TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:25 pm

Looking for some creative ideas for cleaning the oil galleys on the type 4. What size/type of brush are people using to get all the way to the end of the galley? Also, what's the best cleaning agent to use? Carb cleaner, Varsol, etc.

Sun Jan 22, 2012 2:33 pm

this is just my opinion, so take it at face value. try not to use any brass/steel bottle brushes. the more you scrub, the more you get 'sanding glitter' (for lack of a better term) find some stiff solvent resistant brushes, like the type to clean spray guns. they are made of a soft/medium plastic type 'wire' that is solvent safe, and won't srub the bores giving you that glitter. i use carb clean, but you can use whatever. i have used lacquer thinner too.

if you use any metal type brush, you will go nuts trying to clean the stuff they scrub off. unless you have a real gunked up passage, i like the gun cleaner style. again, just my .02

Sun Jan 22, 2012 2:52 pm

I use nylon shotgun brushes of about .410 gauge if I recall. I wash like a shotgun. I use clean stoddard solvent then lacquer thinner then soap and water then a pressure washer then compressed air. Use a new oil cooler (genuine VW) if any shrapner or sizeable dirt comes out. Catch the filter outflow by holding a white towel where the outflow is to see what is in it.

Sun Jan 22, 2012 3:49 pm

Perfect. Thanks guys.

Sun Jan 22, 2012 6:49 pm

I think "gallery" make more sense than "galley". A galley is a kitchen on board a ship, or, in some cases, a style of ship itself. A gallery is a passageway or open space.

Is it really necessary to clean these passageways? I would worry that it might "stir up trouble".

Sun Jan 22, 2012 8:18 pm

SGKent wrote: I use nylon shotgun brushes.

thats the word i was looking for 8)

Sun Jan 22, 2012 8:20 pm

jtauxe wrote: I think "gallery" make more sense than "galley". A galley is a kitchen on board a ship, or, in some cases, a style of ship itself. A gallery is a passageway or open space.

Is it really necessary to clean these passageways? I would worry that it might "stir up trouble".

John it only makes sense when the engine is apart and the plugs out. Only if the plugs are out though. I've seen engines inside where the passages are barely open because of deposits stuck to the wall. Especially if non-detergent oil has ever been used. I spent all day once on an old chevy block with long drill bits drilling out the passages once on like a 35 Chevy. FYI - I have heard them called both an oil gallery and an oil galley by many racers. I'll try to get a definitive answer from a friend.

Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:49 am

just to clarify, I had Rimco drill and tap the galleries so I'd like to get in there while I can before I seal it up. I'm pretty sure there are metal bits in there from the tapping. I put both galley and gallery in the topic for search purposes. I agree though, it would be nice to get a definitive answer on which one is correct.

Mon Jan 23, 2012 9:48 am

AB westy nut wrote: just to clarify, I had Rimco drill and tap the galleries so I'd like to get in there while I can before I seal it up. I'm pretty sure there are metal bits in there from the tapping. I put both galley and gallery in the topic for search purposes. I agree though, it would be nice to get a definitive answer on which one is correct.

If you don't own a rifle cleaning kit, Harbor Freight sells an assortment of nylon bottle brushes.