Cleaning damaged engine internals cheaply for display

[EmilA]

Got most of the internals from my engine that I want to clean, with the aim of using them around the garage as like a handle to open a door. This includes cams, valve springs, rods and also pistons.

I saw a thread about cleaning them to re-use but since I just want them cleaned for display, I'd like to know the cheapest way to clean them up please?

[hellorent]

Soak in paraffin

[Lotobear]

..I wait for the missus to go shopping and then stick them in the dishwasher

[EmilA]

Dishwasher actually works? I'd be half tempted to do that haha

Paraffin sounds like a good idea too, one of the boxes they came in a big plastic one so could use that to soak them in.

[Lotobear]

Dishwasher is actually brilliant - I use it for a final pre assembly clean (without detergent which can damage some aluminium parts) and they come up spotless.

On bare metal machined parts you need to be quick as rust can very quickly set in once they start to dry

[MrBig]

Dishwashers are great for parts cleaning. I used to have an old tabletop one in the garage for parts washing, until it blew up

[Mars]

Dishwasher works well but there's always a residual "engine" smell after washing engine parts.

[RizzoTheRat]

I used Mr Muscle oven cleaner and a stuff brush on my bike pistons, cleaned them up really well. I'd be inclined to get them as clean as you can by hand and then stick them in the dish washer.

[E-bmw]

RizzoTheRat said:

I used Mr Muscle oven cleaner and a stuff brush on my bike pistons, cleaned them up really well. I'd be inclined to get them as clean as you can by hand and then stick them in the dish washer.

^^^^ Wot 'e said.

Done it many times before, quick blast with your degreaser of choice, then into the dishwasher, just make sure the cycle used is short enough to be done before getting caught & dry them immediately & completely to prevent the usual quick onset of rust appearing.

[EmilA]

I can't use the dishwasher if its going to leave a smell behind. But do have a big tub of degreaser from screwfix that I can use. Thanks all.

[Harry H]

Many years ago I had to change the main bearings on my little 2T moped. A sixteener AP50.

Only way to ge the old ones out was to heat the crank cases in the oven. My mum wasn't too happy on return from work to find I'd stank the whole house out. Had to clean the oven 3 times before the smell of oil kept ruining the Sunday roast.

[CorradoTDI]

If it's a few bits I'd take to a local garage and get them done in a parts washer...

[dhutch]

EmilA said:

I can't use the dishwasher if its going to leave a smell behind. But do have a big tub of degreaser from screwfix that I can use. Thanks all.

Should be fine if you run a cycle after to clean.

As said, just watch out as the detergent will change the appearance of aluminium parts, especially if its allow to pool on them.

[ssray]

Mr muscle is good for removing the carbon buildup on pistons, as is nitromores.

The dishwasher is really good, hottest setting and run some dishwasher cleaner through it after

[p4cks]

EmilA said:

I can't use the dishwasher if its going to leave a smell behind. But do have a big tub of degreaser from screwfix that I can use. Thanks all.

This is great stuff, and you'll likely still need to dilute it - it's incredibly potent stuff.

Also, wear gloves.

[Liamjrhodes]

elbow grease branded cleaning stuff is great and pretty cheap