Pulled Intake, Tips on Cleaning Engine?

[n0m4d]

In an effort to resolve an surging idle and generally crappy running engine I decided to pull the intake and buy all new gaskets for it and the TB. While it's off I'm changing heater and TB hoses etc. I also want to clean the motor so I can pull out the oil drain tube and replace it's orings. The bottom is caked with a mixture of oil, sand and rust flakes as is most of the engine (from a previously leaky valve cover).

Any advice on cleaning the engine with the intake off? I was thinking of filling the intake holes in the head with paper towels and duct taping over the openings but I'm worried junk will still creep in.

You guys on here often have good tricks so I figured I'd check in before getting started.

[jlevie]

Your approach will work fine, but I'd use rags rather than paper towels to pack the intake ports as rags will come out cleanly.

[n0m4d]

Ah yea, soggy paper towels are no good, thanks for the advice!

[MkII]

I have found oven cleaner (in spray cans) and a nylon scourer is easy to use and gets a pretty good result.

[n0m4d]

Oven cleaner, great idea. I hit it last night with a coat of Brown Royal and some low pressure water which seemed to get most of it. Tonight i'm going to hit a couple spots with some trusty brake cleaner and maybe some compressed air. I just don't want garbage to fall into the engine when I pull the drain tube out.

[Chruby99]

i use razor blades to take the heavy stuff and engine cleaner on what is left. harbor freight sells small ss wire brushes cheap the brass brussel brushes suck
do it all once then go back and do it again

[paperplane94]

Purple power.

[camip]

Super clean AutoZone has it 2 for $7 shit works on everything cars shoes you name it.

[DooDanE30]

Cover with plastic bags and duct tape. Best way to clean your undercarriage is to spray a crap ton of simple green everywhere and let it sit for awhile then hit it with a pressure washer.

[e30runner]

Careful with the pressure washer is all I have to say. A week after replacing my leaky oil pan, I decided to pressure wash the full engine and undercarriage after letting it soak in purple power. I guess I got pressurized water somewhere and messed something up because ever since then its made a weird sound around 1500rpms. I have looked at everything and havent been able to diagnose it.