Chapter 5 Cleaning the Engine

Objectives Safely and correctly use cleaning tools and equipment Describe the best choice of cleaning method for a particular application

Cleaning with Bases Cut grease very well Work best when heated Most automotive soaps are alkaline

Cleaning with Acids To remove rust and scale Will not cut grease Remove grease and oil with alkaline solution before using acid to remove rust They can cause damage to air conditioning and electrical components

Cleaning with Acids

Cleaning with Solvents Three types of solvents: Mineral spirits Water-based Chlorinated hydrocarbons Disposal of solvents is regulated by hazardous waste laws

Solvent Parts Cleaning Tanks Use a petroleum-based solvent Include a bristle tip parts brush for removal of grease Some include agitators to keep solvent moving for reduced cleaning time

Solvent Parts Cleaning Tanks

Hot Soak Tanks One of the oldest forms of cleaning Items are soaked for one to eight hours Parts are placed in basket or lifting table

Hot Soak Tanks

Spray Washers Similar to a dishwasher Heats water to 180ºF or hotter Parts are placed on a rotating platform

Spray Washers Advantages Disadvantages Speed, safety, and drying time Do not clean oil galleys as well as hot tank Parts rust if not removed immediately

Spray Washers

Manual Cleaning Methods Wire wheel Handheld wire brush Sandpaper Scotch Brite Surface conditioning discs Handheld gasket scrapper

Glass Bead Blaster Effective for carbon removal Removes flaws and stress spots Compressed air forces glass beads through a nozzle Use caution when bead blasting engine parts Glass beads can get lodged into oil galleys

Glass Bead Blaster

Soda Blaster Baking soda Soda used once and is not reclaimed Removal or residual baking soda from galleys is not as crucial as glass beads Works well for carbon Not as effective on rust

Soda Blaster

Airless Blaster Shot Blaster Environmentally friendly Oil and grease must be removed first Tumbler is used after to remove steel shot Process distorts machined surfaces Shot comes in different sizes

Thermal Cleaning High temperature oven turns oil and grease to ash Convection Open Flame Ferrous metals are cooked at 700ºF Aluminum is cooked at 450ºF