O-ringed block headgasket change?

[theskeptic]

Ok, I have this motor that's been o-ringed. When I change the headgasket does the brass (?) wire I see around each cylinder need to be replaced or can it be used multiple times? This is the first time the head has been off the motor.

If it needs to be replaced, where can I get this wire and what's the proper way to remove the old stuff and install the new?

Thanks,

N00b

:big grin:

[JDIZZ]

It is most likely copper wire. That is what I use. No, don't change it unless is has been damaged. It can be used multiple times.

[theskeptic]

Wire looks good.

Here's another one: What's the easiest way to remove varnish from the tops of the pistons? I knew my car was running rich, but dayum, my pistons are sticky on top. If I use brake cleaner or a little paint thinner on a rag it takes forever.

I was running one of Neil Emiro's first 3-bar/+40 cals for about 3,000 miles, so I'm sure it was really really liberal with the fuel. Even with the fuel pressure turned down to 34 psi it belched black chunks. Yay for standalones!

-Dana

[JDIZZ]

1) paint stripper
2) oven cleaner

[Mfree]

No oven cleaner on aluminum!

[ebola]

hes right, no acids, or have much water by side. I usualy do sanding with 1000 mark paper(europe, sorry), and wool/polishing paste afterwards.But guys says acids are good either. I never tried, but one experienced machine man said, U put some strong acid on aluminium, it gets black, and right after U use lots of water.It becomes shiny, what is very goood for combustion....

[Mfree]

Acids may be fine (I wouldn't risk it) but unfortunately oven cleaner is not an acid, it's almost pure lye... a strong base, or alkali depending on your terminology.

If you spray it on and leave it you very well may dissolve the piston crown, if not at least take off a couple hundredths, which can't be very good for the piston's strength... spray a little oven cleaner on some aluminum foil (outside!) and see just how quickly that works.

[theskeptic]

Would automotive laquer(Sp?) thinner be safe and effective?

-Dana

[glhsken]

I believe Joe was meaning the cast block.. not the head... as the o-rings are in the block.

[Mfree]

"What's the easiest way to remove varnish from the tops of the pistons? I knew my car was running rich, but dayum, my pistons are sticky on top."

Followed by a suggestion of oven cleaner... that's why I freaked

[Mopar_Nutz]

I used a soft wire brush and it worked pretty well. I guess I'll wait and see if anyone tells me it was a bad idea though

[JDIZZ]

Quote:

Originally posted by JDIZZ 1) paint stripper 2) oven cleaner

My falt, I did a quick post and was not specific. My first choose is is paint stripper. Specifically "Crest" brand in a spray bomb. Second choose is "Simple Green" oven cleaner. I clean aluminum parts in the sink with this. I did not know if the pistons the writer was referring to were in the motor or not. I wash most of my parts in the sink before assembly. It works well as a degreaser and I don't let it sit on the part for a long time. I never cleaned an oven before, so I don't know about other brands. Sorry for the confusion.

[Mfree]

It's no big deal, lesson learned

Classic "spray-on" oven cleaner is almost pure lye, it'll burn through aluminum before you can even react to wash it off.

Does that to skin too, I guess that's why they have big "DON"T TOUCH!!!", "WEAR RUBBER GLOVES AT ALL TIMES!!!", and "DON'T BREATH THE FUMES!!!" printed on the outside of the cans.

Simple green is great stuff

[JDIZZ]

Quote:

Originally posted by glhsken I believe Joe was meaning the cast block.. not the head... as the o-rings are in the block.

Ken, that was my mistake. Don't ban me yet Maybe I should stay in the transmission section.

[glhsken]

Quote:

Originally posted by JDIZZ Ken, that was my mistake. Don't ban me yet Maybe I should stay in the transmission section.

LOL...