Cleaning a head without disassembling it

[Splinter]

Anyone know of a detergent to use on a head thats not going to do any damage to the seals?

I want to clean up the head (mostly for aesthetic and practical reasons) before I begin assembling the block, but I dont really think I need to take it apart.

[cheno SLO]

i used Dishwashing detergent and hot water.
i used it for cleaning and degreasing after i ported the heads.

for cleaning oil and grease i use a 50/50 mixture of diesel and gasoline.

[subytech]

I would say your best bet is really hot water and a pressure washer if you have access to one

[Binford]

Oven cleaner, although it works best if you can heat up the head first.

[GLCraigGT]

I bought some degrease from Costco call Oil Eater. It's water based and I found it works great when mixed 1:1 with near boiling water. Let the parts soak at least an hour then finish cleaning with a parts brush. I've used it so far with Pistons, connecting rods, a crankshaft, a camshaft and an oil pan. Rusting has not been a problem since the water evaporates quickly off of the hot pars.

[Splinter]

Oven cleaner, although it works best if you can heat up the head first.

Wont oven cleaner completely cook the seals?

[dzx]

One of those do it yourself carwash, just turn it on soapy. If you get ambitious you could take a plastic brush.

[Matt Monson]

Splinter,
I start with simple green and a pressure washer, though a garden hose will do in a pinch. Then I dry it with compressed air. Then I go over it by hand on any really filthy areas with Permatex gasket remover of all things. That I only use on the external areas that will be seen, and of course it helps clean and prep the HG mating face, intake manifold and exhaust manifold face. Then, I go through the inside with lots of brake cleaner and compressed air.

I also will take scotch brite pad to the combustion chamber to clean up the valves.

Lastly, you will want to remove the cams, cam covers, rocker arms and HLA's throughout this process. Bleed the HLA's with fresh oil while they are out. And remember plenty of assembly lube on the cams when you reinstall them (which you don't do until after you have bolted the heads to the block)...

[Splinter]

One of those do it yourself carwash, just turn it on soapy. If you get ambitious you could take a plastic brush.

The head isnt in the car