just bought an engine that sat for months with oil in it, and the walls of the head and bottom of the valve cover are crusted with old oil. just wondering if i can clean all of it off with something and let it dry. motor wont be going into my car for a week or so, so it will be dry by then. also, is there something i can strip all the old paint off the valve cover with? i tried sanding and it doesnt get everything off.

 

paint stripper. They sell it at lowes.

 

Do you know anyone who works at a shop? IF so, clean the head in their parts cleaner tank and then use compressed air to dry it out, make sure you take off all the sensors though. Or you could use brake parts cleaner....