Cool Idea - Valve Job & Engine Compartment Clean Up
 

I thought I would share this in case it others might find it useful. My 240 needed a valve job so I decided to take the opportunity to clean up the entire engine compartment. I knew there was going to be a lot of dirt, engine cleaner and paint swirling about and I wanted to be sure to keep the pistons, cylinders and top of the block clean. Plus I tend to take for ever working on projects like this so moisture was also a concern. So here is what I came up with. Using the head gasket as a template, I cut a piece of wood to the shape of the cylinder head. I cut 10 pieces of PVC pipe to about 4" each so I could use the bolts (finger tight) to hold the wood in place. An oil-dampened rag serves as my gasket. Works like a charm. Now I just hope this baby runs when I get done with all of this work!

Or, you can do the cleaning with the head on.