Cylinder Head Cleaning?

[ugmw177]

I removed my head to replace head gasket just for good measure[:)]

There is a fair amount of coking/carobnisation. I typically let my machine shop clean my heads [iron tr6 etc] but don't wish to let them hot tank the Al Tr7 head. Ideally, I'd like to soda blast it but don't have the equipment nor safety gear. I want to clean it nicely then check with my straight edge for warpage before I spend any $$ on valve gear etc.

What do you guys do to clean these [getting rare] heads?

[yorkens]

I use a "so called" spark plug cleaning brush (preferably new) soaked in cellulose thinners + fine wire wool for the head face, and a good mask and gloves! And for finishing off a stiff nylon brush or an old toothbrush. Slow and smelly but cheap!

[/URL]

[ugmw177]

Thanks. I ended up using lacquer thinner, brake cleaner and scotch brite pads [lots of elbow grease] to get the surface clean and then run my straight edge on it. Warpage was less then 4 thousandths..it is off to the machine shop for cleaning decoking and a valve job.