Engine detail tips please

[Randy S.]

I am detailing my 66 300 hp engine. Is there a way to remove the oil stains on the painted intake manifold? I have tried Simple Green with a pressure washer and brake cleaner on a rag but no success.

Also is there a trick to installing my freshly painted valve cover bolts without chipping the paint on the bolt heads.

Randy

[John M.]

Re: Engine detail tips please

As far as engine paint touch-up, I always make sure I have extra cans of the same lot for touch-up. I had mine mixed to the exact formula with a lesser gloss which is more correct than the over the counter rattle cans.

If your carefull, and mask off the surrounding area, you can usually blend in areas pretty well. Removing the carb and touching up the intake and heads is pretty easy from the top side.

As far as painted bolts, you can put some tape in the socket to help cushion the chipping.

Inevidably, your going to mark up the painted bolts. You can spray some of your Orange paint into the can's cap and use a fine brush for chip touch-up.

Again if your using the same paint, touch-up is pretty forgiving.

I have to chuckle at myself sometimes hovering over the engine bay with a fine tip brush touching up tiny nicks, but obsessive compulsive disorder runs rampant in the Corvette restorer's phsyche.

[Gene M.]

Re: Engine detail tips please

Randy,
Use a six point socket lined with tape to keep from chipping paint. Lacquer thinner will remove the stains also some paint. Alcohol pads sometimes work if stains are still fresh.

It sounds as if leaks are coming from around the intake bolts if you have oil stains.

[Glenn D.]

Re: Engine detail tips please

I just cleaned my valve covers with Simple Green on a rag. It worked after several applications. My bolts chipped when I installed my valve covers and as John said , I touched them up with a small brush. At one point I felt like I was working on a giant model car.

[William F.]

Re: Engine detail tips please

Choke cleaner will work.