I am building a 383 and i was just about to start assembling it. Then i looked in the box where my rods and pistons were and noticed that the rods had surface rust on them. I had them in my garage, i was told to lightly sand them and oil them. Before i assemble should i clean them with soap and water or do they need to be professionally cleaned. The parts are brand new 5140 forged, i bought the rotating assembly from powerhouse. The pistons are already pressed on to the rods also. Can anyone give me advice on going about this pita problem.

 

use steel wool, scotch brite, or a wire wheel to scrub the rust off. don't sand them, it wouldn't do a good enough job. then clean them off with carb cleaner or something and oil them.

 

If its not on the bearing surface i wouldnt worry about it to much, I say steel wool or something. Before you assemble that engine make sure everything is clean with brake clean, and a clean lent-less rag.