The Ford Barn

Sparky · 05-01-2026, 08:02 PM

I’m in the middle of a valve replacement job and before I fit the new valves, I’d like to clean out the decades of black buildup in the intake passages. It’s black tarry stuff about 1/16” thick.

Is there any chemical that would easily dissolve it? If not, what’s the best method? I have a small dremel tool as well as an air-powered die grinder.

Bruce of MN · 05-01-2026, 08:16 PM

Is the block bare? If so, your auto machine shop can hot dip it. I believe the babbitt can be damaged by some solutions, so be careful with that.

old ugly · 05-01-2026, 08:30 PM

there is some smaller diameter knotted wire wheels cone shapes. that have 1/4' shafts that are tough enough to get a lot of the stuff out. they work better once they have been used and the knotts are starting to separate and the wires will stick out sideways, but still won;t get into all the recesses. and be careful of the seats.

i can't figure how to ad a picture maybe someone could do that for you?

old ugly · 05-01-2026, 08:35 PM

something like this. i dug mine out to show you. once they get worn they work better. but you will still have to dig some out by hand. i use cordless drill to turn them.

Sparky · 05-01-2026, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce of MN

Is the block bare? If so, your auto machine shop can hot dip it. I believe the babbitt can be damaged by some solutions, so be careful with that.

No, it's in the car.

Sparky · 05-01-2026, 10:41 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by old ugly

something like this

That should do it

J Franklin · 05-02-2026, 11:13 AM

I use oven cleaner spray and hose off with water.

Sunny the Model A · 05-02-2026, 11:37 AM

take the intake manifold and dunk it in 5 gallon bucket with about 1-2 gallons of gasoline or kerosene and let it soak. shaking the bucket in a circular motion sort of like a washing machine will also help to break loose the crud. take it out and either spray with brake parts cleaner to strip or let it dry for a few days, then repaint it and hang it back on the car.

JayJay · 05-02-2026, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Franklin

I use oven cleaner spray and hose off with water.

Me too. Small stainless steel brush like this one https://www.harborfreight.com/steel-...ush-69525.html really helps.

Dremel or die grinder with a small diameter cup brush to finish off.

05-01-2026, 08:02 PM	#1
Sparky Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 661	Best way to clean intake passages? I’m in the middle of a valve replacement job and before I fit the new valves, I’d like to clean out the decades of black buildup in the intake passages. It’s black tarry stuff about 1/16” thick. Is there any chemical that would easily dissolve it? If not, what’s the best method? I have a small dremel tool as well as an air-powered die grinder.

05-01-2026, 08:16 PM	#2
Bruce of MN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: VA Posts: 2,051	Re: Best way to clean intake passages? Is the block bare? If so, your auto machine shop can hot dip it. I believe the babbitt can be damaged by some solutions, so be careful with that.

05-01-2026, 08:30 PM	#3
old ugly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: alberta canada Posts: 871	Re: Best way to clean intake passages? there is some smaller diameter knotted wire wheels cone shapes. that have 1/4' shafts that are tough enough to get a lot of the stuff out. they work better once they have been used and the knotts are starting to separate and the wires will stick out sideways, but still won;t get into all the recesses. and be careful of the seats. i can't figure how to ad a picture maybe someone could do that for you? __________________ old ugly my mom would have told me. "these things are here to test us" Last edited by old ugly; 05-01-2026 at 08:38 PM.

05-02-2026, 11:13 AM	#7
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 6,586	Re: Best way to clean intake passages? I use oven cleaner spray and hose off with water.

05-02-2026, 11:37 AM	#8
Sunny the Model A Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Charleston SC Posts: 329	Re: Best way to clean intake passages? take the intake manifold and dunk it in 5 gallon bucket with about 1-2 gallons of gasoline or kerosene and let it soak. shaking the bucket in a circular motion sort of like a washing machine will also help to break loose the crud. take it out and either spray with brake parts cleaner to strip or let it dry for a few days, then repaint it and hang it back on the car. __________________ "Ain't but three thangs in this world worth a solitary dime, but A Models, Sweet Tea, and Macaroni Pie!"