How I Cleaned My SVT Lightning Pistons & Engine Block Using WAX STRING! BONUS: Head Cleaning!

In this video, I show you how to properly clean pistons and the engine deck using a wax string. This is a real trick that can literally save your engine from the destruction improperly cleaning can cause. As a bonus, I have how to clean a cylinder head in this video too but couldn't fit it in the title. Enjoy!

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[LegitStreetCars]

Who's working on their car right now? Whatcha doing?

[wheelz]

Super sad to hear there’s a catastrophic engine problem, hope it all shakes out I love the lighting content

[bobtwobeers]

If you have the engine torn down this far, it doesn't take that much to pull the rods and piston, run a hone thru the cylinders, and put new rings and bearings in. And you will end up with something that last much longer.

[raviolisauce]

I love upload day where every youtuber seems to upload something.

[jorgeirizarry]

I already assembled my car's engine, this came out a little late for me lol. I still cleaned it and sent the head to the machine shop... also the pistons were new so I guess I didn't need to do a lot of cleaning... still very good to know all of this. It also makes a lot of sense to use oven cleaner since it is oil/grease and heat what causes the engine to get dirty, just like an oven.

[UncleChester]

That funnel trick on the Shop-Vac alone made this video worth watching. Keep that shit up!

[JamesDoylesGarage]

I'm 16 and I'm learning and this has been so much fun to watch and listen. Thank you so much for sharing!

[chris-ghcd]

I overlooked this channel at first, and I’m glad I came back to it. Definitely one of my favorites to watch.

[dfls]

Very nice work with the vacuum cleanup on the engine.
Thorough work!

[sergeihanush]

to check if block is warped you need to hold metal plate diagonally on block and use measure gauge to check the gap

[khrisyeet]

When I did my aluminum heads I used Eagle one aluminum wheel cleaner. Worked great with the drill brushes you used.

[fordboyever]

I dig the video. Thanks for your time putting it together! Personally, when using the single edge razor blade, I like to be perpendicular to the surface because an angle is when any burrs in the blade will now be touching the surface you are cleaning. A perpendicular blade, burrs wont stick down below the cutting edge, they will be rolled over to a side. Its a bit of nails-on-chalkboard but its the only way I put a razor on any sealing surface.

[AbbStar]

This is my goto channel on an Australian sunday morning when I get out of bed and waking up and enjoying the fact I have the day off work. Hell yeah!

[rayrussell]

Before I was disabled in 07 I was a heavy line gas and diesel tech for Ford and I have to say not to many people would go to that extreme in cleaning you did a awesome job but I've seen oven cleaner remove clear coat off of wheels but at this point that's the least of you problems and lm not going to say anything so you can explain it in your next video. God bless and as always be safe 👍

[FHemiCharger]

The video I was waiting for! Keep up the good work Alex, glad I could talk with you!

[YogisGarage]

Nice work Alex and Peter! Sorry to hear about the news on the engine. Thanks for the tip on using Easy-Off and I agree that Permatex is trash and a waste of money. Carb cleaner FTW.

[lennartswenson]

Amazingly, when I looked back at the video and saw you using the oven cleaner on the piston tops, I could smell the oven cleaner from memory! Nice video!...

[mikedoubleohdoubleu]

Dang Alex! Amazing stuff. Keep it coming! Can’t wait to see the Lightning all back together and nice n’ shiny and new! Woot!

[Iceeeen]

I can never be bothered to try clean the head by my self. The cleaning supply's and the tools needed can easily cost more than to send the head away to a shop. Just had a 6cyl head done recently, o, 16mm shaved and cleaned for under a 100 bucks. Took 2 days to get it.

[tstephens]

Rebuilt a motorcycle engine a few years ago, aluminum everywhere, after struggling with the gasket, I finally tried some Hops #9. and it was magic! removed and cleaned everything like butter.