cleaning engine and compartment

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cso21

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want to get rid 25 yrs worth grease and dirt, want to look factory fresh. what best stuff to use. also plan do same front end too
 

skylark

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Simple Green, pressure washer and a mildly stiff brush for stubborn areas and I like CD2 engine detailer.
 

Ed_P

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I just got done using chemical guys Grime reaper cleaner...bad ass.. I also used rust neutralizer ( cant remeber the name
 

Oldblue98

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I have always used Zep degreaser concentrate, broken down to 50/50 with water and you can watch the grease roll off. Usually hosing it off takes most grime off, but stubborn areas I use a pointy nylon parts washing brush. Mine is never grease as much as dust and dirt grime. As with any de greaser careful around your paint finish ! This stuff never leaves any smell behind after it is done. I always do it ice cold and blow off with air and let it set and dry for a few hours before start up to avoid condensation.
 

Coveman

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superclean is beast.. hold your breath while spraying it thou its pretty strong stuff.

i usually dump my wash suds on the cold engine, sponge the easy to reach stuff, rinse and then superclean the gunky areas. i hose rinse with a garden nozzel, and then dry her off. hoses and plastic parts love some armor all afterwards.
 

Iowan

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I heard red hot works. Isn't a power washer kinda dangerous to use on an engine?
 

mattbrat004

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just dont be stupid about it. dont pressure wash sensors, alternator, computer... etc. use plastic bags to cover those components. Also try not to do it when the motor is fully warmed up, it could warp some stuff.
 

MarkZ28

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Never had issueswith usimg a presdure washer except on a Furd truck with a 302 and a Mustang LX 5.0. Their distributor caps dont seal well and will get water inside. No big deal though, they were easy to dry out. I dont put the nozzle right on the electrical plugs though. I always had good luck with Gunk degreaser spray cans on a warm engine. Simple Green is ok on light grime but not on baked on grease. Deisel fuel works good for places that a brush will get into for relatively low cost.
 

Kirth Gersen

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Many of the most aggressive cleaners are alkali based (sodium hydroxide, etc). Heed the warning labels. These chemicals can permanently damage paint or aluminum if not promptly rinsed off, not to mention chemical burns to skin or eyes.

If alkali degreaser has been soaking on dirty parts, dont blast it off with a pressure washer -- it could blow back into your face. I'd rinse off these cleaners with gentle stream of water, then pressure wash as needed.

Simple Green is less aggressive & wont attack paint or aluminum if promptly rinsed. "Orange"/citrus oil based cleaners are pretty good, too, but can damage paint if allowed to soak.
 
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