Engine Degreaser General Discussion Truck Talk
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6:37 pm
Freshly Restored
June 5, 2010
Offline
I'm cleaning up an old motor I have and for right now I'm just using a paint brush, a putty knife,wire brush, some gasoline and some industrial rubber gloves to get the first layers of crud off of it but I'm wondering what is out there that is the best degreaser for cleaning up a cold motor. There's no way to start it now to warm it up and I really don't like the idea of pressure washing it and forcing water into it when there is a good chance of not having to tear it down depending on the cylinder leak down test I'll be doing. Any thing better out there that I'm using or should I just keep plugging away with what I'm using already?
-Mike-
PDF 7:16 pm
Freshly Restored
December 10, 2009
Offline
Sleeve, the engine degreaser stuff at the local auto parts store work well, still need to hose it off, I use the fiber stiff type brushes and a straight type part washer brush, follow the destruction's.
9:31 pm
Pile of Parts
March 19, 2011
Offline
Mike,
I went from this: 
to this: 
last weekend and I found a three step process to be the best in my case[your mileage may vary]. Mine's completely torn down and I did the clean up in a kiddie pool to catch the several pounds of grime for disposal.
On the right hand side the first thing I tried was spraying down with Autozone brand foaming engine degreaser and then rinsing off with Simple Green Concentrated Degreaser. All that did was create a slimy mess that just spread around with a stiff nylon brush and took a long time to get off. So, when I tackled the other side (1) I started with a plastic putty knife and scraped off all the grime that would come off in chunks/layers, (2) I soaked the remaining grime with Simple Green and scrubbed with a nylon tire brush, (3) I sprayed on the foaming engine degreaser and wiped it down with an old t-shirt. To stop any bare spots from flash rusting I then wiped it down with a bit of MMO.
Good luck,
Aaron
9:54 pm
Rusty Driver
November 4, 2010
Offline
I really dont like the idea of using gasoline as a solvent/cleaner. I knew a guy, in the 1960's, who set himself on fire while using gasoline to clean parts. It was not clear what ignited the fumes, and it was presumed that it was a spark generated from the mixed fabrics in his clothing. He tried, in his panic, to slap out the fire and splashed more fuel on himself and slowly burned to death as he ran around the shop, in panic. If you must use a common fuel for cleaning, Diesel fuel is relatively safe.
6:46 am
Golden Anniversary
July 25, 2010
Offline
Know this is out in left field, but one of the fellows I know says he uses oven cleaner. I was sceptical, wondering what it might do to some of the delicates? Does work on the ovens tho, and some works on cold ovens.
Just wondering.
Lloyd
8:17 am
Rusty Driver
November 4, 2010
Offline
Leak-down test? Cold engine? Typically, a leak-down test is done on a "warm" engine, TDC on each cylinder to be tested. You may not get the best test performance if the engine cannot be run, with coolant in it. A short warm up gives the piston rings their best chance of sealing, and may allow the valves to seat better. Anyway, there is lots of good information on the internet and YouTube. If this engine is stuck, a leak-down test may not be a good choice at this time. It is quite likely that a leak-down test would be the same on a dirty engine as a cleaned one. Depending on how you interrperate the test results, you may decide to or not to "freshen" the engine. If this engine has been sitting for a very long time, it might be a good idea to check the valves to see if they are not stuck. If you force a stuck valve, it is possible to make your situation much worse.
8:19 am
Rusty Driver
November 4, 2010
Offline
PS: Which engine are you cleaning?
9:34 am
Freshly Restored
June 5, 2010
Offline
Thanks one and all for the good info, you guys have never failed to help with any question I've posted.
isb, The motor was recently running and I bought it off of a guy but as things worked out I did not have a chance to do a compression test at the time it was in his truck although it sounded healthy and had good oil pressure, and the plugs were clean. It was in a 3/4 ton pick up that moved pianos as part of his business but now he wants to put a small block V8 in the truck. I think the only way I can check it now short of a tear down would be to do a leak down test on it with the cylinders wet.
My apologies here but it is a 1958 261 Stovebolt six, I've got an old C#&%$y hoist and boom truck that needs a motor / motor upgrade so I'm in the middle of taking out the babbit pounder and dropping the full pressure six in.
I wish it was IH but it is what it is.
4:38 pm
Golden Anniversary
September 10, 2010
Offline
Got to agree with using gas,it's an accident waiting to happen. Went to a structure fire one day,the entire garage was in flames with the home owner still inside,need I say more? Turned out I went to school with the son. The guy was using gas while working on a car to clean something.
Diesel works good and is "a bit safer". An easy way to apply is a pressure garden sprayer,the kind you pump up, I used one to spray the inside of a tandem dump with diesel so the asphalt wouldn't stick. With the adjustable nozzle I could do the entire thing from the ladder. Being frugal an old toilet brush works well on large areas,they're cheap and disposable.
If you want to use "green" products,I like Purple Power over Simple Green for grease,I get it at Autozone or Home Depot carries ZEP products and I think a degreaser.
6:05 pm
Freshly Restored
June 5, 2010
Offline
Although I'm doing it outside in the driveway I can see where I had a brain fart when I thought to use gas so no more of that. I scraped for awhile today and used some kerosene that I had on hand. Next round will be simple green or purple power followed by a final round of foaming engine degreaser.
If the motor checks out it'll get new gaskets and seals and a rattle can engine paint job and be ready to go. I got really lucky with the motor for the L112 I'm hoping lightning will strike twice and this motor will be just as solid.
10:31 pm
Golden Anniversary
December 9, 2009
Offline
you know, after ISB & Scott's stories, i think i'm glad i finally sprang for some store bought solvent for my old parts washer.
good idea with the garden sprayer and toilet brush! i love cheap tech…
john
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"in the words of Socrates, "i drank what?!"
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