Re: Gasket sealer questions

[AlfaNeely@domain.elided]

In a message dated 09/11/2002 6:35:44 AM Central Daylight Time, 
bshorey@domain.elided writes:


> 
> > I thought it was more than warrented on this car.  With it burning a 
> > quart every 100 mi or so,  it would seem that the PO's didn't change 
> > anything for a long time,  just kept adding...
> 
> No arguments with doing it on a car that is new to you, or if there is
> reason to go poking around.  My comments were that I've never done it as
> part of a routine oil change.
> 
> If you use a high quality oil and change it at the right intervals, you
> won't get any sludge buildup, maybe just some of the coking on internal
> surfaces.  Use a good synthetic oil and you won't get even that.
> 
> bs
> 

       On Alfas that are new to me, I put the car on my trailer and take it 
to the car wash.  (OK, you cannot do that if you are Californicated - does 
California even allow you to change your own oil?)  Spray with Gunk engine 
cleaner and power wash the engine and chassis.  Get underneath on a creeper 
with a full face shield if you really want to get the chassis clean - and all 
over yourself.
       I then put radiator flush in the engine.  I add a quart of high 
detergent transmission fluid to the engine.  I run it until warm and drain 
everything.
       I then remove the air cleaner, the hoses and everything.  A spray can 
of carb or brake cleaner helps clean the nooks and crannies.  I also spray 
the oil pump pickup and up inside the upper pan with carb cleaner.  The 
engine goes back together with all new hoses, belts and filters.  The air 
cleaner housing and other parts may get a Krylon tune up.
       If the engine is out, EZ Off Oven Cleaner will really clean things.  
However, it will turn aluminum parts like the brake/clutch pedal casing 
behind the brake booster black.  EZ Off will also remove all the wax and the 
surface layer of paint.  I clean bodies with it before starting any body work 
that will include new paint.  Be careful to not spray it into the wind and 
wear rubber gloves and goggles.  That stuff is caustic.  Follow with a trip 
to the car wash.

Ciao,
Russ Neely
Oklahoma City
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