Best way to clean/degrease exterior engine block?

[SyberTiger]

I've got the common problem that many have with the oil leak at the oil adapter gasket. Apparently coolant runs through the oil adapter therefore it makes for the perfect time to change the coolant in the vehicle (which has never been done) and to do an oil change at the same time.

Before I tackle the job I was thinking about cleaning up the oil from the exterior of the block but I don't know what chemical does the best job safely without screwing something up such as gaskets and seals.

I'm concerned that Purple Power degreaser or similar will be too harsh and may damage gaskets/seals. Also, I have similar concerns about using Brake Part Cleaner (chlorinated or not) but have no info or experience to backup my concerns.

I have no experience degreasing an engine so I thought I'd ask here for recommendations on the best products to use to degrease an engine without screwing something up. Better safe than sorry.

Please provide comment....thanks!

 

[EXPLORER04]

I use this, or which ever one the store has on sale http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...oamy-feb1/7040326-P?searchTerm=engine+cleaner

 

[Number4]

What engine do you have?
If you have the V8, then you have an aluminum block. Google 'how to degrease aluminum engines' before you put anything on it.

 

[SyberTiger]

What engine do you have?
If you have the V8, then you have an aluminum block. Google 'how to degrease aluminum engines' before you put anything on it.

4.6L SOHC V8...I'll Google it...thanks!

 

[Number4]

The acid in most degreasers will eat the aluminum.

 

[sfhess]

Simple Green or the Awesome degreaser available at 99cent stores.

 

[SyberTiger]

The acid in most degreasers will eat the aluminum.

Which degreaser do you recommend then?

 

[Number4]

Which degreaser do you recommend then?

Ha!

I've been researching for the purpose of my 94's intake. I think I'm going to settle for purple power. Though I may try one of the wheel cleaners too.
Haven't decided. Too many opinions out there.

 

[BKennedy]

X2 for Simple Green. Spray it on, let sit for a few minutes, hose it off, clean engine.

 

[Turdle]

Purple power will etch aluminum, and remove paint .

I vote dawn dish soap-water mix sprayed on and high pressure car wash

 

[SyberTiger]

I thinking brake parts cleaner is the way to go. I came across THIS THREAD on the subject.

 

[Turdle]

I thinking brake parts cleaner is the way to go.

Wow, that stuff will strip paint.

I have used the oven cleaner in a blue can with great results. It is made to remove baked on grease. Just spray it everywhere, then use high pressure soap wash with warm water to blast everything clean, followed by a good rinse. It works even better than dawn dish soap.

 

[BKennedy]

Wow, that stuff will strip paint.

I have used the oven cleaner in a blue can with great results. It is made to remove baked on grease. Just spray it everywhere, then use high pressure soap wash with warm water to blast everything clean, followed by a good rinse. It works even better than dawn dish soap.

This or Simple Green. Brake parts cleaner will take the paint off, and dry out all of the rubber based parts. I use brake parts cleaner to prep metal before paint because it strips it of any oil. Paint is oil based.

I read the thread you mentioned. They are using it to prep parts for sealant, for which it works great. Just did that the other day on the front diff.

Sent from my XT907 using Forum Runner

 

[swshawaii]

Searching everywhere for this stuff. Tried them all, Gunk Engine Brite is no match for heavily caked on grease. BTDT.

http://www.crcindustries.com.au/aeroclean-degreaser

EDIT- Australian web site. Probably not available in the U.S.

 

[Number4]

Searching everywhere for this stuff. Tried them all, Gunk Engine Brite is no match for heavily caked on grease. BTDT.

http://www.crcindustries.com.au/aeroclean-degreaser

Without reading it myself, did it say it was safe for aluminum?

 

[swshawaii]

without reading it myself, did it say it was safe for aluminum?

Good question. Appears to be a solvent and will definitely eat asphalt.

• Cleans iron, steel, aluminum, magnesium and copper
• Not harmful to metal, rubber, plastic or concrete

http://www.crcindustries.com.au/assets/files/tds/aeroclean-degreaser-5070-tds.pdf