I have the cylinder block out and just got it deglazed, getting ready to put it back into the bike.

It's really dirty between the fins and all around the exterior... whats the best way to clean it up before I stick it back into the bike?  I was thinking of just dropping it in the sink and hitting it with some dish soap and a brush, then dry it with my hair dryer. 

Is that okay or is it not a good idea?

Itzokay.  Aircompressor better, but doesn't have the dehydration of heat that a blowdryer would; follow the crosshatch around on high, and then use a clean white sock turned inside-out to follow the crosshatch again; should come out perfectly clean.

I prefer kerosene.

Quote from: scratch on January 15, 2007, 06:00:53 PM
I prefer kerosene.

Kerosene on the outside between the fins too?

Already used kerosene to clean off the carbon buildup around the top and bottom of the cylinder, then acetone to remove the gasket gunk buildup.  But on the outside?  That'd be kind of a mess...  and it's just dirt.

Dont put water anywhere near the block. The danger with using water on any machined iron surface is of flash-rust forming. On a freshly deglazed block it will take only minutes to develop. I am surprised that whoever deglazed the block didnt coat the bores with grease or an anti-rust wax spray as soon as they had finished it as it is good practise. Idealy you need to use a solvant based de-greaser like Jizer or Gunk that doesnt contain water. Place the block in an old dishbowl or similar leave it to soak for a bit and use a stiff paintbrush to get the sh**e out from between the fins. Then blow it off with compresed air. Keep some clean solvant back to rinse off the bores. Flash-rust can form just from moisture in the atmosphere so coat it with WD40 staright away.

Thanks...

Would have been a disaster

I don't know about a disassembled block, but on the bike I love Simple Green and a hose.  It's amazing how clean Simple Green works with little to know effort.  Just spray it on, let it sit, and spray it off with clean water.  Repeat if necessary.   Seriously, that stuff is great!