Engine cleanup

The mega job continues, a little bit everyday!Tried quite a few tips found on youtube on how to clean an engine, especially the cylinder head but in the end, as I want to do it in situe, I found the best way was with an slightly abrasive buffing disk attached to a drill.

First thing was to get the engine up on the stand. 

Easier to put the bracket on straight and as central as possible and then attach it to the stand.

It's quite stiff so "almost" no worry about spinning round by itself.

Decided to change the water pump and thermostat.

Easier to clean area behind too!

To help get the old water pump out one can screw in long (40mm) M6 bolts into the two threaded holes provided in the pump. By screwing them in they push against the housing and force the pump out. One can also use a small crowbar to gently lever out the pump.

Old and new pumps, the new one has a composite impeller.

One tip was soaking parts in diesel for a week - it didn't work!

Painted areas of rust on the block with rust converter. Then used black engine block paint.

It'll look better when all the bits are put back on again.

As mentioned the best way I found to clean aluminium parts was with a slightly abrasive buffing wheel.These engine mounts have come out pretty well. 

Mount for the alternator and belt tensioner was a bit fiddly to clean. Alternator needed just a wire brush and then a blast of compressed air. 

Time to spend a little time on the bulk head, wire wool and a polish.

In the next few days the thermostat, ARP bolts, clutch plate, gaskets etc. should be delivered. Then need to remove the sump to remove and check big end bearings before ordering new.