Head maintenance

[billcapp]

Hi All,

I recently boought a rebuilt head from a small shop for a really good price. Only problem is the head has surface rust on all the moving parts.

Question is, is there any thing good enough out there to clean it without complete disassembly, or is it advisable to tear it down and then clean it...if so with what? The cam, springs, guides and all are light coated with rust. I'd like to use it this winter.

Also, when it is cleaned what do I put on it to preserve it until I install it?

TIA

Bill

[2ManyZs]

To clean the cam lobes you could try a good aerosol lube (WD-40 or one of the other good ones on the market) with some very fine emery paper or possibly even the finest grade of Scotch Brite. Use plenty of lube while you do this to keep it from scratching the lobes. You could also try some Berkabile 2+2 Instant Gum Cutter, (I think that is how it is spelled), it is an aerosol that will get rid of a lot of different oils, greases, sometimes even paint, and may take off some of the lighter rust.

When you have it cleaned you could either oil it, or use a light grease to protect it. STP oil treatment will even work. When you have coated it good, you probably ought to try to put it in a plastic garbage bag to prevent it form drying out again.