Engine Cleaning Methods and Safety Guidelines
Learn about the different cleaning methods for engine parts, including cleaning with bases, acids, solvents, and various tools. Ensure safe and effective cleaning with this comprehensive guide.
Engine Cleaning Methods and Safety Guidelines
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Presentation Transcript
Chapter 5 Cleaning the Engine
Objectives • Safely and correctly use cleaning tools and equipment • Describe the best choice of cleaning method for a particular application
Cleaning with Bases • Cut grease very well • Work best when heated • Most automotive soaps are alkaline
Cleaning with Acids • To remove rust and scale • Will not cut grease • Remove grease and oil with alkaline solution before using acid to remove rust • They can cause damage to air conditioning and electrical components
Cleaning with Solvents • Three types of solvents: • Mineral spirits • Water-based • Chlorinated hydrocarbons • Disposal of solvents is regulated by hazardous waste laws
Solvent Parts Cleaning Tanks • Use a petroleum-based solvent • Include a bristle tip parts brush for removal of grease • Some include agitators to keep solvent moving for reduced cleaning time
Hot Soak Tanks • One of the oldest forms of cleaning • Items are soaked for one to eight hours • Parts are placed in basket or lifting table
Spray Washers • Similar to a dishwasher • Heats water to 180ºF or hotter • Parts are placed on a rotating platform
Spray Washers • Advantages • Speed, safety, and drying time • Disadvantages • Do not clean oil galleys as well as hot tank • Parts rust if not removed immediately
Manual Cleaning Methods • Wire wheel • Handheld wire brush • Sandpaper • Scotch Brite • Surface conditioning discs • Handheld gasket scrapper
Glass Bead Blaster • Effective for carbon removal • Removes flaws and stress spots • Compressed air forces glass beads through a nozzle • Use caution when bead blasting engine parts • Glass beads can get lodged into oil galleys
Soda Blaster • Baking soda • Soda used once and is not reclaimed • Removal or residual baking soda from galleys is not as crucial as glass beads • Works well for carbon • Not as effective on rust
Airless Blaster • Shot Blaster • Environmentally friendly • Oil and grease must be removed first • Tumbler is used after to remove steel shot • Process distorts machined surfaces • Shot comes in different sizes
Thermal Cleaning • High temperature oven turns oil and grease to ash • Convection • Open Flame • Ferrous metals are cooked at 700ºF • Aluminum is cooked at 450ºF