Hot Tanking?

[Aracheon]

I know what the process entails, but is this something that I could to my block, at home, using a 20 gallon parts washer (assuming it fits) and get the same results?

[doctorstupid]

Hot tanking is a bit better than a parts washer for things like blocks and heads in that it (I think) actually boils, which is very effective for clearing sediment and general shit out of oil and water passages deep within the block.

[Aracheon]

I imagine it's not too terribly expensive to do? Anyplace local that you'd recommend?

[doctorstupid]

It isn't cheap, but not outrageously expensive. Last time I did a 4 cylinder head and block, it came to $75 for the two. And DAMN they came back clean.

Once I put it together:




Inside and out, spotless (I have no idea what that dark spot inside the crankcase is, but it's certainly not anything on the metal, and it was there when I gave them the block). For a really thourough job at the added price of freeze plugs, take out all the plugs and unscrew any oil galley plugs (they're normally small allen head bolts in the front and rear of the block and head) and then have it tanked. Freeze plugs are a couple bucks a piece, but for metric ones you usually need to go through the dealer (I have not yet found a parts store that stocks metric plugs).

The place I go through for most of my machine work is All-Pro on Federal and 36, 303-428-5062, good guys. Their pricing is right on the money, and they're work is always meticulous and has not yet disappointed me. Sometimes they take a while to get the job done, but that's to be expected since they also build full race engines and do some chassis building.

If Longmont is closer to you than Westminster, try the engine shop, 303-772-0920. I beleive the fellow's name is Warren, very reputable work.

[Aracheon]

$75 is about what I was willing / expecting to pay.

Longmont IS a little closer, but I'll give Westminster a shot since I'm down there every weekend anyway.

That engine is CLEEEEEAN... heh... I'll post a pic when I get a chance of what my engine looks like now, and why it badly needs a hot tanking, heh.

[Brandon]

Chris i got my head and block done for $60 at colorado custom cylinder heads (303) 761-9077. they're at santa fe and dartmouth

[Aracheon]

Were you happy with the work? Got any pics?

[Slow96GSR]

Becareful as some hot tanks use a caustic chemical that eats aluminum. Also you can make your own hot tank for 50-100 bucks!! Get a steel barrel, heating element and water with a cleaner/chemical. Get some of it at www.grainger.com and the junkyard for the barrel. I can do it if you are in the Springs but I'll have to see what we charge. If I can get a barrel I'll make one and do a load for 20 bucks!!

[Aracheon]

Well aware of that.

(3S-GTE is a cast iron block.)