Engine Degreaser

[Minkota]

I need to degrease my engine before I do some modifications and this engine is pretty bad. back in the day we used Easy Off Oven Cleaner (spray it on then run the engine and wash off) and it worked better than any store bought degreaser. just wondering what everyone uses now.

[Willys_MB]

I still use oven cleaner, except I buy the walmart brand because it's a lot cheaper!

[jbarron]

If you don't care about the paint and have no exposed aluminum.
Purple industrial cleaner degreaser.
Very nasty stuff.
The big orange box store around here carries it.

Most degreasers that are caustic will eat aluminum on contact and stain it.
There are some aluminum safe cleaners that work also.

[VWNate1]

I use the purple industrial cleaning stuff from Sam's Club, dilute it at least 50% with water and use a gentle brush (I use paint brushes), spray it on and swab it around, don't let it sit or get dry, that's what damages the paint .

If you're quick and rinse very well it won't damage aluminum .

Some times takes a couple goes before the really hard thick old crud comes off bu you'll love the squeaky clean engine with no paint / rubber / plastic damage .

If you're more comfortable with the aerosol cleaners, GUNK Engine Brite # EB1 is the best there is, all those "steam", "foamy" etc. ones are crap .

Be aware this product WILL kill any grass / flowers / etc. the run off touches so chose your work area carefully .

Oven cleaners are O.K. but there are TWO TYPES so you must read the label or you'll get one that can corrode alloy metals ! .

Do your engine cleaning in the morning before it's hot or in the evening after the sun sets .

[72c20customcamper]

Still in the truck and running? If so I have driven to the local car wash spray it down with the original gunk engine clean let it sit and blast it with the high pressure. But some places don't like you doing engines in the bay.

Out of truck rent a pressure washer spray it down with a good degreaser dawn actually works well . Scrub it and blast it. The local rental place here has a hot water pressure washer. That would be the best.

[Ganty101]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

Still in the truck and running? If so I have driven to the local car wash spray it down with the original gunk engine clean let it sit and blast it with the high pressure. But some places don't like you doing engines in the bay.

Out of truck rent a pressure washer spray it down with a good degreaser dawn actually works well . Scrub it and blast it. The local rental place here has a hot water pressure washer. That would be the best.

I’ve always been against spraying water under my hood. All those electrical components and places for water to sit where it wouldn’t naturally get. I dunno maybe I’m over cautious but I stick to wipe on wipe off stuff.

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by Ganty101

I’ve always been against spraying water under my hood. All those electrical components and places for water to sit where it wouldn’t naturally get. I dunno maybe I’m over cautious but I stick to wipe on wipe off stuff.

Only thing I cover is the cap. Never had a problem but then again I drive mine rain or shine and have hit some huge puddles small lakes around here on the dirt roads. Same with my bikes.

[St Cloud Rustoms]

oven cleaner - been using it for years.

[Old guys rock]

There is a concentrate I picked up at Dollar General on the recommendation of a friend. It's called Awesome! And it really is!

[special-K]

Diesel. I use brakeleen for final nooks and crannies

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by special-K

Diesel. I use brakeleen for final nooks and crannies

We used to mix diesel or kerosene with the gunk. Because the gunk cost more then. Boy how time has changed.

We used to have a steam Jenny at the shop. Thing had to 40 years old in the 80's. But it would clean anything.

[leddzepp]

POR Marine Clean or any bilge cleaner. No need to scrub, years of caked up crap melts off like butter.