How to clean up a gooey gross diesel engine

alexpops · May 3, 2023

3-4 cans of cheap spray on oven cleaner works followed by pw. less brushing required & you can spray multiple times on the hard stuff. $ general stuff is just as good as easy-off but cheaper

Topzide · May 3, 2023

Garden sprayer works great for applying Purple Power or other of your choice. When that's done, rinse sprayer and use clean water to rinse off the engine. Small controlled spray and won't produce high pressure issues. Just my .02.

fidowanttobe · May 3, 2023

I had an issue with my pw pump so I asked at the supply house where I bought the parts how HOT the water can be in my "cold water only" pw.
"Not over 140!"
My h2o heater is only at 125 so I'm sure I am safe and have been doing it for years.
Cold water pressure does nothing in my opinion other than push the oil mess around.

Code54 · May 3, 2023

5030 said:
Northern Hydraulics sells a dandy, diesel fired, add on hot water / wet steam heater than you can add to any cold water pressure washer. It's not a cheap date but it works well. Know someone that has one (not me) and it's hard to beat hot water or wet steam washdown.

I bought one years ago and it works GREAT. Worth every penny. Did one of the tractors today and it looked new in 15 minutes with no chemicals added.

Yankee Clipper · May 3, 2023

Dollar store oven cleaner works well after removing some of the real heavy grease / dirt - relatively cheap and it will degrade so no environmental issues.

5030 · May 3, 2023

Code54 said:
I bought one years ago and it works GREAT. Worth every penny. Did one of the tractors today and it looked new in 15 minutes with no chemicals added.

been contemplating buying one actually. Some years back I owned and sold a 4000 psi hot water pressure washer and I kick myself everyday for selling it. That PW with a zero degree nozzle would cut a 2x4 in about 10 seconds. Had a 13 horse electric start Honda with a Cat triplex pump.

Presently, I have a Pacific Hydrostar (Harbor Freight gas powered pressure that has been flawless for the last 10 years. It's 3500 psi which is plenty for me. Bought it on Facebook Marketplace for 200 bucks unused.

Just picked up a 5 gallon jug of ZEP industrial degreaser. Like it better than Purple Power actually.