Cleaning threads in block - what do people use ?

[dub-disaster]

I'm assuming a standard m11x1.5 metric corse plug tap is what people use and a squirt of compressed air ?? Also do you oil the bolts prior to torquing up to ensure correct torques or are you ment to do it dry ?

[hayesey]

Oil the bolts before putting them in. I've never ran a thread down the bolt holes, just cleaned out and blast of air should do it

[PeteG40]

i use cotton wool buds when cleaning threads out.

[dub-disaster]

Right cheers guys, for some reason had in my head to clean out threads with a tap first but was a bit worried that the tap might weaken the threads a little making them a little sloppy and more
likley to brake.
   Ill do a bit of air and a bit of cotton buds with a bit of engine oil jobs a good'en !

[Raw]

If you've got the correct size tap that's got to be the best way of cleaning the threads. I can't see you weakening the threads in this way

[jez1272gt]

What you want in an ideal world is a thread 'chaser' which cleans and pushes the threads back into place if damaged (rather than cut new ones). It is a 'blunt' form of a regular tap...

[scotsjohn]

You can make a chaser with an old bolt. Make a couple of hacksaw cuts at about 45degrees on the thread, then run a nut up and down it a couple of times to clean it ; one chaser.

[newt]

i have an old head bolt with a slit cut up it on oposite sides, this cleans the threads and pushes the dirt out and up the slit, i use aerosol copper easeon the bolt as a cleaning addative and fro something to stick the dirt to (aerosol copper ease is alot thinner) then i clean out with brake cleaner as it evaporates hope this helps