Cleaning Oil Galley's

[Joe Del]

I brought my case to the machine shop yesterday to have it cleaned. What's the best way to clean out the oil galley's? I want to be sure I get all the crud out before I begin assembly. Should I use mild soap, dish washing liquid, degreaser, simple green? I usually use only pressurized water and compressed air, but I don't want to take any chances with this motor.

[tarnx56]

Most pneumatic or air valves are aluminum. I have a great deal of luck using brake cleaner to clean out gunk. Block the ends and fill it with the cleaner and let it set. Then drain it. Brake cleaner evaporates with out a residue. The cheap ones work as good as the more expensive ones. A brass rifle brush or better yet a stiff plastic brush can be used to get the more stuborn deposits. Remember aluminum is soft so take easy if you use a brass or steel brush. You are just trying to clean it up not wallow it out. I have flattened the ends of a brass brazing rod and bent it 90 degrees to form a scrapper to save a $800 valve. Hope this helps.