I'm about to pull the head on my 22re because I'm pretty sure I have a bent exhaust valve, tap top end, loss of power, lots of backfires, and smoking coming from the oil fill spot in the valve cover.

So I checked through the FSM to refresh my memory. It lists under inspection and cleaning to NOT CLEAN HEAD IN A HOT TANK, I never noticed this before. What could be the harm? I've done it in the past when my HG went.

Thanks.

 

Most hot tanks use a strongly alkaline cleaning solution, which is caustic. And if used on aluminum can cause surface erosion. Though I've heard there are ways to inhibit(weaken) the solution making it safe for use on aluminum.