Detroit Diesel — Cleaning of Cylinder Block
Maintenance
From a Detroit Diesel service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.
Before you start
- Follow chemical manufacturer's usage, handling and disposal instructions.
- Do not exceed 40 psi (276 kPa) air pressure when using compressed air.
- Do not immerse electrical components in a solvent tank.
Procedure
- Scrape all gasket material from the cylinder block.
- Remove all oil gallery plugs and core hole plugs (except cup plugs).
- Agitate block in hot bath of heavy-duty alkaline cleaner to remove grease.
- Rinse block in hot water or steam clean.
- For heavy scale, agitate in inhibited phosphoric acid until bubbling stops (~30 minutes); drain and re-immerse 10 minutes; repeat until scale removed.
- Rinse in clean hot water, immerse in alkaline bath to neutralize acid, wash in clean water.
- Dry the cylinder block with compressed air.
- Clean all water passages, oil galleries and air box drain openings.
- Coat air box core plug threads and gaskets with clean engine oil.
- Clean cup plug holes and apply Loctite 567 pipe sealant with Teflon to plug O.D.
Tools required
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Specs & values
- Tank cleaning solution heated to 82-90 C (180-200 F)
- Acid immersion approximately 30 minutes
Source: Detroit Diesel service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.