Small block Chevy engine GUNK cleaning

[dickeymoore]

I bought a good used complete running small block Chevy 400 engine and when I remove the valve cover there is a lot of gunk in the head what's the best way to clean this engine I have heard automatic transmission fluid or kerosene anyone know how this process is done and what's the best thing to use to clean the engine? THANKS

 

[DRIVEN]

Do not disturb.

 

[dickeymoore]

Why you say do not disturb what about changing the heads and oil pump

 

[DRIVEN]

All that crud has settled and isn't really hurting anything. If you loosen it up it'll be floating around in the engine. The big stuff will clog the pickup screen. The little stuff that makes it through the screen will plug your filter. Then the rest will go past the bypass and through your bearings.
Obviously the best way to clean your engine is total disassembly and hot tanking. But at that point, why not rebuild it? It obviously didn't get the treatment it deserved up until now.
So, without a bunch of extra time, money and hassle, my recommendation is do not disturb.

 

[dickeymoore]

So what about changing out the heads,oil pump and timing chain I have these parts hanging around the heads are used 882 castingsI removedfrom another running sbc 400 engine

 

[dickeymoore]

THANKS

 

[DRIVEN]

So what about changing out the heads,oil pump and timing chain I have these parts hanging around the heads are used 882 castingsI removedfrom another running sbc 400 engine

Sounds fine to me. Your first post said "good used complete running" so I made the assumption you didn't intend to break it down. No problem with your plan at all. Probably needs a new timing chain anyway. New oil pump is a good idea too. Carrfy on.

 

[dickeymoore]

Ok Thanks

 

[axisg]

Like driven was saying dont start scraping it all off as it will just gum up the pickup and oil filter. It took a long time to build up.
Some high detergent oil ( like trans fluid ) run in the engine for a day then change the oil. It will help it to break down the grime over the next DECADE or so. Anything too aggressive will again block the pickup in the oil pan and plug the oil filter. Good oil, good filter, regular changes

 

[dickeymoore]

So if I run the engine on a engine stand how much trans fluid should I put in it and should I mix it with oil?THANKS