Cleaning Procedure

Fig 1: Main Bearing Caps

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION: Do not use a caustic solution to clean the aluminum engine block.

NOTE: When cleaning the engine block in a thermal type oven, do not exceed 232°C (450°F).

Clean the following components:

Remove all sludge, dirt, or debris using a cleaning solvent or thermal type oven. Refer to Cleanliness and Care .
Gasket surfaces
Refer to Replacing Engine Gaskets .
Coolant passages
Oil galleries
Main bearing caps
Cylinder head bolt holes to remove threadlocking material
Thread repair tool J 42385-107 may be used to clean the threads of any residual threadlocking material.