Cleaner

[BrendonV 0]

everything is wripped out of this engine i have except the valve spring i think they are©©© what can i clean the whole engine with--inside and out--and not worry about where i get the chemical©©©? can i use gasoline??

[Guest]

I would not use gasoline as a cleaner especially inside. The fumes are dangerous to breath and very explosive. Buy GUNK degreaser to use. It can be purchased at almost any auto store and comes in the quart and gallon size. I use it to soak stuff in and then brush them clean. Use hot water to wash and rinse the parts with water before painting. There is other stuff but I haven't used anything else. Hope it works for you.

[BigSix 0]

John's got the answer, I believe, to which I would add only that I've noticed sometimes Gunk leaves a slightly oily residue (but then again, I've never tried hot water rinsing, as he has...I've used cold water) so I follow up the Gunk with a wash with Simple Green, but you could use any strong soap and hot water, I guess. Then use compressed air to blow all the moisture out of the nooks and crannies. Prior to painting I then wipe everything down w/ lacquer thinner and a clean rag, after the Gunk/S. Green, but as he says, there are fume/health issues. The thinner removes any residual oils/contaminants, IMHO.

[JordB110 0]

Bob, Brendon is only 14 or 15 so getting the 12 pack may be a problem. Jordan

[Kent 436]

John, Have you tried using Mineral Spirits instead of ketone as your final "wash" to remove any film -- that ketone stuff is too volatile and nasty for me... Mineral spirits is relatively cheap, doesn't smell bad (not even as bad as kerosene), and is safe to handle -- won't even bother your hands unless they're in it for a long time. One caution though -- it's a solvent, so if you use it after priming or beween coats, make sure the paint is quite dry and cured or you'll mess it up... I use it as the final "degrease" before sanding, and after sanding before the prime coat. If I even bother sanding the primer or between coats, I wet sand and the water removes most of the dust and stuff. A very light wipedown with mineral spirits gets the rest... Kent

[JohnN 0]

Kent, I'm a creature of habit, I used M.E.K. and it works well. Thats not to say I'm resistant to change and new ideas. The one thing I do like about M.E.K. is that it evapotates very quickly while minerial spirits linger longer longer on the work piece. When doing hard to get to areas like cooling fins and the like M.E.K. gets the job done. You are right about the hand issue. As for price I buy by the gallon so I can't remember how much I paid. I'll give it another try when I start on the 7010 project again in the spring. John

[JohnN 0]

For cleaning engines and other parts I use warm kerosene in my parts washer. It works very well to get the general gunk and grime off. Best of all there is no worry about rusting. I haven't finished a complete restoration project yet, still waiting for paint and warm weather, so I haven't painted anything I cleaned. When the time comes, to paint, maybe I'll use Methyl Ethyl Ketone in a dishpan with a paintbrush and do this outside. I’ve used M.E.K. before and have been pleased with the results. Be aware. These are my own opinions and seem to differ greatly from the other members suggestions. I have never had a problem, but that’s not to say there is not potential. I feel safe with my practices. But I still keep 2 fire extinguishers, one at either end of the garage. Never use gasoline or M.E.K. or other highly volatile chemical in a parts washer. I’ve heard stories of people using Gasoline in parts washers and they don’t end “Happily ever after”. John

[ka9bxg 3]

I used to work at a transmission shop so when I want my engines or almost anything else clean I bring it to a shop that I know and run it through there wash machine.Works great and it is ready for paint.They use hot water and soap to clean.Just something to check out might cost you a few bucks but it is worth it.Sometinmes a 12 pack of beer goes a long way.Bob

[johnmonkey 4]

I thougt I read an earlier message where someone said that they used oven cleaner. for heavy duty degreasing. John H

[BrendonV 0]

thanks guys, much help brendonv