I'm pulling out an engine that sucked up water a couple of years ago. I would like to save the plenum and the intake so I can port them and use them on the new engine later. But they're both full of mold other crap. I was curious if there was a way I could clean the parts myself or would I need to take them to a shop? Or is it even worth cleaning them up? Its not a big deal, I could always port the plenum and intake on the new engine.

 

Of course the best thing to remove mold with is bleach, however, make it a very mild solution mixed with water. Bleach can stain, streak aluminum. It won't hurt it as far as I know.

 

a mild bleach solution is good, or just use some carb cleaner and a brush. I used Autozone store brand engine cleaner on my plenum and runners and it did a great job.

 

I wasnt sure if I would be able to reach all of the inside of the intake with a brush. But I havent taken it off to try yet. I was thinking of soaking it parts cleaner first.

 

Ive bought a few engine brush sets. These include a variety of sizes of long bore brushes that would easily reach through the runners of the TPI base. If you plan on porting the base, you will want to use a long mandrel in your die grinder. The porting kits Ive purchased from Summit in the past, included a mandrel that's 4" long. It reaches far enough through the runner that you can port the entire length by working from both ends. Ive used this on several OE bases and on my Superram base. Soaking in parts cleaner should loosen the mold. Check parts closely for corrosion. If too badly damaged, you may not be able to save them.