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best way to degrease an engine

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Old Apr 13, 2005 | 05:52 PM
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From: jersey
best way to degrease an engine

having a hard time hunting down leaks. what degreaser do you guys suggest i use and best method of use?
 
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Old Apr 13, 2005 | 06:12 PM
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From: Southern MD
I have always used the non-foaming Gunk® in a spray can.

Just spray it on a warm engine, let it sit for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with the garden hose.

I don't cover anything up, but sometimes have to take the distributor cap off and blow it out with the air hose.
 
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Old Apr 13, 2005 | 07:26 PM
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thanks buddy!
 
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Old Apr 13, 2005 | 07:37 PM
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I use castrol super clean, then powerwash
 
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Old Apr 13, 2005 | 07:46 PM
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From: "Islander"
Paint thinner with an old syphon gun that you add air. It has a fluid control ****. Cover the driveway with a couple of layers of newspaper to collect dirt, grit, grease and oil. The paper acts as a filter to prevent driveway stains, thinner evaporates. No water to screw up dizzy, moisture and rust thing.

Carl....=o&o>....
 
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Old Apr 17, 2005 | 10:54 AM
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Oven cleaner works the best for removing built up gunk on engines. If I have to work on somthing really full of crud I run down to the dollar store pick up a can or two of the $1.00 oven cleaner soak the engine then spray it off.
 
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Old Apr 17, 2005 | 11:05 AM
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Hot tanking removes everything.
 
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Old Apr 17, 2005 | 11:13 AM
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From: Southern MD
'Back in the day' my Dad used to warm the engine, then shut it down, sprinkle "Tide" laundry detergent all over the engine, then walk away for about 15 minutes.

Come back, hose the engine down REAL good. Engine was spotless.

Depending on engine, don't forget to cover the carb and distributor with plastic.


Now. . . . to degrease ANYTHING, I use CRC "Brakleen." NAPA makes a degreaser that is cheaper, but, it doesn't work as well as Brakleen, IMO.
I like the "Red" can better than the "Green", too.
 
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Old Apr 17, 2005 | 07:46 PM
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Brake cleaner is GREAT! It will cut through crud that many so called "degreasers" won't even leave a dent in.

A pressure washer works well as long as the engine is warm and you start it up immediately after you're done to speed the evaporation of water from the electrical connections.
 
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Old Apr 18, 2005 | 10:46 AM
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Oven cleaner works but it will eat aluminum.
 
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Old Apr 18, 2005 | 11:37 AM
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From: "Islander"
As well as Aluminum Bright that truckers use on their wheels / gas tanks. Makes a foamy black mess. Not a good idea as I did it on a used intake before installing, had to scrub the snot out of it with brush and Cleanser, saved it.

Carl....=o&o>....
 
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Old Apr 23, 2005 | 05:27 PM
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From: savanna il
dc10 cleans all crud off wont hurt your paint or aluminum and best of all no fumes
 
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Old Apr 23, 2005 | 07:47 PM
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From: "Islander"
What is DC-10? (I'm an A & P mechanic, not the plane). Water or petroleum base, what do you use to wash it off?
Thanks, just wanted to learn about different products.

Carl....=o&o>....
 
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Old Apr 25, 2005 | 12:10 PM
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Simple Green works nice. I have done a few engines with it and like the results. When I went to PLDC at Camp Shelby, Miss. that was all we were allowed to use on the weapons. Either way, nice results.

Chris
 
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Old Apr 27, 2005 | 04:38 PM
  #15  
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From: ma
the best degreaser around is Zep Purple. mix it stronger then it says and spray it all over the motor. wait 1-5 minutes then spray it off with a hose.... this is not as bad as it seems. also the zep works great on wheels when cleaning the truck. spray them and watch the dust disapear, all you need to do is rinse with a hose. great product that can be found at home depot and many other places
 
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