clean heads while replacing knock sensors

[88bomber]

I'm replacing my knock sensors (2001 silverado 5.3), and the intake ports on my heads are filthy (150k miles). I would like to clean them up a bit before putting the intake manifold back on, but not so much that I want to remove the heads or cause new problems by introducing crud into the cylinders or around the valves.

 

What is the best approach for doing some cleaning in this scenario?

 

I can stuff some towels in the ports and clean up the very top of the ports...but that doesn't allow me to get very much. Is there a better way?

[newdude]

Vacuum cleaner and some rags. Vacuum before and after you pull the intake, then stuff the ports with rags. Keep the vacuum running while you clean.

[88bomber]

is there any way I can turn the engine "by hand" to close any valves that are open (before I clean them) as an added measure?

[silverado_nick]

is there any way I can turn the engine "by hand" to close any valves that are open (before I clean them) as an added measure?

I've been able to hook a 1/2 inch drive ratchet with a socket on the crank and turn it over...shouldn't be too hard since there won't be any compression.