?

[62maxx]

I currently have my 413 on an engine stand still complete before I do a top end rebuild. I am NOT going to hot tank the block. What is a good method to clean the water jackets?

 

[autoxcuda]

coat hanger, stiff wire, hose removal pick tool, engine brush kit.

 

[RemCharger]

Pull core plugs, scrape around in there, pressure wash

 

[dodgeboy440]

I currently have my 413 on an engine stand still complete before I do a top end rebuild. I am NOT going to hot tank the block. What is a good method to clean the water jackets?



View attachment 1892380

Get somebody else to do it for you ….

 

[autoxcuda]

Get somebody else to do it for you ….

They typically are not going to put extra the time to chip away and find on the rust scale.

I mean they could do it, but for the time it would take you balk at the $$ charge.

 

[R413]

If you have one on the car you can run then use thermocure by evaporust. Just an amazing cleaner for cooling systems. Worth every penny, one jug for 3 gallons, won't hurt aluminum. It says to drive with it in there, heat is good.

Summit Racing SUM-TC001 Summit Racing™ EVAPO-RUST THERMOCURE | Summit Racing

Make sure all the antifreeze is out before using. So pull the block plugs and rinse it out a couple times first.

 

[Darter6]

Do machine shops still boil the blocks ?

 

[33 IMP]

Home project? Pull all the freeze plugs, and pressure wash. You might be able to do it at a diy car wash, but a pressure washer around the house has many uses.

 

[coloradodave]

Get somebody else to do it for you ….

Too funny...

 

[Nirvana]

Pressure washer, long flat head screwdriver for digging all the holes free, a coat hanger.

 

[rickseeman]

Do machine shops still boil the blocks ?

They might tell you they do, but when it comes out it will be rustier than when it went in. That's the last 3 shops I used. I even asked the last guy, "Do you use caustic"? He said yes. $100 thrown away. Before leaving your block ask to see something he just did. I guess they don't use the good stuff anymore. Maybe EPA problems?

 

[33 IMP]

They might tell you they do, but when it comes out it will be rustier than when it went in. That's the last 3 shops I used. I even asked the last guy, "Do you use caustic"? He said yes. $100 thrown away. Before leaving your block ask to see something he just did. I guess they don't use the good stuff anymore. Maybe EPA problems?

Due to environmental concerns, and hazardous waste disposal, REAL hot tanks have disappeared in california. Not strictly illegal, they might as well be.
(The stuff we were forced to use in the wash tank at my company was complete garbage 20 years ago!)
I've seen the rotating spray devices that are supposed to take their place.
I'm betting my pressure washer can do as well at home.
(If buying a pressure washer, find one that can use hot water. Mine says no.)

 

[Lefty71]

I'm betting my pressure washer can do as well at home.
(If buying a pressure washer, find one that can use hot water. Mine says no.)

Ill take a medium pressure hot water (not quite steam) unit over a high pressure cold water unit any day.

 

[dodgeboy440]

G

Do machine shops still boil the blocks ?

yes they do !
Hot Tank / Bake / Bead Blast .
They come out looking like new !

 

[autoxcuda]

I think with heavy scale chemicals, don't do the complete job. You gotta get in there and look around every passage with a light. Some are in decent shape. But with50-60 year old block many you have to knock the scale out.

 

[Geoff 2]

Get a small, round, wire brush for an electric drill. Use THAT to clean the freeze plug opening back to clean metal. Use silicon on the NEW plug to seal it