1955 F100
Degreaser
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 7
From: Moyie, BC Canada
Just the other day a came across a spray can of " GUNK". I didn't use it on my 03 f150 because it said not to use on asphalt (eats asphalt driveways). It is an engine degreaser from the auto part store. I wanted to degrease my steering box/front axle assembly and some other stuff so I used this and it works the best of any thing else I have tried. It is safe on concrete. In fact I have been using it to clean the garage floor. I think it is a strong detergent.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: North Texas-McKinney, Tx
Gunk works well combined with a heated forced spray on those things you don't mind using pressure on. On smaller parts, letting them soak in a container.
On a semi-related noted, I ran across a suggestion on de-rusting nuts/bolts. A 50/50 mixture of ATF and Acetone. The data shown showed it took about 20-25% of the torque to break loose a rusted nut than using WD-40/PB Blaster/Liquid wrench. Not sure of the effect of acetone on painted parts you want to stay painted. To give credit where credit is due, I saw that on fatfenderedtruck.com. Lots of excellent info there as well.
On a semi-related noted, I ran across a suggestion on de-rusting nuts/bolts. A 50/50 mixture of ATF and Acetone. The data shown showed it took about 20-25% of the torque to break loose a rusted nut than using WD-40/PB Blaster/Liquid wrench. Not sure of the effect of acetone on painted parts you want to stay painted. To give credit where credit is due, I saw that on fatfenderedtruck.com. Lots of excellent info there as well.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 0
From: Bristol TN.
I like to use "Awesome" from the Dollar Tree store. Its so potent it makes my eyes water and it takes my breath when I'm down wind while using it. Plus it says it not bad for the environment. You have to wash it off when you get done spraying it but I have had great results from it. Spray it on let it sit for a few minutes and commence scrubbing. And its only a $1!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 4
From: Rapid City, SoDak
X3 on the Gunk Engine Brite, it's always worked real well for me. Tip from the guys at the parts store back in the day was that the can says to let the engine cool, but it actually works better on a warm engine. Handy for me because when I pull up to the quarter wash to use the high pressure my engine is already warm. Just don't crack your manifolds with cold water.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,298
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Gunk contains a fair amount of kerosene, so it leaves an oily residue. "Purple Cleaner" is like Formula 409 on steroids, a very strong cleaner. It's cheap, like $8 a gallon, sold at AutoZone, Walmart, etc. Really hard on your hands, it sucks all the oils out of them, so use gloves. I put it in a squeeze-trigger bottle and work the brush with one hand, the pump with the other. Not real good for raw aluminum, OK if you just don't let it sit there.
Trending Topics
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Visalia, CA
Ditto to ALBUQ F-1
"Purple Power"
I let some brackets with the "grease/dirt cement" in a 50-50 mixture overnight, and had to use the hose to spray off the sludge and got down to bare metal. The stuff is non-flammable and biodegradable too!
"Purple Power"
I let some brackets with the "grease/dirt cement" in a 50-50 mixture overnight, and had to use the hose to spray off the sludge and got down to bare metal. The stuff is non-flammable and biodegradable too!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 7
From: Moyie, BC Canada
How's the build going? It's a lot of fun eh.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,094
Likes: 654
From: Brentwood, TN
I use the Castrol Super Clean product...I think that Purple Power is a generic knock-off. This product is not petroleum-based so its good to use anywhere where you have a concern about run-off. It is no more harmful on the environment than laundry detergent when diluted. Keep it off your skin though, it will burn you.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 4
From: Rapid City, SoDak
Also, yes the Castrol Super Clean was right next to the Purple on the shelf, it was $7 and change.
The build is going very well, I got the 302 home last weekend so i'm stripping all the modern EFI and emissions stuff off of there. Still looking for a 5spd trans and at the same time i've got the front axle out, just about to order new front end stuff for better steering in the spring! I wrench on my truck every Monday and it's the best day of the week or me
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 7
From: Moyie, BC Canada
Cheaper?, yes, better? probably not. For general use, frames and such like you were asking about i'd say it's perfect. But if I had an old engine caked with grease i'd still make a run for the Gunk. But maybe don't listen to me i've only used PP once
Also, yes the Castrol Super Clean was right next to the Purple on the shelf, it was $7 and change.
The build is going very well, I got the 302 home last weekend so i'm stripping all the modern EFI and emissions stuff off of there. Still looking for a 5spd trans and at the same time i've got the front axle out, just about to order new front end stuff for better steering in the spring! I wrench on my truck every Monday and it's the best day of the week or me
Also, yes the Castrol Super Clean was right next to the Purple on the shelf, it was $7 and change.
The build is going very well, I got the 302 home last weekend so i'm stripping all the modern EFI and emissions stuff off of there. Still looking for a 5spd trans and at the same time i've got the front axle out, just about to order new front end stuff for better steering in the spring! I wrench on my truck every Monday and it's the best day of the week or me
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 4
From: Rapid City, SoDak
I'm 25 so, i've got a while to go until I get there myself...
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 7
From: Moyie, BC Canada
I'm enjoying retirement, now I can get to some of the projects I've dreamed about. I've had all kinds of really great vehicles but they got used mostly to go to work and stuff like that. Now I have the time to build what I want. I realise that the 49 build I'm doing now is a little on the dark side but when it's done I will have something special. It will be what I thought I would have done when these trucks were still on the road 45 years ago except today there is a multitude of aftermarket goodies and stuff.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
John Isaacson
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Aug 23, 2013 09:21 PM
Super Econoline
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
15
Nov 9, 2012 04:06 PM
1952henry
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Apr 11, 2006 04:14 PM
