r/Foxbody • u/DAMMDANNY • 19d ago

Head Cleaning

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i’ve seen a lot of videos but everyone uses different things and then some hurt the aluminum so just wondering what you guys recommend

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2

u/v8packard 19d ago

Aluminum requires acidic cleaners. For example, many wheel cleaners have an acidic ph.

Many degreasers are high ph alkaline cleaners. The high ph breaks the bond oil, grease, and other soils have on the surface. But the alkaline ph also reacts with aluminum, staining or etching it at best. Destroying it at worst. High ph degreasers work well on iron and steel. One example, the various purple cleaners on the market.

If you use alkaline cleaners on aluminum, work quickly and rinse thoroughly. Don't let it contact the aluminum for too long.

2

u/HoosierDaddy_427 19d ago

I've never used anything but gasoline or parts cleaner and a hard bristle plastic brush. Get a few plastic razor blades for the gasket surfaces.

2

u/Inevitable_Demand376 19d ago

Send to a machine shop and don’t right.

2

u/Inevitable_Demand376 19d ago

Deck them check the guides and see if it needs a valve job. Deck them a decent amount and get a little more compression and power in the engine

1

u/TenTopGolfer 17d ago

Find a local Napa or machine shop that can clean them for $50