Boiling motor?

[PeteLeoni]

To me, this seems like a no-brainer.(Probably because I would have no brain if I did it.) Seriously though (metallurgical speaking) a 212 Fahrenheit boil is not going to change a spring or hurt anything is it?

I was thinking that perhaps it is possible to simply remove the barrel, remove the spring cover, boil all the gunk out, re-grease it, reinstall cover, then reinstall
spring barrel without ever dealing with removing the springs.
If this is a bad idea please tell me what an ass I am without holding back.
Thanks!

[Curt A]

The only (big) problem with boiling it in water is RUST, which will invade the entire motor. An easy way to clean your motor in a similar way is to fill a dishpan (or suitable container) with good quality kerosene and let the motor soak for a week. Kerosene will dissolve old grease and provide a natural lubricant throughout. Clean the remaining gunk off with a brush and re- lube. If there are difficult areas you can use carburetor cleaner to finish cleaning...

[PeteLeoni]

I am new-ish. I hope I didn't post in the wrong area or the question is not completely absurd.

[JerryVan]

To me, this seems like a no-brainer.(Probably because I would have no brain if I did it.) Seriously though (metallurgical speaking) a 212 Fahrenheit boil is not going to change a spring or hurt anything is it?

I was thinking that perhaps it is possible to simply remove the barrel, remove the spring cover, boil all the gunk out, re-grease it, reinstall cover, then reinstall
spring barrel without ever dealing with removing the springs.
If this is a bad idea please tell me what an ass I am without holding back.
Thanks!

No. 212F will not hurt the spring temper in any way. But it's still a bad idea. It won't remove the gunk, but it will introduce water to the spring. The water will stay between the spring coils and cause rust, which will lead to spring breakage. I guess you could soak it in degreaser, but even that will not get in between things and pull the junk out. There's only 1 real way to do it right...

[PeteLeoni]

Well....First, thanks for the replies. I have it soaking in Diesel for the last 24 hours.
My plan was to boil it, hair dry it, then re-soak in Diesel again, then use synthetic red grease. Heck yes I am trying to avoid removing the springs from the barrel, but not out of fear of failure, because I am one of those who make a mess and then ×10 the mess. But of course I know you are right about doing it right.

[PeteLeoni]

Also this is a two spring, one barrel VV-80 motor, so I don't know where the gunk would escape from the lower spring and that also means no way to re lube it without removing the top spring....arghhhb

[PeteLeoni]

I think I will just pull the springs out and then get a new house.

[JerryVan]

I think I will just pull the springs out and then get a new house.

[travisgreyfox]

I think I will just pull the springs out and then get a new house.

I accidently let a spring fly out in my garage one time and got black grease ALL OVER THE PLACE! My wife was sooo angry. I'm also messy with everything I do

[Curt A]

Jerry's correct: There is only one way to do it right - BUT, I have discovered many half a$$ed shortcuts...