Cylinder Block - How clean is clean enough? (archive)

I was able to get the grand majority of the crusty stuff off of the top of the pistons using a credit-card scraper and Marvel Mystery Oil (thanks for the tip, Dave!) I also scrubbed a bit with a 3M pad to help clean it up.

My question is how clean does the block need to be? I cleaned it up pretty well, but there are still small amounts of baked-on crap that are just barely distinguishable by running my fingers over the surface.

Also, what solvents and techniques have you guys used in the past to clean things up. I know Bentley recommends against anything other than wood or plastic scrapers for the head and pistons, but what about the block?

Tryin' to have good block hygiene!

Cheers,

Chandler
'85 535i

Follow Ups:

I used a razor blade to finish the job Randall in NC 21:31 3/17/2002 (0)
Man, you could spend until your next B'day... Dave in Dallas 18:36 3/17/2002 (1)
- Re: Man, you could spend until your next B'day... Chandler in PHX 21:51 3/17/2002 (0)

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