I'd never even consider putting engine parts in the household dishwasher.
"Disharmony" isn't a strong enough word for the result.

When I was rebuilding a couple of TypeIV engines 2 or so years ago I went
and purchased a 5 gallon drum of the "dipit"-style parts cleaner and any
part that would fit went in there.  As for the engine case halves themselves
I cleaned them - laboriously - by hand using full-strength citrus-based
cleaners and lots of hand work.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Young                       '81 Vanagon
Lafayette, CA 94549         '82 Westfalia
---------------------------------------------------------------

From: "Jeff Strickrott" <jstric01@CS.FIU.EDU>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2002 7:24 AM
Subject: Cleaning engine case

> Beginning process of engine rebuild. Other than taking the case halves
> to a shop to tank. Anyone had any success cleaning parts in a
> dishwasher? Does it work as well or just a waste of time and a source
> for disharmony in the household.