How I Cleaned My SVT Lightning Pistons & Engine Block Using WAX STRING! BONUS: Head Cleaning!
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- Опубліковано 8 січ 2025
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In this video, I show you how to properly clean pistons and the engine deck using a wax string. This is a real trick that can literally save your engine from the destruction improperly cleaning can cause. As a bonus, I have how to clean a cylinder head in this video too but couldn't fit it in the title. Enjoy!
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New SC oil on the s211 55 😎
1982 380sl. Bought it not running for $800. It has 75k miles and near mint condition now. All in I am about $2500.
Working on 3 cars. 2 Honda crvs. And my 2000 jaguar stype 4.0. All suspension work except for a a starter on my crv.
Replacing rear turbo manifold gasket on my 99 SVT Contour. In my profile picture.
2005 CL600- replacing all ABC lines, pump, and rebuilt vblocks and regulator.
Super sad to hear there’s a catastrophic engine problem, hope it all shakes out I love the lighting content
Yeah, that's why you don't buy a Ford.
@@carsandcoffee4546 durrrrrr Fords bad....
@@johnjesus971 accurate
Ya I just had to do the head gaskets in my mom's car but it's an 03 buick pushrod engine so not that bad the hardest part is the exhaust studs on the back side
Watching Alex clean this engine in such a calm voice and manner. Reminds me of the joy of painting with Bob Ross
‘You don’t need to get violent and start grinding’
Perfectly said
Who is bob villa i know the joy of paining with bob ross
bob villa was "this old house" and "home improvement".
@@aylahughes9185 lol I just noticed that I put that!! Thanks!
The Bob Ross of automotive UA-camrs. 😁
Definitely need to clean those happily little pistons.
If you have the engine torn down this far, it doesn't take that much to pull the rods and piston, run a hone thru the cylinders, and put new rings and bearings in. And you will end up with something that last much longer.
Agreed. Honestly this seems like a good idea if the engine is still in, thats about it. I wouldnt run this old rusty thing without taking all the bearings off and checking the clearances anyways so might as well do it the right way. Its a great video to show a cleaning process.
Yeah only another 4-6 hours of work and $100-$200 in rings, bearings... This is for people that are doing head gaskets, or swapping heads, on a perfectly fine engine otherwise. Not for people running 1986 engines...
@@wesleydeer889except his water jackets are rusted as hell and that engine needs dipped
I would definitely remove the valves and clean them. Cleaning the non-contact surfaces is nothing but a waste of time.
That piston at 1:57 is classic detonation damage: short side/near the cylinder wall where things can lean out at higher rpm. This is why people have looked at solutions like chamber softening or cylinder head grooves. Idea is...provide the means to use pressure of initial flame front to purge that point with some of the air/fuel mix near tdc - it enriches that dead spot, which may also relieve some heat.
Im in the middle of fixing my 22re and this guy knows how I work. Thank you for the pro tip.
I already assembled my car's engine, this came out a little late for me lol. I still cleaned it and sent the head to the machine shop... also the pistons were new so I guess I didn't need to do a lot of cleaning... still very good to know all of this. It also makes a lot of sense to use oven cleaner since it is oil/grease and heat what causes the engine to get dirty, just like an oven.
I like how gentle you treat this engine. I remember back in the tractor repair shop we literally pressure washed the cylinder heads. We used the wire brush on the blocks. Overall I think when repairing tractor engines it is fine to have some violent procedures (like when pulling the cylinder liners), but man looking back it is insane.
I love upload day where every youtuber seems to upload something.
Yep: speed academy, gears and gasoline, older carshow, jobby, etc
Haha ya that should be a “thing”
Bro a real razor blade will not hurt that aluminum head .no need for a plastic razor 👍🏼 good thorough video for a beginner 👌🏻
It can @@markierocker644
to check if block is warped you need to hold metal plate diagonally on block and use measure gauge to check the gap
Before I was disabled in 07 I was a heavy line gas and diesel tech for Ford and I have to say not to many people would go to that extreme in cleaning you did a awesome job but I've seen oven cleaner remove clear coat off of wheels but at this point that's the least of you problems and lm not going to say anything so you can explain it in your next video. God bless and as always be safe 👍
I am currently a heavy line gas tech at a large Ford dealership and I can assure you, none of the techs will get the block or head that clean before mating them back up. Thanks to the 1.5L Ecoboost in the Escape and Fusion, we do a lot of this kind of work.
@@ghostwrench2292 They're known as the eco boom in the UK. Not the best of engines really
A guy on here said 50/50 acetone/auto trans fluid. I used it & sure enough melted all the caked on carbon & I just wiped it off with a rag. Amazing
When I did my aluminum heads I used Eagle one aluminum wheel cleaner. Worked great with the drill brushes you used.
If you've never used it, Mopar Combustion Chamber Cleaner is probably the best in the industry. Make sure you double nitrile glove. Use it on running motor, or down the plug hole for a soak, & better if engine is pre-warmed.
Saturday mornings have become my Legit time! Thanks Alex that was so informative as well as satisfying. Sorry to hear about the engine issue. Hopefully you figure out a solution and don't have to replace it.
I dig the video. Thanks for your time putting it together! Personally, when using the single edge razor blade, I like to be perpendicular to the surface because an angle is when any burrs in the blade will now be touching the surface you are cleaning. A perpendicular blade, burrs wont stick down below the cutting edge, they will be rolled over to a side. Its a bit of nails-on-chalkboard but its the only way I put a razor on any sealing surface.
Burrs on the blade? How the f are you gonna get any cutting action with the blade standing straight up and down… which is what you mean by perpendicular in this case… yes?
I agree, this is my method.
Thanks for the great content!
For your lightning build consider using a 1999-2003 Lincoln Navigator 32 valve DOHC engine. I am pretty sure there is someone that makes an adapter to mount your supercharger onto the 32v heads. You may need to use the exhaust manifolds and down pipes from Navigator as well. Then some tuning! Makes for a great looking engine and possibly better performance!
I would imagine that would be quite a power increase over the 16 valve engine lol
I agree🔥
No adapter but could use a gt500 blower set up or adapters and terminator cobra setup.
Would it hold up to boost over time though? I'm assuming it doesn't have forged rods or pistons, not sure about the lightning but I'd imagine it does
this is a TERRIBLE idea. those 32 valves from the navi can't even take towing a light load without blowing up🤣🤣, let alone the design and engineering nightmare we all know those motors are. and you want to add boost?!?! If you are going to suggest an engine swap at least be somewhat educated about the motor you are suggesting 🤦🏽.
Amazingly, when I looked back at the video and saw you using the oven cleaner on the piston tops, I could smell the oven cleaner from memory! Nice video!...
Very nice work with the vacuum cleanup on the engine.
Thorough work!
I'm 16 and I'm learning and this has been so much fun to watch and listen. Thank you so much for sharing!
I can never be bothered to try clean the head by my self. The cleaning supply's and the tools needed can easily cost more than to send the head away to a shop. Just had a 6cyl head done recently, o,16mm shaved and cleaned for under a 100 bucks. Took 2 days to get it.
I can tell you that what you did is just right on fella. One thing I can add is that I use .001 thickness feeler gauge and lift the straight edge and place it underneath and see if I can pull out the gauge. You do the same thing as myself fella. I know for a fact that guys I use to work with would just use the rotary scotch brite pads fine grade and not give a damn. They had too many returns and would blame the owner overheated the engine as the fault. Then it was time for a new Ford crate engine. Now the price is just crazy high. I personally went the extra mile and had NO RETURNS, PERIOD ! I believe in a customer is my bread and butter. Job well done Sir.
Some gasket sets will come with paperwork that says specifically "finish with 400 grit" or something along those lines... the sealant on the MLS gasket requires a bit of tooth in the material to help it stick once warmed up.
Bummed to hear about your engine trouble, hopefully you can bring it back around.
My Marauder had a spun rod bearing and chewed up crank, thanks to previously broken timing chain guide bits in the oil pan clogging the pump pickup. Wasn't too bad of a repair... crank, rods, pistons... and it all goes back together. Hopefully yours is even easier
This is my goto channel on an Australian sunday morning when I get out of bed and waking up and enjoying the fact I have the day off work. Hell yeah!
Nice job, it is very satisfying to see a freshly milled surface, but I am sure you could also use a flat grinding stone or block instead of that sponge to sand out those stains..
Kinda should stay away from abrasives for cleaning on the cast iron as much as possible,staining won't hurt,and wire wheels won't remove metal but they'll remove stuff that's not metal.
Rebuilt a motorcycle engine a few years ago, aluminum everywhere, after struggling with the gasket, I finally tried some Hops #9. and it was magic! removed and cleaned everything like butter.
I think this was the most satisfying cleaning you have done. I hope whatever issue you discovered is one you can overcome. It seems the Lightning is like the CL65...they both will not give you a break!
Its pretty bad
I found legit streetcars channel by searching for piston cleaning. I have enjoyed many hours of LSc videos since then. Alex is straightforward and entertaining. He never gives up on nagging problems. I met him in person at an event in Gilberts, IL. He is as engaging and humorous in person as on his videos.
I thought proper technique with the straight edge was to run it diagonally across the head and check the gap between cylinders, running it along the edge of the casting seems like it would show the least amount of potential changes.
You would be correct
It is. Not sure what he's doing. Its not a race engine will be ok
The way he checked is not correct at all. That was a waste of time and just a video filler.
@@sschevmale24 it is a boosted v8 and it is common to lift head gaskets on these so yeah kinda critical to check. But sounds like the engine is junk anyhow so....
@@sb0mb bro its fine. I've seen worse and run fine. Yes he has motor out, magnaflux it, machine it, rebuild it. Cement the block if you want.
Made my day seeing this uploaded. Absolutely love lightning content
Thanks brother!
I was always wondering about the physics of string theory but this string theory looks way more useful 👌👍👌
It works fab on parcels too 👍
Been watching you for years now… love your content, you’re extremely gifted and persistent, you don’t cut corners!! That’s true talent! Sending love from Alaska 👏🏽🙌🏽
Cool tip with the wax string never seen that. But a tip I use on the cylinder heads leave the spark plugs and turn the head bowl up. The pressure from valve seats will be water tight and can let your cleaning solution pool up as you clean.
Does the string just stay in there and evaporate?
*Oil gallery.
A galley is a ship or the kitchen of the ship.
A gallery is a passage, like a tunnel or corridor.
I used to make the same mistake.
“Here is how to clean a screwed engine. We will replace it in the next episode.” 99/1 odds that Alex finds some kind of work around for whatever he found. Once you have welded a coolant passage on a V-12 Mercedes there is no such thing as a broken engine.
What an experience 😅
m120 or?
I’ve been looking for a video just like this for my first rebuild and this is executed perfectly
Great video. Try scotch brite bristle disks for gasket removal. They come in green, yellow and white. Grade 50-80-120 based on color. The white 120 takes off gasket material off a aluminum block very quickly without removing metal. I have used it on several aluminum cylinder heads and none are leaking. Just do not push hard and do not concentrate on one area. Like using a buffer.
Yup that white one did great on my turbo impreza. No leaks, does great at the track.
Those are the way to go. A lot of service manuals call for them too.
yea dont waste your time using a razor blade unless youre fluffing a YT video out
@@WholesaleTurbos also isn’t brake clean cheaper and better then oven cleaner lol
The 3M bristle discs have ceramic abrasive in them. Best to use them on bare heads and blocks that will be final washed before assembly. If you use them on an assembled engine, be sure to seal off everything.
I overlooked this channel at first, and I’m glad I came back to it. Definitely one of my favorites to watch.
itll make your vac gross but vacuuming the grease with the debris from the cylinders would be better. wiping it will just push some of it down into the gap.
Use CRC Gasket remover , it also dissolves CARBON .
Nice work Alex and Peter! Sorry to hear about the news on the engine. Thanks for the tip on using Easy-Off and I agree that Permatex is trash and a waste of money. Carb cleaner FTW.
WOW i've always used gasoline in a baby tub and soak use toothbrush, definitely love the oven cleaner method. just in time for a head gasket removal on '82 Mazda B1700 *Thanx for uploading*
That funnel trick on the Shop-Vac alone made this video worth watching. Keep that shit up!
That was very satisfying seeing the block going from that dirty to clean.
Just a thought....would that crushed dry ice blaster that you used for underhood and interior detailing in a previous video work for cleaning up the cylinder head and block deck gasket surfaces and piston tops?
I was wondering the same
Yes. It freezes and chips grease grime and even sealant. It doesn't do so well on remnants of paper gasket.
Wow, was that window seal going in that oil valley oddly satisfying or what? It wasn’t even oddly satisfying is was just straight up satisfying!
Always check deck and head surface diagonally as well as lengthwise. Also a good idea to go perpendicular and you want the check between the cylinders as that area has the least amount of support and receives twice the combustion vs and outside edge. It is just a good practice.
I am sure you didn't miss title stating how to "clean" but not repair. It wasn't a repair video but rather cleaning, It help to read.
@@finditandfixit2081 Did the author not show how to check flatness? The fellow you were ragging on simply provided addition info. Additional good info. Also, I don't recall him mentioning fixing anything.
@@randywl8925 he did that to do a quick check as he probably know it wasn’t bad. Since it still fall under how to clean as hat.
@@finditandfixit2081 but both guys checked for flatness.
You need to check for flatness, so a clean but warped head wasn't reinstalled. If you're going to check, the guy mentioning the diagonal check too, was telling the best way.
Hey, the head is off, so might as well do it.
@@randywl8925 why the fuck watch car video, If you think you know so much? Again, Still fall under "repair" its how to clean". I am quite sure he knows if he able to take apart a Engine and do a full diagnostic and work Mercedes and other complex cars other than your typical Honda and Toyota.
block for being annoying and stupid
I do know that mechanics would do carbon cleanups a looong time ago where they would carefully apply droplets of water into the carburetor while the engine is running at 3k or so. The steam from the combustion would help break off and carry carbon deposits out through the exhaust. BUT! I've never seen inside of those engines to confirm if indeed it did work or not. Oven clean does wonders to cleaning carbon deposits, best way to keep stainless steel exhaust tips clean, inside and out!
Saw a dealer mechanic in the 70's take a coke bottle full of water and dump it in at a higher rpm, it was a hi perf corvette with detonation problems.
@@RickyBobby615 DRIP.... not "dump". ATF could also be used (pre-catalytic convertors) in order to let it sit and soak into the carbon deposits to help soften and break up the deposits. Followed by a "brisk" test drive to blow out the chunks and fog the neighborhood for mosquitos. lol.
Alex, have you ever posted your config of Sonic tools? Really like your setup and was looking for some help navigating all the choices from their site.
No but I'll do that. Great idea. Email me at legitstreetcars@gmail.com and I can send it to you
When cleaning aluminum. If you choose to run a wire wheel. Try to find a wheel that is made of brass. Or Nylon. NOT STEEL. Brass is good as it is softer than aluminum. And don’t do much damage. And nylon is a plastic. Which will break apart rather than gauge or scratch. I use a Nylon wire brush when cleaning valve guides or any brass,copper or aluminum bits.
Alex... Stretan has a formula x 2 bottle which may help as well. Sure you seen it already and the results were the same. Nice work as always 👍🏽
Your method and patience produce a great result! Thanks!
I use wd 40 to remove carbon. It has always worked great for me!
Former BMW tech and former Gen 2 Lightning owner, I chimed in on another video you posted about these trucks. The engine is an okay base but the rods are weak junk and the earlier engines' spark plug thread are not enough for even an NA engine, let alone boosted.
I work work for an engine restoration shop and I can say Alex is spot on with all the tricks in this vid. I think I noticed what might be the bigger problem though. Ouch. ☹️
Did you see it?
@@LegitStreetCars I think so. I won’t spoil the next video hear. But I really hope it’s not as bad as it could be. I love seeing Ford engine content, way too much LS going around. Looking forward to the 4G63 as well, I have a lot of experience with that engine too.
@@joshlaurita8387 im curious what it is🤯
@@LegitStreetCars Valves Said hello to Piston
@@blunt3777 I saw the dinged piston as well, but I don't think that's catastrophic enough to replace the block. Now a cracked block would be.
I wonder how much that straight edge costs ?
I didn't even know such a thing existed outside engineering shops and laboratories
been using a piece of glass for over 40 years
infact if you do detect warpage, you can stick fine grade silicon carbide wet and dry paper to the glass and flatten the head or block yourself fairly easily.
just make sure your glass isn't warped first, by testing it 4 times against another piece of glass in all 4 orientations.
It's like an entire video dedicated to avoiding the simple 3M plastic cleanup tools that professionals use.
He's giving us an alternate method. What's wrong with that mr know it all?
Professional tools cost tons of money and not everyone can get them.
Never take a plastic wheel to an aluminum block or head. The heads should always be taken to the machine shop. It's not just the head gasket surface that matters, but reconditioning the valves, guides, and seats. Plus, if it's German, it's getting new valve stem seals mandatory.
Your watching a professional bud
What tools? Genuinly interested. Im spiffing up my 240sx stock build* until i can get a new bottom end package and get the heads ported and some cool cams
This engine cleaning vid brings back so many memories of when I was an apprentice.
I respect this guy's work and respect his Palmares but I've never seen a straight edge used like that to check head or a block.
Also, I can think of way less caustic cleaners than oven cleaner in such a critical part of my powerplant. I look forward to see how this buidl turns out.
Love your videos Alex, been watching a long time. 19:30 As the owner of straightedges, the proper storage method is to hang them by the hole in them to hang them. ;) Sorry, I had to mention it.
Z-Max works well for removing the carbon build up also.
No one can begrudge you your car collection because you never take the easy route .love the relationship you got with your dad too .
There is a little nick on that first cylinder he cleaned. Could that be part of the catastrophic damage?
A small part.
Hahaaaa I found that comment
That same cylinder looks to have scoring, maybe broken ring?
I have to say I have not seen an interior engine detail video before! Nice vid Alex!
Since the stock lightning motor is trashed it sounds like it’s time for an LSA swapped Lightning build on LSC 😂
Hi, whats a good practice is to mark one side of a razor blade for scraping they get nicks so you don’t want turn them over. And this is always a must with window glass. Great video. Thanks.
The video I was waiting for! Keep up the good work Alex, glad I could talk with you!
I love my old craftsman gasket scraper. its made like a chisel but its not too overly sharp. Its heavy and strong and can be easiy re-sharpened. Way better than any razor blade. Wont damage your head so easy. Cuts and removes old gasket so well you wont need any gasket remover. Other than that i like your sanding block and white bristle brush.
I love various vehicles-but I’m not necessarily a automotive guy. My two dream cars are by the same automotive company but I will never announce that fact. But, in the meantime, your videos are fun, family friendly and informational. Thank you for your content.
It's Lada, isn't it??
OH THE CLIFFHANGER! I hope the next Lightning video is the next release! Hope you still bring it back to life!
Just got done doing this on a Big Block. Thank you so much for the tip!
These 5.4s have a coolant drain plug on the driver side rear of the block just above the oil filter. It's an Allen key fitting. I want to say it was an 8mm. Once it's out rust/debris may be holding the coolant back so poke it with an extension or screwdriver, and watch her pour out!
Lol 12:15 when he sang the final wipe down, I was fixing my car today and was singing that song the whole time lol😂😂😂
You should store your straight edge in a hanging position. That is why there is a hole in one end. If you put it on a surface edge down and the surface you rest the straight edge on is not perfectly flat gravity can warp it. When it is hanging the only thing gravity tires to do is lengthen it.
That makes sense
💯
Cool beans content . I have been a tech for 42 years and I think this is a great video with lots of good tips . The string idea was new to me .
Love your videos , your knowledge is light years ahead of Tavarish
Try simple white glue similar to Elmers around the ring /cylinder gap! It will pull out in one piece the trick is to give pleanty of drying time
$$-saving tip - a laboratory squeeze-bottle or Zep spraybottle are very effective for spraying cheap mineral spirits for engine cleaning. Or for spraying WD-40 from the economical minigallon size.
I have 3 different grits of 3m plastic cleaning pads with plastic fingers on the bottom. They are small designed for air grinders. They are made for cleaning aluminum. The finest one won’t hurt aluminum no matter what because I have tried to hurt old heads etc and no damage but the most aggressive one is for cleaning iron blocks so it will definitely damage any aluminum.
I was asked a long ago to fix a Ford Cosworth engine from a racing Sierra. The other camshaft had snapped in two. Now, straightening the head can also mean that the bearings of the camshaft are no longer in line after the head has been torqued in place. So, if the warpage is only minor, just let it be. Let a quality head gasket do the job.
At work right now but will hit a like and come back in the evening with a proper meal and beverage to watch lol
Super cool tricks for sure! Thanks for posting!
Currently building my E36. Going to comment on every video that I watch until Quinn notices me. haha...glad these videos are still up.
It's always so satisfying seeing crud give way to shine.
Great tips exactly what I was looking for, thanks!
I wish I wish I wish
This guy is always living another mans dream
His knowledge
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Been with you since the beginning, keep up the good work.
Thanks!
Thanks brother
Great Video Al .....sorry about the possible complications ahead !
Cool Iv been doing this stuff a long time …I even teach it now and Iv never seen the wax string trick. The only thing I would add is to leave a tail on the string to make sure none of them are forgot about
I literally used a soft metal brush and my cordless moved pistons to top 10seconds each clean … wiped with a cloth and sprayed Q20/ WD40 .. and wiped again easy
As someone that OCD - cleans everything I approve of this video
Best mechanic I've ever seen
Noticed a deep scratch or crack on that cylinder head between a water jacket and the outside. Wonder if that was caught. Easily visible at 19:24
10:07. I haven't seen this "old fashioned" wax floss trick since high-school. Our shop teacher was an old school Italian
i like the detail brush trick, all of them really......thank you.
Alex showing his Sonic tool organizers: "You can't screw this up"
Also Alex: Shows screwed up sockets.
Every time I pull my heads, I don't plug up everything, I usually change the oil and coolant after I break down my heads anyway. I also use green scratch pads on a drill to clean the head surface and use copper sealant on the gasket afterwards.... I use Totally Awesome from Dollar Tree to clean the pistons too.
Shaving cream works wonders for blocking off the oil drain-backs as well.
Diamond like coatings are to reduce friction
And it retains heat while being more conductive of heat than steel or silver sodium filled valves for example have the same effect of retaining heat.
The entire piston and valves are dipped into it and it’s embedded into the top layers of the metal. Where vitol was used in previous vehicles.
It’s like putting oil on ice then trying to skate around on it. At the same time it’s speed of heat transfer keeps the heat at the highest friction points. While reducing knock.