Took the head off and began cleaning the block surface today. Got it pretty smooth and cleaned out all the bolt holes. Question now is... Can I take a pressure washer to it? Clean all the gunk out of the cylinders, piston bowls, and bolt holes... Some gunk fell into the cylinders against the edge of the pistons and cylinder walls and is kinda caked on after using the oven cleaner. Shop vac and compressed air isn't doing it.

 

Yes, you can.

Spray it good with something like Simple Green or a strong Dawn solution. Then spray away with a pressure washer and hot water. A steam cleaner would work even better, but not many people own these.

Dry it well immediatly afterwards. Then spray it immedatly with WD-40 to prevent surface rust.

The tough part will be diplacing the water from the oil galleys. Pull all the plugs, blow them out, and refill with oil until it drips out around the crank and rod bearings.

If the engine is still in the truck, this will be a much more difficult job. In that case, you're better off spraying with brake cleaner, and using a plastic pick to remove the crud.

 

Thanks Bob.. Didn't pressure wash it after all. Seemed like more work than it would save. Got it almost put back together.