Engine cleaning
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Lewis Center OH
Use it straight and it will cut through 5th wheel grease like it is canola oil.
It can be mixed up to 10:1 with tap water and still be used as a degreaser on sealed concrete to easily wipe up drips and stains of any organic origin and you can even use it like SHOUT on dirty work clothes.
If you get it on your skin it will degrease that too so wear gloves.
From the website:
Biodegradable aqueous cleaning agent
Low sudsing
Broad materials and surface compatibility
Non-corrosive
Does not contain petroleum or caustic chemicals
Non-flammable
Materials and Surface Compatibilities
STAINLESS STEEL IRON
ALUMINIUM*
BRONZE & BRASS*
MAGNESIUM
SUPER ALLOYS*
RUBBER COMPOUNDS
FABRICS
THERMO PLASTICS
CARBON & LOW ALLOY STEEL
COPPER
COATED SURFACES
THERMOSET
PLASTICS
FIBERGLASS
CONCRETE
*Exposure should be limited to brief periods of time
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 9
From: Acworth, GA
I use this stuff that I get for $1 from the Dollar Store. Try it, you can't go wrong for just $1.
I have also used this stuff and it is great. But, at over $8 a can, I think I will use it very sparingly.
Let us know what you eventually use and how well it works for you. You should also post some before and after photo's so we can all see the effectiveness.
I have also used this stuff and it is great. But, at over $8 a can, I think I will use it very sparingly.
Let us know what you eventually use and how well it works for you. You should also post some before and after photo's so we can all see the effectiveness.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: North Dakota
I have not yet used LA's Totally Awesome (mentioned above) on a greasy engine, but I use that stuff in my boat, truck, car, garage, etc. The best cleaner $$ can buy, IMO.
I buy the larger containers for $3 and refill my sprayers. I assumed it was just local, but apparently not! Your bottles look different than the ones I buy up here.
I buy the larger containers for $3 and refill my sprayers. I assumed it was just local, but apparently not! Your bottles look different than the ones I buy up here.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: San Marcos, TX
I tried using some cheap degreaser from wal-mart that didnt work very well. But that may be because I didn't realize how bad some of the underside is covered in oil. I'll try the Marine Clean and Orange degreasers. Thanks
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
You said "head gasket", but I'll bet it is the valve cover gasket. The head gasket will leak water but not oil. I don't know what engine you have, but the valve cover gaskets are pretty easy to replace. Tell us what engine, give us some pictures, and we can suggest an approach.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: North Dakota
I agree that it is probably the valve cover leaking, not the head. Gaskets ARE super easy to replace. Mine were leaking real bad when I got my truck too. Turns out most the bolts holding the cover on were loose! I replaced the gaskets anyway but you might as well try to tighten them in the mean time. My oil pan was the same way. most bolts only finger tight.
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New User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: San Marcos, TX
I think ya'll are right. I'm pretty new to trucks and I agree that its the valve cover gasket not the head gasket. Its a 5.0 V8 302. I am going to order the parts soon and then replace both valve cover gaskets. do ya'll have any suggestions or advice before I go ahead and do it?
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 505
Likes: 7
+1 for Marine Clean. But if you don't want to pay out the nose for it, just get something caustic (Drain-O, for example). Something with NaOH or KOH in it. Just be EXTREMELY careful and dilute it with some water. Always add NaOH or KOH (or any type of acid) TO water, and not the other way around. If you add water to any strong acid or base, you risk overheating the solution and having it pop/burp/whatever out of the container AND ON TO YOU. Wear eye protection and chemical resistant gloves. And when you're done, hit it with a very mild acid to neutralize any leftover caustic solution on the block. Basically it will turn the grease into soap (a process called saponification) and you can just wash it off. BUT BE CAREFUL!!