How Do I Clean Old Gunky Oily Engine

[GregM.]

There's an oil leak, a persistent drip, probably coming from more than one place... And it's been there for quite a while. Is there an easy way to clean a messy old engine? It's mostly the bottom 1/2, including frame, center and side stands, swingarm area, etc. This stuff has built up over time, and is thick and caked on.

Here's my idea, and my concern. I'd like to avoid getting all this gunky, greasy mess on my driveway.
What about a car wash place? Are you familiar with those coin operated, do-it-yourself carwash places? I don't know if they're located everywhere are not... But around here they have these open ended structures, like a carport, with a hose and nozzle. There is a selector switch, so you can have different liquids spray out of the nozzle.

One of the choices, I think, says "engine degreaser". Do you think I could spray this stuff on all over... then maybe bring a brush to really break it up... then hose it off? Could this stuff harm any: alum. engine, rubber, pastic, chrome, or painted parts? I guess it would depend on what cleaner/solvent they have in the machine.

Any ideas? Thanks a lot.:-D

[Calvin Blackmore]

Do not use a high pressure wash on your bike.
It will do wonders for removing all the grit and grime except for the sall amount of grit and grime it will force into seals and bearings etc.

It may sound a little lame esp as you do not want to mess up your driveway but a careful wash with detergent and hot water mixed with a healthy amount of low sulfur solvent will cure you woes.

Just takes a lot longer.

[Big T]

Greg,

I would go to the car wash, and take a can of Gunk Engine Cleaner, a plastic scraper/putty knife, and a scrub brush
Use the scraper and brush to remove as much of the caked on stuff as you can

Spray Gunk on the engine only - it's bad for paint - let it sit for a while, then use the soap setting on the wand and spray everything
You might want to wear goggles

I wouldn't use the Engine Cleaner setting on your paint - hot, soapy water is your best bet

take lots of quarters, you may have to repeat as necessary

[mark]

Do not use a high pressure wash on your bike.

Right. Pressure washing isn't the best idea. Get some engine degreaser and go to town. A few bottle brushes will help as well.

[Zooks]

Get some engine degreaser and go to town.

And when you get there see if you can find someone to wash your bike for you. LOL \\/

(Sorry, couldn't resist.)

[mark]

And when you get there see if you can find someone to wash your bike for you. LOL \\/

(Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Not a bad idea though.

[GregM.]

Thanks guys... some good tips and comedy all wraped up into one. \\/

I think I'll be able to figure out some way to tackle this messy task now.

[robertbarr]

Gunk brand makes a foaming engine degreaser, so it stays put for a little while. Most parts stores sell those detail brushes (shaped like toothbrushes, more or less) made of brass or nylon. You can get inbetween the exhaust and the engine cases with them.

It tends to stink for a while, but I've never noticed any residue / remains on the driveway after cleaning an engine; but I've also never degreased a real mess -- just medium duty stuff.

Whatever you do, keep degreasers and detergents away from your wheels & wheel bearings.

[madjack57754]

If you want to get real aggressive, use oven cleaner in very localized areas. But remember this stuff will strip paint as well as grease. I've used cardboard to isolate the engine from painted stuff like the frame. I've also used the cardboard tube from a roll of paper towels to do heavy spots like around the countershaft sprockets. Leave the oven cleaner on for 30-45 minutes and rinse off with hot water. Be sure to wear rubber gloves as it's nasty stuff

[NATEO]

I am in the process of cleaning my engine to paint it, and I have found that PJ1 engine cleaner/degreaser works really well, as does Full Strength Purple Power. I have also heard simple green...


good luck!

[GregM.]

Thanks all!! Great suggestions and ideas. I spent time at a big M/C shop and a big auto parts store... and I read tons of labels including all you mentioned. They will all work fine if you are careful and follow the directions. Some warn about alum. or rubber or painted parts... If you're careful and quick they all have their place.
I also washed my van at the carwash place I'm thinking of using so I could check out the different solutions and water pressures.

At the M/C shop I bought "S-100 Total Cycle CLeaner" and at the auto parts store I bought "Black Magic Engine Shine".

Tomorrow, I'm going to use the car wash and my new products carefully... trying to keep the products away from wheel bearings, and water spray away from air intakes, seals and electrical stuff. :-D
And I've got an assortment of brushes to take with me... yeah, this is gonna be fun and messy.

Thanks again -

[beby99]

Hey Greg...

I hope its not to late to STOP you from using the Black Magic crap...it doen't work and will leave a gooie mess:

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=97742&highlight=Black+Magic

[chuckycheese]

Tidy up!

I don't think engine degreasers will harm concrete but they'll make a real mess of asphalt.

I can remember when some car washes had steam cleaners you could rent for several dollars for about 5 minutes. I suppose they're all gone now because of potential lawsuits but they will clean your engine in just a minute or so.

[first timer]

just use kerosene and a tooth brush, then affer the gunk is broken down spray with purple power and hose off. good as new and pretty safe as well.