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Engine Specific Info and Questions => IDI Engine => Topic started by: rubadubdub on March 09, 2008, 04:58:55 pm

Title: cleaning block tips (HG repair)
Post by: rubadubdub on March 09, 2008, 04:58:55 pm

Any tips on cleaning the block when doing HG repair?

I searched previously and found suggestions to use a stanley knife blade, which i did.

Problem is although it feels smooth (blade does not catch at all when running across the surface) there are clearly still marks visible on the surface from the previous gasket. A passer-by who stopped to talk to me said i should definately use some 1000 grit wet and dry on it to remove them.

Is it a good idea to clean the block with wet and dry? Or am i worrying about nothing as you would you expect to still see gasket marks even after cleaning?

Also, any tips on removing the bell housing viewer without a massive hexagon bit?

Thanks

Title: cleaning block tips (HG repair)
Post by: burn_your_money on March 09, 2008, 08:10:42 pm

A wire wheel works fine, just stuff rags into the bores. Sandpaper works fine too but takes longer. Don't use a wire wheel on the head though... just in case that's not obvious

Title: cleaning block tips (HG repair)
Post by: Vincent Waldon on March 09, 2008, 08:20:29 pm

I use 800 or 1000 grit sandpaper on a very firm sanding block and oil it down.

I also don't get carried away.  IMHO you want really smooth... which is different from "brand new metal everywhere, no trace of the original gasket".

The gasket is reasonably forgiving !

Title: cleaning block tips (HG repair)
Post by: rubadubdub on March 10, 2008, 02:39:20 pm

cheers guys. Dont have a wire wheel so 1000 grit and elbow grease it is. The head has been milled flat so i wont be going anywhere near it.

Title: cleaning block tips (HG repair)
Post by: somolovitch3 on March 11, 2008, 04:21:20 am

Find bolt with correct size head, or use cir-clip pliers spread to catch the corrners, long nose pliers? :twisted:

Title: cleaning block tips (HG repair)
Post by: the caveman on March 11, 2008, 04:28:39 am

i use a medium pair of waterpump or channel lock pliers. I also think the wheel bolt/ generator socket tool that came with air-cooled beetles fit.

Title: cleaning block tips (HG repair)
Post by: Turbinepowered on April 08, 2008, 12:20:09 am

Quote from: "Vincent Waldon"

I use 800 or 1000 grit sandpaper on a very firm sanding block and oil it down.

I also don't get carried away.  IMHO you want really smooth... which is different from "brand new metal everywhere, no trace of the original gasket".

The gasket is reasonably forgiving !

Would 660 grit still work? I already have the 660, I'd have to go buy anything finer...

Title: cleaning block tips (HG repair)
Post by: Vincent Waldon on April 08, 2008, 09:29:46 am

Quote from: "Turbinepowered"

Quote from: "Vincent Waldon"

I use 800 or 1000 grit sandpaper on a very firm sanding block and oil it down.

I also don't get carried away.  IMHO you want really smooth... which is different from "brand new metal everywhere, no trace of the original gasket".

The gasket is reasonably forgiving !

Would 660 grit still work? I already have the 660, I'd have to go buy anything finer...

I'd think so... not that much different between that and the 800 I have lying around... the trick, imho, is to not get carried away and dig in grooves.

Title: cleaning block tips (HG repair)
Post by: oldskool rich on April 08, 2008, 04:19:26 pm

thort you put the head back on mate.

i hav a wire wheel if you want to borrow it.
dont suppose your cumin to spring festival this weekend?
im dragging the caddy :lol:

what hav you got left to do to yours?

Title: cleaning block tips (HG repair)
Post by: myke_w on April 08, 2008, 09:52:00 pm

I use a green scotchbrite wheel on a 90 degree die grinder and that works great, cleans it up in a hell of a hurry -> takes about a minute.  (ditto, don't get near the head with it)

Title: cleaning block tips (HG repair)
Post by: Turbinepowered on April 09, 2008, 11:26:47 am

And to clean the head? A light oiling and a gentle light dash with the fine-grit paper?

Title: cleaning block tips (HG repair)
Post by: burn_your_money on April 09, 2008, 11:34:21 am

I use WD40 and 1000 grit sandpaper on a smooth, flat wooden block. Cam removed is preferred. You have to let the head drain upright for a while because the precups fill with all the removed carbon and crap.

Title: cleaning block tips (HG repair)
Post by: Turbinepowered on April 09, 2008, 12:15:04 pm

Quote from: "burn_your_money"

I use WD40 and 1000 grit sandpaper on a smooth, flat wooden block. Cam removed is preferred. You have to let the head drain upright for a while because the precups fill with all the removed carbon and crap.

Cool deal. What kind of shop are you getting 1k grit paper from? Most of the local places are woodworking oriented, and only carry grits up to 660. Even 660 is a bit hard to find at times.

Automotive paint supply shops?

Title: cleaning block tips (HG repair)
Post by: Baselyne on April 09, 2008, 12:55:27 pm

get the wet sand stuff... they carry up to 2000 at canadian tire, I beleave it's black

Title: cleaning block tips (HG repair)
Post by: Possum79 on April 09, 2008, 01:30:33 pm

I got 2k grit from like Kmart or Walmart. Its pretty much all over the place. Usually it automotive and not paint areas though.

Title: cleaning block tips (HG repair)
Post by: Zulfiqar on April 09, 2008, 04:24:31 pm

I have a proxxon (Germany) toolkit and the 21 mm spark plug socket it has - has got a neat hexagon milled onto the back end of it, It fits perfectly onto the plastic plug, - and I also use it to unscrew the front suspension unit bolts - as its hollow and an allen wrench passes through it. Seems as if proxxon made to service VW Golfs