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

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2 жыл бұрын

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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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Пікірлер: 897

@LegitStreetCars 2 жыл бұрын

Who's working on their car right now? Whatcha doing? For your chance to win the 2022 BMW M5 CS and support a great charity click here! www.omaze.com/legitstreet

@pearlwinston5033 2 жыл бұрын

New SC oil on the s211 55 😎

@carlsegerstrom3989 2 жыл бұрын

1982 380sl. Bought it not running for $800. It has 75k miles and near mint condition now. All in I am about $2500.

@downintheshed2449 2 жыл бұрын

Working on 3 cars. 2 Honda crvs. And my 2000 jaguar stype 4.0. All suspension work except for a a starter on my crv.

@samfinkelstein5841 2 жыл бұрын

Replacing rear turbo manifold gasket on my 99 SVT Contour. In my profile picture.

@RGaines123 2 жыл бұрын

2005 CL600- replacing all ABC lines, pump, and rebuilt vblocks and regulator.

@2wheelz420 2 жыл бұрын

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

@carsandcoffee4546 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, that's why you don't buy a Ford.

@johnjesus971 2 жыл бұрын

@@carsandcoffee4546 durrrrrr Fords bad....

@james10739 2 жыл бұрын

@@johnjesus971 accurate

@james10739 2 жыл бұрын

Ya I just had to do the head gaskets in my mom's car but it's an 03 buick pushrod engine so not that bad the hardest part is the exhaust studs on the back side

@raviolisauce103 2 жыл бұрын

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

@mokujin6507 2 жыл бұрын

Yep: speed academy, gears and gasoline, older carshow, jobby, etc

@TruckThisGarage Жыл бұрын

Haha ya that should be a “thing”

@markierocker644 Жыл бұрын

Bro a real razor blade will not hurt that aluminum head .no need for a plastic razor 👍🏼 good thorough video for a beginner 👌🏻

@UncleChester 2 жыл бұрын

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

@ENWILSON 2 жыл бұрын

“Here is how to clean a screwed engine. We will replace it in the next episode.” 99/1 odds that Alex finds some kind of work around for whatever he found. Once you have welded a coolant passage on a V-12 Mercedes there is no such thing as a broken engine.

@JavoCover 2 жыл бұрын

What an experience 😅

@IssaJakob Жыл бұрын

m120 or?

@bobtwobeers6286 10 ай бұрын

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.

@jackn5048 3 ай бұрын

Agreed. Honestly this seems like a good idea if the engine is still in, thats about it. I wouldnt run this old rusty thing without taking all the bearings off and checking the clearances anyways so might as well do it the right way. Its a great video to show a cleaning process.

@wesleydeer889 2 ай бұрын

Yeah only another 4-6 hours of work and $100-$200 in rings, bearings... This is for people that are doing head gaskets, or swapping heads, on a perfectly fine engine otherwise. Not for people running 1986 engines...

@sergeihanush2262 2 жыл бұрын

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

@jorgeirizarry5971 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@JamesDoylesGarage Жыл бұрын

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-gh4cd 2 жыл бұрын

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

@dfls5069 Жыл бұрын

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

@fordboy4ever 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@nickzaremba Жыл бұрын

Burrs on the blade? How the f are you gonna get any cutting action with the blade standing straight up and down… which is what you mean by perpendicular in this case… yes?

@markbailey6051 10 ай бұрын

I agree, this is my method.

@AbbStar1989 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@khrisyeet8022 2 жыл бұрын

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

@rayrussell6064 2 жыл бұрын

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 👍

@ghostwrench2292 2 жыл бұрын

I am currently a heavy line gas tech at a large Ford dealership and I can assure you, none of the techs will get the block or head that clean before mating them back up. Thanks to the 1.5L Ecoboost in the Escape and Fusion, we do a lot of this kind of work.

@philgrimsey3637 2 жыл бұрын

@@ghostwrench2292 They're known as the eco boom in the UK. Not the best of engines really

@doncastella2814 Ай бұрын

I found legit streetcars channel by searching for piston cleaning. I have enjoyed many hours of LSc videos since then. Alex is straightforward and entertaining. He never gives up on nagging problems. I met him in person at an event in Gilberts, IL. He is as engaging and humorous in person as on his videos.

@Iceeeen 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@Boostedm3nace 2 жыл бұрын

That was very satisfying seeing the block going from that dirty to clean.

@sav22rem22 2 жыл бұрын

Made my day seeing this uploaded. Absolutely love lightning content

@LegitStreetCars 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks brother!

@jgraham8248 7 ай бұрын

Your method and patience produce a great result! Thanks!

@2wheelsx2 2 жыл бұрын

Saturday mornings have become my Legit time! Thanks Alex that was so informative as well as satisfying. Sorry to hear about the engine issue. Hopefully you figure out a solution and don't have to replace it.

@farewell_to_normalcy9352 2 жыл бұрын

Watching Alex clean this engine in such a calm voice and manner. Reminds me of the joy of painting with Bob Ross ‘You don’t need to get violent and start grinding’ Perfectly said

@aylahughes9185 2 жыл бұрын

Who is bob villa i know the joy of paining with bob ross

@aylahughes9185 2 жыл бұрын

bob villa was "this old house" and "home improvement".

@farewell_to_normalcy9352 2 жыл бұрын

@@aylahughes9185 lol I just noticed that I put that!! Thanks!

@-rudy- 2 жыл бұрын

The Bob Ross of automotive KZfaqrs. 😁

@randywl8925 Жыл бұрын

Definitely need to clean those happily little pistons.

@F6HemiCharger 2 жыл бұрын

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

@jacobcashen1301 2 жыл бұрын

I think this was the most satisfying cleaning you have done. I hope whatever issue you discovered is one you can overcome. It seems the Lightning is like the CL65...they both will not give you a break!

@LegitStreetCars 2 жыл бұрын

Its pretty bad

@Canuckrz 2 жыл бұрын

I thought proper technique with the straight edge was to run it diagonally across the head and check the gap between cylinders, running it along the edge of the casting seems like it would show the least amount of potential changes.

@sb0mb 2 жыл бұрын

You would be correct

@sschevmale24 2 жыл бұрын

It is. Not sure what he's doing. Its not a race engine will be ok

@robertturnbull2903 2 жыл бұрын

The way he checked is not correct at all. That was a waste of time and just a video filler.

@sb0mb 2 жыл бұрын

@@sschevmale24 it is a boosted v8 and it is common to lift head gaskets on these so yeah kinda critical to check. But sounds like the engine is junk anyhow so....

@sschevmale24 2 жыл бұрын

@@sb0mb bro its fine. I've seen worse and run fine. Yes he has motor out, magnaflux it, machine it, rebuild it. Cement the block if you want.

@bgee461 2 жыл бұрын

Some gasket sets will come with paperwork that says specifically "finish with 400 grit" or something along those lines... the sealant on the MLS gasket requires a bit of tooth in the material to help it stick once warmed up. Bummed to hear about your engine trouble, hopefully you can bring it back around. My Marauder had a spun rod bearing and chewed up crank, thanks to previously broken timing chain guide bits in the oil pan clogging the pump pickup. Wasn't too bad of a repair... crank, rods, pistons... and it all goes back together. Hopefully yours is even easier

@brandenharris1353 2 жыл бұрын

Been watching you for years now… love your content, you’re extremely gifted and persistent, you don’t cut corners!! That’s true talent! Sending love from Alaska 👏🏽🙌🏽

@eastwoodisme Жыл бұрын

Just got done doing this on a Big Block. Thank you so much for the tip!

@lennartswenson2690 Жыл бұрын

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!...

@CL-yp1bs Жыл бұрын

Nice job, it is very satisfying to see a freshly milled surface, but I am sure you could also use a flat grinding stone or block instead of that sponge to sand out those stains..

@MrTheHillfolk Жыл бұрын

Kinda should stay away from abrasives for cleaning on the cast iron as much as possible,staining won't hurt,and wire wheels won't remove metal but they'll remove stuff that's not metal.

@YogisGarage 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@chrispitney7561 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great content! For your lightning build consider using a 1999-2003 Lincoln Navigator 32 valve DOHC engine. I am pretty sure there is someone that makes an adapter to mount your supercharger onto the 32v heads. You may need to use the exhaust manifolds and down pipes from Navigator as well. Then some tuning! Makes for a great looking engine and possibly better performance!

@therandomchannel2022 2 жыл бұрын

I would imagine that would be quite a power increase over the 16 valve engine lol

@texaseliteperformance4471 2 жыл бұрын

I agree🔥

@mrjesuschrist2u 2 жыл бұрын

No adapter but could use a gt500 blower set up or adapters and terminator cobra setup.

@JDJD-mw9rr 2 жыл бұрын

Would it hold up to boost over time though? I'm assuming it doesn't have forged rods or pistons, not sure about the lightning but I'd imagine it does

@cflwhat 2 жыл бұрын

this is a TERRIBLE idea. those 32 valves from the navi can't even take towing a light load without blowing up🤣🤣, let alone the design and engineering nightmare we all know those motors are. and you want to add boost?!?! If you are going to suggest an engine swap at least be somewhat educated about the motor you are suggesting 🤦🏽.

@mikedoubleohdoubleu2135 2 жыл бұрын

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

@johnclemont7801 2 жыл бұрын

You always have the best tips, thanks for the info!

@flinch622 7 ай бұрын

That piston at 1:57 is classic detonation damage: short side/near the cylinder wall where things can lean out at higher rpm. This is why people have looked at solutions like chamber softening or cylinder head grooves. Idea is...provide the means to use pressure of initial flame front to purge that point with some of the air/fuel mix near tdc - it enriches that dead spot, which may also relieve some heat.

@AnonymousUserDawg 2 жыл бұрын

*Oil gallery. A galley is a ship or the kitchen of the ship. A gallery is a passage, like a tunnel or corridor. I used to make the same mistake.

@sunatahtaklc6626 2 жыл бұрын

Definetly enjoyed every second. Thanks

@fredshanks2240 2 жыл бұрын

Been with you since the beginning, keep up the good work.

@Big_M_T 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, was that window seal going in that oil valley oddly satisfying or what? It wasn’t even oddly satisfying is was just straight up satisfying!

@EZ-D-FIANT Жыл бұрын

I was always wondering about the physics of string theory but this string theory looks way more useful 👌👍👌

@khrystree9233 4 ай бұрын

It works fab on parcels too 👍

@MM_in_Havasu 2 жыл бұрын

Very cool! Too bad this engine still has issues, will look forward to the next installment! Thanks man!

@33hills Жыл бұрын

Great tips exactly what I was looking for, thanks!

@LS1LE 2 жыл бұрын

Great tricks for diy internal cleaning! Definitely bummed out that you see trouble on the way. I hope it’s not as bad as you originally thought.

@cullenswanson3550 2 ай бұрын

I’ve been looking for a video just like this for my first rebuild and this is executed perfectly

@brockpfund9669 2 жыл бұрын

Just a thought....would that crushed dry ice blaster that you used for underhood and interior detailing in a previous video work for cleaning up the cylinder head and block deck gasket surfaces and piston tops?

@grenade180 2 жыл бұрын

I was wondering the same

@richardirving4189 Жыл бұрын

Yes. It freezes and chips grease grime and even sealant. It doesn't do so well on remnants of paper gasket.

@musicmanbc9613 2 жыл бұрын

Oh man this is so satisfying to watch.

@tstephens128 10 ай бұрын

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.

@thman6453 2 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to seeing the assembly video 👍

@mikescherrer4923 2 жыл бұрын

It's always so satisfying seeing crud give way to shine.

@jimdempsey767 2 жыл бұрын

Alex, have you ever posted your config of Sonic tools? Really like your setup and was looking for some help navigating all the choices from their site.

@LegitStreetCars 2 жыл бұрын

No but I'll do that. Great idea. Email me at legitstreetcars@gmail.com and I can send it to you

@chrispompano 8 ай бұрын

If you've never used it, Mopar Combustion Chamber Cleaner is probably the best in the industry. Make sure you double nitrile glove. Use it on running motor, or down the plug hole for a soak, & better if engine is pre-warmed.

@unclemarksdiyauto Жыл бұрын

Super cool tricks for sure! Thanks for posting!

@Muddymikey 2 жыл бұрын

Love the Lightning, please keep going with it.

@metarugia3981 Жыл бұрын

This engine cleaning vid brings back so many memories of when I was an apprentice.

@montestu5502 2 жыл бұрын

That was informative. Some great tips, thanks.

@nakedbandit 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like Peter has watched some of Sarah-n-tuned’s detailing videos with him singing “It’s the final wipe down” jingle. Crazy how a song can date us.

@steelwheels327 2 жыл бұрын

Great Video Al .....sorry about the possible complications ahead !

@victoryfirst2878 Жыл бұрын

I can tell you that what you did is just right on fella. One thing I can add is that I use .001 thickness feeler gauge and lift the straight edge and place it underneath and see if I can pull out the gauge. You do the same thing as myself fella. I know for a fact that guys I use to work with would just use the rotary scotch brite pads fine grade and not give a damn. They had too many returns and would blame the owner overheated the engine as the fault. Then it was time for a new Ford crate engine. Now the price is just crazy high. I personally went the extra mile and had NO RETURNS, PERIOD ! I believe in a customer is my bread and butter. Job well done Sir.

@johnf22371 2 жыл бұрын

I have to say I have not seen an interior engine detail video before! Nice vid Alex!

@robjohnson3376 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that it was very informative, good luck with the engine the lightning is one of my favourite cars that you own.

@joecutro7318 2 жыл бұрын

Hope all shakes out with the Lightning engine. That's a lot work, but at least the instructional value can never be lost. 🤞🏼👍🏼🚘🙏 Buona Fortuna! 🇮🇹🍀

@filipwennergren2712 2 жыл бұрын

Always nice content! Thanks! Greetings from Sweden.

@RetrocarStyle Жыл бұрын

Love the great care taken on cleaning these parts! Wish the engine didnt have a busted piston.....

@asathomas5186 2 жыл бұрын

OH THE CLIFFHANGER! I hope the next Lightning video is the next release! Hope you still bring it back to life!

@RS-cd9cf 2 жыл бұрын

Love your videos , your knowledge is light years ahead of Tavarish

@roby09able 2 жыл бұрын

Man your videos are addicted can’t wait for the next one 😀

@JoseLopez-wb8uo 2 жыл бұрын

Big fan of your videos, love it.

@keything8487 2 жыл бұрын

i like the detail brush trick, all of them really......thank you.

@64maxpower 2 жыл бұрын

Best mechanic I've ever seen

@-Timpa- 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, enjoyed every second of it!

@LegitStreetCars 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tim!

@clickonmike 9 ай бұрын

Thanks, very helpful.

@ricky_ricardo 2 жыл бұрын

At work right now but will hit a like and come back in the evening with a proper meal and beverage to watch lol

@willmatic84 2 жыл бұрын

Man this lightning 🌩 gonna be like it came from factory cant wait for the final results and first start up. 😋👌🏽

@privatedata665 Жыл бұрын

Cool beans content . I have been a tech for 42 years and I think this is a great video with lots of good tips . The string idea was new to me .

@Noel127 Жыл бұрын

wow, so much useful info. I'm going to do em like this from now on.

@viviennepatterson5950 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks again, always learn something.

@dannoi Жыл бұрын

Awesome job and video ! thank you !

@popspick3362 2 жыл бұрын

Another great video. Hate hear of the engine trouble but more great content.

@ajl0426 2 жыл бұрын

Former BMW tech and former Gen 2 Lightning owner, I chimed in on another video you posted about these trucks. The engine is an okay base but the rods are weak junk and the earlier engines' spark plug thread are not enough for even an NA engine, let alone boosted.

@marc31415 14 күн бұрын

thanks! im going to do mine soon!

@Oklawolf 2 жыл бұрын

Lubriplate 105 is great for lubricating old cassette decks as well.

@fvrrljr 9 ай бұрын

WOW i've always used gasoline in a baby tub and soak use toothbrush, definitely love the oven cleaner method. just in time for a head gasket removal on '82 Mazda B1700 *Thanx for uploading*

@Schnitzer325ci 2 жыл бұрын

Alex... Stretan has a formula x 2 bottle which may help as well. Sure you seen it already and the results were the same. Nice work as always 👍🏽

@tna-- 2 жыл бұрын

great video and great results 👍 idea for another cool video : walnut blasting carbon valve cleaning

@terrybaptist795 2 жыл бұрын

That was pretty neat little. I didnt know could do that. Do you have plans for horsepower upgrades for SVT F-150 Lightning in the works down the road?

@matthewwilkinson6447 2 жыл бұрын

Great tip with the wax string

@mcansonmez 2 жыл бұрын

Great content. Thanks 👏👏👏

@AYoDrew32 2 жыл бұрын

You the man Alex! 🏎️

@htownblue11 2 жыл бұрын

Dang Alex, sorry to hear about the engine trouble. Great tutorial on how to clean an engine though. I’ll use the floss trick for sure and oven cleaner in future when appropriate.

@vin605 2 жыл бұрын

Very informative thanks for sharing

@augustomoraes8887 9 ай бұрын

Nice video. Thank you!

@SuperJimbell Жыл бұрын

Learned a lot here..super thanks.

@acura4life988 2 жыл бұрын

I use break cleaner and a green scrubby pad. It works really well

@rn2cro03 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alex!

@Vegasoutlaw 2 жыл бұрын

Since you are going to be replacing that motor, what do you think is better to do strip down your motor for a rebuilt or just replace with a new motor?

@monkeywrenchboltcut Жыл бұрын

Impressive content. Keeping it chill. 🚗

@ipdjbt 2 жыл бұрын

Maybe I missed it, but do you plan to lap the valves before reassembly?

@alanchurchill1540 Жыл бұрын

No one can begrudge you your car collection because you never take the easy route .love the relationship you got with your dad too .

@jcerna7226 2 жыл бұрын

Oh man sucks that you found more problems with this engine. Can’t wait to see the final results of your work!

@dentmastersofnymichael3316 2 жыл бұрын

I thought I saw valve marks on the piston on the far right that you were cleaning and I was worried and then I heard what you said at the end. Are the crank bearings worn? Have to wait and see…