So I have some blocks and a few sets of heads to clean before I start work on them...was wondering if it's possible "home cook" them clean? Has anyone ever done or tried this? What temperatures do the machine shops use to clean blocks up? What exactly is the process involved?

 

A good hot-tanking includes removal of freeze plugs and oil galley plugs, then cleaning out all the hidden passages. In takes a significant investment in equipment in order to heat the solvents enough to get the job done safely.

I would not try to duplicate this at home. The risk of toxic fumes and/or fire would definitely deter me.
It has been awhile since I had any hot tanking done, how much does it cost to do a block now? How about a pair of heads?
How much would you be saving? What are you going to do with the solvent when you are done with it? Just looking at cost vs benefit.

 

Oh I didn't know they used solvents with it, I just assumed it was like a cleaning cycle on an oven, just cooking all the bad **** till it's hard then flaking it off. I've never had to get stuff cleaned like that before, but I definitely do now.

It sounds like it's a pretty specialized task, and I'll probably be better off eating the cost of a machine shop to do it. thanks Old Mustanger, much appreciated info

 

I was quoted $85 to hot tank an engine.