How do I clean engine with cylinder head removed? I’m waiting for my new Clearwater head to arrive ordered Friday so hopefully by this coming weekend it will be here, but the lifter valley is extremely gunked up. Maybe even clean the pistons? How do I clean the lifter valley? I’m worried gunk will fall on the cam and mess that up, my oil pan is off and I’m also installing a new oil pump and screen. Has anyone ever cleaned the lifter valley? What do I do?

 

I wouldn't. Once your head is on, clean it by changing the oil every 2,000 miles for a half dozen changes, and use some of this in each change. I'm not one for gimmicks, but this stuff does work.

 

You can clean out large chunks by reinstalling the lifters to protect the cam, then pouring kerosene down over them, blowing it off with air pressure. I wouldn't go much farther then that. Before you do that, clean the deck surface with a razor knife blade, using it flat and not scratching the surface. Put shop rags of something similar over the lifters before cleaning the deck and piston tops.