degreasing your engine
- Thread starter jlat
- Start date
You can use WD-40 as a presoak and dish soap as degreaser without hurting anything and it's cheaper than Gunk. Engine degreaser, lighter fluid, kerosene, and diesel fuel are all similar and will achieve basically the same end result although none work to my satisfaction. In fact, no 'off the shelf' automotive cleaner/ degreaser does aside from carb or brake cleaner, and they can take off paint on top of getting expensive.
Personally, I use oven cleaner but there are multiple types with various ingredients so you've got to be careful with anodized finishes or paint that you like- the stuff with sodium hydroxide in it will strip both. I use a different type of oven cleaner on all plastics, rubbers, carpet, and interior parts with no ill effects whatsoever after a small learning curve. It removes decals from switch panels and cigarette lighters so don't use it on those, and it's not safe on "soft" paints. These cleaners are still cheap since I buy them at the Dollar Tree.
Most people don't take the risks that I do, nor do they understand the chemicals that they're using so the recommendations will vary. Some call me crazy and they're not wrong, but being different than the crowd and playing Mad Scientist has its benefits.
Personally, I use oven cleaner but there are multiple types with various ingredients so you've got to be careful with anodized finishes or paint that you like- the stuff with sodium hydroxide in it will strip both. I use a different type of oven cleaner on all plastics, rubbers, carpet, and interior parts with no ill effects whatsoever after a small learning curve. It removes decals from switch panels and cigarette lighters so don't use it on those, and it's not safe on "soft" paints. These cleaners are still cheap since I buy them at the Dollar Tree.
Most people don't take the risks that I do, nor do they understand the chemicals that they're using so the recommendations will vary. Some call me crazy and they're not wrong, but being different than the crowd and playing Mad Scientist has its benefits.
This stuff can be bought by the gallon, quart, spray bomb, or 5 gal pail. Useable or is or diluted according to the instructions.
Nick
Last time I did one was with a heated pressure washer and some purple power, but it was out of the car.
I have switched to Purple Power. Mostly because it washes off with hose water. Doesn't leave oily residue. Is biodegradable. Used with a small paint brush it really cuts through the grime.
I did a YouTube on this a few years back, tried 8 different cleaners. Purple Power and Simple Green came out as best.
Part of the test I used 3 or 4 different tire foams spray and set types. There was one that worked ok, but honestly any detergent with elbow grease will work.
Pressure washer helps a bunch, just be careful. If you have a local wash, just use the foam and spray it down.
When ever I get ready to do a Engine or Trans build, Core, direct pull or Craigslist unit, I just take it to local car wash and pressure wash it.
I'm not concerned with water in the block or transmission at that point, because when I get home I start pulling it apart and start soaking in solvent.
Part of the test I used 3 or 4 different tire foams spray and set types. There was one that worked ok, but honestly any detergent with elbow grease will work.
Pressure washer helps a bunch, just be careful. If you have a local wash, just use the foam and spray it down.
When ever I get ready to do a Engine or Trans build, Core, direct pull or Craigslist unit, I just take it to local car wash and pressure wash it.
I'm not concerned with water in the block or transmission at that point, because when I get home I start pulling it apart and start soaking in solvent.
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Long and not the best... It was during Covid, just finished a couple engines and was bored...
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I like Mean Green. It's like simple green but it seems to be a bit stronger. I use it in my ultrasonic for carburetors and chainsaw parts. It doesn't seems to etch the aluminum bodies of the carburetors, whereas Simple Green does.
They sell it at Walmart and sometimes Dollar General.
They sell it at Walmart and sometimes Dollar General.
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