i did a little research and apparently hydrochloric acid (what concentration? i don't know) is suitable for the engine block (cast steel bits)and chromic acid for the heads (aluminium alloy bits). i have never tried cleaning parts like this before, myself, however when done properly i have seen some sterling results. can anyone suggest what is the go?
Some things are worth paying for .... How much acid would you need to dip a block? How would you environmentally dispose of it afterwards? Do you know how much it costs to get someone to do it for you?
yep i agree, i was going to keep it for a while, we have a few cars to maintain (4), i have the z pulled down to the block at the moment, it has got a lot of soot heated into the block,i like the idea of getting back to as good as new.i would estimate the volume using steel density at 7850kg/cubic meter, estimate block mass at 160kg hence displacement would be 160/7850 = 20litres. to completely submerge block you could just through some other steel in with it. i quess. i have emailed some questions about some stuff called ARDROX, i will know once i hear from them,
Acid Baths ! Um ! Best be careful with using hydrochloric acid when cleaning metal parts that are under stress. What can happen is a procees called hydrogen embrittlement were by by free hydrogen atoms get into the metal and weaken the molecular structure of the part being cleaned. This gives way to micro cracking and then failure of the part in question. Thats usually why engine blocks are " hot tanked " or boiled with a caustic solution to get them clean. Just be sure the cleaners steam pressure clean the part with a soap solution after the proceess is finished to remove all traces of caustic.
thanks for that i am going to try some stuff called Gamstrip, it is apparently alkaline not acidic, and can be used with aluminium alloys. so you are spot on.
