Chem Dip the Heads?

[Redneck]

Okay i have removed the valves from the heads and then i took them to the Hobby shop on base and ran them through the parts cleaner several times. Scrubbed and shoved in all the ins and outs and between the fins, but it still looks kind of dirty. I am planning on Chem dipping the Carbs was wondering if I can do the same with the heads or should I take em to the car wash and use the pressure sprayer and brake cleaning cycle on em? Any ideas. Don't have a pressure washer or compressor at home. The eventual plan is to paint the heads to match the rest of the upper engine. That is all that is left to paint the rest is done.
Thanks in advance.

Paul

[friedshrooms]

i wouldn't put water within 3 feet of a head

[spchips]

If the valves and cams are out I see no reason not to. However, the chem dip doesn't do much for heavy grease. It will help with stains though

[chef1366]

If the aluminum is oxidized paint it. No cleaning will fix this.
You can polish the aluminum with a dremmel or some kind of polishing wheel.
Give a holler to Renobruce. He has this down to a science.

[Redneck]

Thanks for the responses and opinions. I will probably give Reno a holler but paint is in the future.

[Nessism]

I have a 5 gallon sealable bucket that I use to soak heads and cylinders in. Place the head/cylinder in the bucket and dump in two gallons of old carb dip. Shake the bucket as often as I can remember and a couple of days later the head is nicely degreased.

[Texasgs]

dip

Chemdip is the best, dont hesitate. You might consider getting it media blasted for the best appearance.

[Redneck]

Late update to this thread. Did the Chem dip at work on the heads and did not get the results I was looking for, was a little disappointed but as I was getting ready to leave the shop area we were in my buddy showed me a wet blaster soda blaster. Now they look like they are fresh out of the box. I believe I have pictures of it in my project album.

[psyguy]

yea, media blasting IS the way to go. where can we see the photos please?

[Redneck]

I will steal my wife's phone after work and get some posted. I thought I had some in my photo album but I was mistaken.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/album.php?albumid=891

that is the link to my photo album where I am currently trying to keep a visual documentation of my project. I will post some pics here after I get off work tonight.

[Redneck]

Before and after PICS

Here is before media blasting



Here is after



Here is the top



What makes it so cool is the grease and oxidation between the fins is gone and everything looks like it just came out of the box. It took me all of about 15 minutes.

[Smokinapankake]

Looks really nice!

[tas850g]

would glass bead work well to? I have a sand blaster at the school i work at that i can use most anytime.

[Redneck]

I am no expert on blasting. Just got into it a little because I had the equipment available at work. The engine parts I did use what is called a wet blaster. It is a high powered water stream that uses an abrasive media in this case I think it is like baking soda. I am not 100% sure but i can find out tonight. Anyway, it stripped away the oxidization and carbon on the heads with relative ease but did not really removal of any of the aluminum and left a very smooth clean finish. I also use a dry booth that I belive is using garnett sand. It is a little rougher nad leaves the material with a slight rough feel. I believe glass would be close to this. It is great for paint prep though. I would test it on something like your starter cover see how that feels. Then maybe the inside of sprocket cover, some piece of aluminum and not visible in case it is a rougher finish than you like then you can go from there. But that is my $.02 and the little experience that i have to go on.

[psyguy]

from what i have researched and seen i think you want vapor blasting (like suggested - water and small particles). dry sand (or glass of the same grit) would certainly clean the surface but may leave a rough finish (darker in color and with no shine either)