Carpokes

I'd want that surface to look cleaner personally, especially if not flat and smooth to the touch. Stains are one thing, but at least over the internet, that looks like more than just staining. MM's advice is intriguing -- always good to know what the pros use. I'll have to get one of those Super Scrapers, though it does look like you'd need to be careful not to scratch anything with it.

From the shade-tree hillbilly perspective, I bought a big box of these Dremel abrasive wheels and use them on stubborn surfaces like this. You just need to be careful not to go crazy with them, and make sure the debris/dust doesn't get into the motor.


Also, I just replaced that same gasket. I found some corrosion in the console groove, so abandoned my slightly judgmental aversion to sealant and used Curil T2 in on both sides of the gasket -- happy to report it's leak free.

I scraped the buildup very gently with a stubby flathead screwdriver and did a decent job. There’s still a few spots and staining that I can’t get with the screwdriver, I’ll give the super scraper a try. I don’t have a Dremel but been waiting for an excuse to get one. I think this calls for it.

Any recommendations on the Dremel, there’s a few options available. Corded or cordless?

libarra82 wrote: Sun Feb 22, 2026 7:49 pm Any recommendations on the Dremel, there’s a few options available. Corded or cordless?

After using many variations, my preference is the corded Dremel #4300 w/the flex shaft - I use this tool almost daily and it takes a beating and keeps on spinning. While some of the off-shore units are inexpensive, issues w/speed, collet forever coming loose, and way too much screeching has me happy I landed with the Dremel - and also made in the US.
As Tom noted, those little polishing wheels are the bomb - I use them ALL the time... cheap and make short work of these issues.

Also, a popsicle stick (dating me here) and some 600 grit wet sand paper will also serve you well here...

Great! Thanks

rheidtman wrote: Mon Feb 23, 2026 6:47 am

libarra82 wrote: Sun Feb 22, 2026 7:49 pm Any recommendations on the Dremel, there’s a few options available. Corded or cordless?

After using many variations, my preference is the corded Dremel #4300 w/the flex shaft - I use this tool almost daily and it takes a beating and keeps on spinning. While some of the off-shore units are inexpensive, issues w/speed, collet forever coming loose, and way too much screeching has me happy I landed with the Dremel - and also made in the US.
As Tom noted, those little polishing wheels are the bomb - I use them ALL the time... cheap and make short work of these issues.

I use mine all the time too. I've had mine since the Taft administration, so I'm probably not a great one to ask about the latest and greatest. I've received 3 or 4 as presents over the years, however, including a no-name knock-off and a fancy cordless one, but I keep going back to the corded original. I have enough things to charge without needing the charge a Dremel, and it seems to gradually lose power resulting in an inconsistent Dremelling experience. That 4300 looks like the modern equivalent of mine. I'd be sure to get a real Dremel, and make sure it has a variable speed switch, not just fast and slow like some of the low end models.

I also much prefer the corded version. My original bit the dust after many years - 25 or more. Dremel said they no longer had the parts for that model so couldn't repair it. (They do great repairs as long as they have parts.) It still worked - sort of but I bought a new corded version - maybe not as tough as the original but still very good.

Ordered The Dremel 4300 Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft, cant wait to use it . Will it be safe to use the Abrasive Wheels and the Carbide Scraper on the block and pistons? This is also as good as I we able to clean with only a plastic razor and Scotch Bright Pads.

The carbide scraper was too aggressive for my skill level, was scraping aluminum off with very little effort. I think it would be more suitable for a larger area like the cylinder head.

I developed a good flow using stubby flatheads in different widths. It’s tedious, but I have good control in tight areas, feel rough spots, and use a bit more force if needed with little to no scratching.

Then finished it off with popsicle sticks and 1000 grit wet sandpaper.


I think it turned out decent.