Here is my engine bay. What is safe to use for cleaning it?

[CajunKenny]

I was thinking of diluting some Simple Green down to a 50/50 mix.

What have you guys done that didn't ruin rubber parts?

Thanks!

 

[Zumtizzle]

Kerosine.

or Gunk.

 

[Poodles]

Yep, most true engine degreasers won't hurt the rubber. Still gonna have to scrub a bit and a pressure washer helps get most of it off.

 

[gamer565]

Best stuff right there, bought like 5 cans and went to work on my bay and the block.

 

[Bri7man]

I clean engine components with Kerosene thanks to Zum's recommendation a while back, Gunk Engine Brite for heavy heavy buildup on power-train/sludge caked areas and finally touch up the bay with Purple Power mixed with water in a spray bottle.

The Purple Power surprisingly didn't take off any paint and leaved my bare bay looking brand new even taking off rust and dirt stains effortlessly. I'll post pics tomorrow.

 

[Zumtizzle]

Gunk = Kerosene/Diesel in a can.

But simple green is fine in full strength. (keep it off clear coated paint or aluminum though!!!)

 

[Poodles]

Simple green, purple power, and super clean will all attack paint and aluminum. Simple green is the mildest of the bunch, but I'd still be very careful.

 

[WhtMa71]

Yep. Simple green made my engine bay paint nice a white like it should look after I used it but turned the pain yellowish after about a week...

 

[CajunKenny]

I use Purple Power in my parts washer and it has removed paint on a lot of parts. I don't know how it reacts with rubber though.

My buddy had some simple green on a rag and he set it on the plastic side mirror on his truck and within about 10 minutes, the rag had sort of melted itself to the mirror. He was NOT happy! He he...

Hmm...well, I think some Diesel in a spray bottle is what I'll try.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Poodles]

Oddly purple power/super clean doesn't hurt many plastics, but it will dry out rubber IIRC.

 

[bfr1992t]

A heat gun and a plastic scraper works well to remove cosmoline wax and other hardened grease. Just don't get it so hot that you burn the paint. I resorted to this method when most every chemical ended up showing 3E5 paint on the towel. It was a little more time consuming but in the end easier and cleaner.

 

[92TealSupra]

Simple green is what I use, but takes forever, if you want to save time I always get the FOAM posted above..

 

[goliath]

Spray-nine

 

[mattsplat72]

I just use really hot water and dish soap in a pressure washer. It always works for me. You remember my bay from Centralia right Kenny

 

[mattsplat72]

Double post lol...If you are concerned with damage why not take some scraps and clean them and check later in the day to see if damage occured?

 

[grimreaper]

castrol super clean. Before i work under the car i spray the underside down with a 50/50 mix. Spray it on and let it soak for a few minutes. Oil and dirt build up falls right off with the hose. Havent needed another cleaner yet!

Ive used a tooth brush on a few thick layers of crud on the rack but other wise minimal scrubbing. It will burn your hands if you have cuts. Careful with full strength.

 

[steve1479]

I use a mixture of your average citrus degreaser and Go-Jo hand cleaner, diluted with water so it's not a slimely texture.

Go-Jo hand cleaner diluted to a liquid instead of a slime works really well. I cleaned my firewall and fender wells inside my engine bay and they came out looking like new.

 

[Zumtizzle]

Go-Jo :aigo:

 

[Kota]

i use the cheapo foam degreaser from wally world, works pretty good. especially on a tight budget.

 

[whitemike]

Do what I did, take the rubber out, and pressure wash the hard parts. Don't hit the fuse box or other important electrical shit You don't want connectors to rust/corrode..

I was gonna wait to post these in my build thread, but I love Kenny's car, so..