Yes - I realize this is an old Thread - but, hey, I'm doing Searches...
So, even though plates are in place to keep glass beads out, you recommend the parts be given a bubble bath? Not disagreeing, but in my case, I've got rocker arms in place in the cover and valves installed in the head. I plan to (temporarily) bolt cover and head back together and make covers for all openings. I just don't want to remove all those steel parts again.... With the cylinder block, I likewise am planning to make a cover for top (using gasket as template) and seal off barrels.
Sounds like the importance of removing all bead residue from these parts is of greater import than getting steel parts wet (which can be dealt with via drying and oiling).
Any need to install gaskets along with the fabbed covers? Not sure I want to put pricey gaskets at risk to keep beads out.
Thanks!