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General Site Info => Welcome => Topic started by: gmcthunder on April 12, 2014, 08:58:29 pm

Title: Cleaning Engine of 1985 GMC K1500
Post by: gmcthunder on April 12, 2014, 08:58:29 pm

I am new to this forum and I just purchased my 1985 GMC K1500.  I have noticed that I have a minor oil leak but I am not certain where to start looking.  Also, the engine and underneath is covered in grease, grim and oil from years of not being cleaned.  I would like to safely clean the engine, engine bay, underneath, etc. without damaging it.  I am hoping that I can then identify the leak after the engine is cleaned.  Any suggestions on how to locate oil leaks, cleaning engine, etc.  Much appreciated!!!

Title: Re: Cleaning Engine of 1985 GMC K1500
Post by: bake74 on April 12, 2014, 09:55:50 pm

     Wrap your distribute and carburetor with a plastic bag and tape it up real good.  Get some degreaser from a auto parts store and go to the car wash and clean (you will have to tape up the carb and dist at the car wash of course).
     Welcome to the site from California.

Title: Re: Cleaning Engine of 1985 GMC K1500
Post by: gmcthunder on April 12, 2014, 10:22:21 pm

Thanks bake74. I have read a lot about cleaning the engine and am just nervous to mess something up by introducing water. The tip about wrapping the dist. and carb. will help. Thanks.


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Title: Re: Cleaning Engine of 1985 GMC K1500
Post by: DustyRusty on April 13, 2014, 09:58:24 pm

Also, be careful not to spray water on any electrical connections if you can help it.

Title: Re: Cleaning Engine of 1985 GMC K1500
Post by: dvdswan on April 13, 2014, 10:07:06 pm

welcome to the site.

Title: Re: Cleaning Engine of 1985 GMC K1500
Post by: gmcthunder on April 13, 2014, 10:08:30 pm

Thanks DustyRusty and DVD swan. Looks like I am going to have to replace the valve cover seals and rear diff. seal also.


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Title: Re: Cleaning Engine of 1985 GMC K1500
Post by: BADAZ chevy guy on April 13, 2014, 10:20:08 pm

Welcome to the forum.
If you can have someone follow you there with a gas can and some jumper cables I would suggest it. I've run more than one battery dead trying to start a wet engine.

Title: Re: Cleaning Engine of 1985 GMC K1500
Post by: gmcthunder on April 14, 2014, 06:41:23 am

Thanks for the tip BADAZ chevy guy.


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Title: Re: Cleaning Engine of 1985 GMC K1500
Post by: DesertK20 on April 14, 2014, 09:51:05 am

Brake cleaner works great for tough grease but will hurt the finish of paint/chrome.

Title: Re: Cleaning Engine of 1985 GMC K1500
Post by: gmcthunder on April 14, 2014, 10:46:40 am

Thanks DesertK20.


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Title: Re: Cleaning Engine of 1985 GMC K1500
Post by: Irish_Alley on April 16, 2014, 12:44:30 am

also the intake could be leaking or even a simple fitting causing all sorts of head ache, and welcome from maryland

Title: Re: Cleaning Engine of 1985 GMC K1500
Post by: gmcthunder on April 16, 2014, 07:23:19 am

Thanks Irish_Alley. I know those two things are leaking. I guess as I fix them I will eventually get them all.


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