[Vwdiesel] Honing advice needed!

[Shawn Wright]

On 31 Mar 2005 at 8:08, H .  Hagar. <h_hagar at prcn.org> wrote:

> I   Hagar totally agree with Loren -----   and I do like strong caustic boilout tanks .
> I still use them at times.  ----They fell out of favor some years ago ---due to Aluminium and
> Magnesium use.
> If you are replacing all bearings ----by all means boil the daylight out of it. 

I've been quoted from $50 - 85 for a tanking, so I'm tempted to do it myself. I can buy 
a lot of cleaners for $50!
 
> BUT remember you must repaint.   I do not do VW blocks ----because they are Sandcastings
> and the internal paint holds sand in place.   I would read James Hansen real carefully.

You mean there is paint on the inside of the block? I don't quite understand how 
these castings are made - I mean, I understand the basics, but it amazes me how 
they can cast all those passages so well. 
 
> Chemical cleaners are getting really good these days. ---SO think.

The place I called today said they had both caustic and chemical baths. I guess the 
question is can I do a good enough job at home?

> Anyway I can see that you are well on the way to become a fanatic DIY.  ----a few years from
> now you will be very good at it if you keep going like this.

I hope so... call me cheap (I am), but I also see each experience as a chance to 
learn, so I don't worry too much about the time I spend (as long as it is reasonable).

> By the skin of my teeth you would own Bunny Bondos engine for 600 dollars. Then
> Scott Kair and Loren and Val Christian ---talked me in to at least try the turbo.
> I was HOOKED on turbo. NOT for the power ---hell NO ---for the CLEAN burning.

Glad you like it... yes, I love the turbo, and can't wait to get mine going again, this 
time in the van! :-)
 
> And burn she does---every little oil molecule is burned to perfection.   Very little in the way
> of particulate at the tail end.
> 
> Hagar.
> 
> PS :   notice I am recommending chemical STEAMCLEANING. The latest tanking I saw
> was using Citrus Solvent. -------expensive but anything can be done. You will be
> amazed by amount of rust coming out of block if you blast cooling part with
> high pressure air.

I'm thinking of a soaking in solvent, then a citrus engine cleaner (crappy tire spray 
can), then a pressure washing, followed by brake cleaner and drying. What do you 
think?

Shawn Wright
http://zuiko.sls.bc.ca/~swright
'85 Jetta D 
'88 Westy 2.1L, soon to be 1.6TD 5 speed
'82 Diesel Westy