Is it ok to clean a fully assembled aluminum head(l98) with a solvent?

 

That wont bother anything but the valve stem seals. The seals might not like it, depending on the solvent. Another thing is if there is carbon buildup and whatnot in the heads, that might not get cleaned out and you'll have debris where you dont want it. I'd suggest disassembling them. Just keep the valves and springs and stuff in order so they go back in the same spots.

 

PP,

Max beat me to it. What solvent? Regular old Stoddard (basically petroleum naptha) should be safe.

If you're trying to clean the chambers, water-based cleaners and a stiff brush do a good job. If you use a caustic cleaner (like Fantastic, 409, etc.) make sure you rinse thoroughly and spray with a little vinegar/water mix to neutralize any of the caustic that make find its way into recesses and slowly dissolve the aluminum. Of course you should be able to at least disassemble the rockers and *****, and remove spark plugs.

 

hmm, cleaning up the heads, recently purchased 2800 stall, sounds like your up to something....need any help give me a call

 

I really only want to clean up the head gasket surface. I was thinking carb cleaner but what water based cleaner should I use? The box that they were in had particles of dirt that is loosly on there so should I just rinse it off with water? Im not up to anything, just a rough running TPI.

 

"Im not up to anything, just a rough running TPI". I hear that brotha, have you tried an airfoil yet? It might get you out of the 17's....