Recomendation needed for degreaser

[Deleted User]

I am getting ready to pull the engine on my 54 Hornet. Before I start I want to clean up the firewall, front suspension, etc. Once the engine is out the car is stuck in my garage. Being a newbie at this can anyone recommend a good degreaser? The auto parts stores has dozens of these. Diesel fuel was recommended by a friend.



The Environmental Protection Agency here in Oregon is very strict about steam cleaning and virtually no one is doing it here in Eugene. In order to do it you have to have a very expensive separator to keep the grease out of the water. There is a do it yourself carwash nearby that does have a separator so I will need to take the car there for cleaning up.



Thanks for any feedback you can provide.



Doug

PAULARGETYPE

I Would Pressure Wash The Entire Engine And Front End You'll Have A Lot Of Ku Ck On The Ground When Your Done I Always Pressure On The Gravel Part Of The Driveway I Just A Spray On Some Diesel Fuel Let It Sit For A While And Then Pressure Wash Some Times You May Need To Do It 2 Times

Hudsonly

Paulargetype

Unknown

my favorite is castrol super clean or the imitation, purple power. dont get it on your skin. way more powerful than simple green.

faustmb

I'll second the strength of the Castrol Super clean. Powerful stuff but BAD for skin...



Recently I've been favoring citrus based degreasers. You have to let them soak a bit longer, but they work well (especially if you pressure wash) and they are a bit better for the environment. Our hobby isn't too Earth- friendly.

Uncle Josh

I get the caked stuff off with a putty knife, follow up with kerosene and a veggie brush, and finish with mineral spirits with the brush. The spirits dry ready to paint.

[Deleted User]

Another vote for Castrol Super Clean. Very strong stuff.



Dave W.

rambos_ride

I have used all types over the years, lately I have been going to Lowes Home Improvement and getting Generel Purpose Degreaser that comes in a 2 gallon container with a spray bottle for application.

It's cheap - under 10.00 the last time I got some and works well. Your fingers my get tired pumping the spray bottle, I have a container that I partially fill and then add compressed air.,,

If you've got some really heavy grease and you're not worried about stripping paint off - try Oven Cleaner, it's more expensive, but very aggressive at cleaning grease.

Unknown

I personally like Autozone's brake clean. It used to be cheap, like 99 cents a can, but has jumped in price. Prolly not good for you, but gets the job one. It will strip paint, and anything else. Also, cleans your hands quick, if need be....

Unknown

Please get Simple Green at Wal-mart. Read the label, it is bio-degradable to the enviorment and to you. It takes several uses but will do the job. Soak the engine compartment and other areas. Shut the hood. Wash the car, then rince the car and the engine compartment. do not touch anything in the engine compartment. Let Simple Green do the work for you. I have had many trophies awarded to me with my spotless engine compartment. Allow the engine compartment to dry by itself. Then check later and see what it has done. You may still need to redo several areas in order to get the results that you need. It will eventually get the job done without making your hands bleed on all the sharp corners inside the engine compartment..

Good luck

Rich Smithen

Unknown

Get the big chunks off with putty knives/wire brushes first. My favorite is Whisk laundry detergent full strength and a parts cleaning brush. For anything burned on like grease that has been next tio a manifold leak, Easy Off oven cleaner. You'll be amazed at what these two products wil and can do. The good part is the cleanup is done with a water hose!

Unknown

oh yeah i dump the super clean into a garden type pump up sprayer and just go to town. i love that stuff.