cleaners/degreasers

[CREWZER]

After having my rig a few weeks and getting it cleaned up and reading more than i have in the last 2 yr.s getting to know my rig.I've decided to keep it utterly stock for now.(save the custom rear quarter crumple,and the custom jerry-rigged drill and bolt GM bumper.)I've allways avioded engine cleaners on other vehicles for fear of gasket rot due to the chemicals.
but I really want to clean the engine bay and engine,Is there a safe cleaner that can be used,or is it a trash-bag full of rags?,thx guys.

 

[fourand20]

purple power at your local autozone or walmart works best

 

[meatloaf]

I tried oven cleaner & power wash last week, per ainscared1969 and it works great! It even stripped the paint in a couple of areas on the chasis....

 

[inkpot]

Howdy. Spray can degreasers work, but you still have to do some brushing and ragging to break up the stubborn stuff. Carb cleaner works better as it tends to blast off the chunks. Brake cleaner also works pretty good, but it might harm the paint. I have had no problem with the carb cleaners on paint. None should harm gaskets, as they are all automotive products designed to be used around gaskets. The hand pump degreasers like Purple Power work good, but still require some brush and rag work. I've had more than 10 cars over 10 years old in the last 10 years, due to KIDS! I have mostly used carb cleaner on sale at Checker for $2 per can on all of them. I won't wrench on them til I can see it all clearly. That way I can see if there are any leaky gaskets that need replacement. John

 

[CREWZER]

Thx John,will Be Cleaning All That 21 Yr Gunk Out This Coming Weekend.

 

[AATLAS1X]

purple power at your local autozone or walmart works best

X1000 but over here it is called Castrol Super Clean.

 

[inkpot]

X1000 but over here it is called Castrol Super Clean.

Howdy, again. P.S. Oven cleaner does work, especially on the baked on crust around the exhaust manifolds. It is hard on the paint, and it takes a while to soak. Got to keep the kids and pets out of it when you rinse it off. Once I got my gear boxes really clean ( I had them out of the rig ) I shot them with clear coat. Smooths out the surface and makes them super easy to clean off. John

 

[JLH911]

purple power at your local autozone or walmart works best

I can attest to this cleaner. It works on contact! just make sure you cover all the electrical equipment and other stuff like your carb.

Make sure anything that wouldn't like water doesn't get it and RINSE RISNSE RINSE!

A power washer works great too but be careful not to damage anything with the strong water stream.

 

[brian]

another one for PP.

 

[Tinker]

I've always used Gunk - spray it on on the street on a cold engine before you head to the high-pressure car wash.

If you can rig it, compressed air to blow out the dizzy afterwards is a real luxury.

 

[Dave-T]

Simple green automotive formula or berrymans carb cleaner

 

[v8tuff]

Just used the good ol GUNK last weekend on my new FJ62. I have to say, although a lot of grease came off, I think it left something to be desired overall. I will be trying something new next time after 15 years of using gunk. Use an old toothbrush too. I'd stay away from simple green. We use it to clean some stuff in the Navy and it will probably rust anything you dont come back and coat with silicon or other oil, wd-40, etc. Rather than using compressed air to blow out the dist. afterwords, just throw a sandwich bag over the top and keep it on with a large rubber band like off of broccolii! Make sure the bag is positioned so it won't melt! No worries about much else, unless you've got old spark plug wires with cracked boots, that can screw you if you get some water in there.

 

[Elbert]

give mean green a try, you can get it at Wal Mart. One of the best degreasers I've used. Don't spray on aluminium or other polished metals...

 

[gray]

After having my rig a few weeks and getting it cleaned up and reading more than i have in the last 2 yr.s getting to know my rig.I've decided to keep it utterly stock for now.(save the custom rear quarter crumple,and the custom jerry-rigged drill and bolt GM bumper.)I've allways avioded engine cleaners on other vehicles for fear of gasket rot due to the chemicals.
but I really want to clean the engine bay and engine,Is there a safe cleaner that can be used,or is it a trash-bag full of rags?,thx guys.

Do not use anything that is not made specifically for engine cleaning;
not Purple or Green super detergents; they will soften rubber,
tape, etc.

If you have caked on stuff, then some elbow grease and about
5 rolls of paper towels using any Engine Degreaser you
can buy at any autoparts store.

Once you get the heavy stuff off, then you can spray again
with the Engine degreaser, let it sit and spray away (if legal
in your area).

Of course; cover everything that can be hurt by water;
brake reservior, ATF and oil dipsticks, distributor, etc.

Do not point the spray gun under high pressure directly at any
electrical parts, wiring harnesses, the front axle knuckles(clean those by hand) etc.

The low pressure spray will not hurt anything in my experience.

Use the high pressure when you get to the heavy accumulations
of crud.

Let the vehicle sit before starting; if it runs real rough, let it sit
some more.

Good luck.

g