best solvent for cleaning engine?

[20 20]

1st I'd start by scrapping as much as possible, use a screw driver and small paint scrapper. Then you could use kero, WD40, Hand goop, dish soap, shampoo, vinegar, carb cleaner etc.... Personally I like stuff that won't kill the environment, or catch the run off of the nasty chemicals. If you have a compressor harbor freight has a neat little high pressure washer that acts some what like a sandblaster. Just mix up your soap/cleaner{instead of sand} and start spraying. I've used mine on car, tractor truck dozer and motorcycle engines, worked pretty good IMO.

 

[deepNdirt]

I'm surprised no one has mention oven cleaner, a few years ago I was told about this Biodegradable stuff from Walmart ( Oven cleaner ) and been using it ever since, way less expensive then the engine degreaser and even works better,

 

[charlz]

That Purple power stuff is great too!!

+1 for the purple stuff. The Walmart brand works well. One is called Power Purple and the other Purple Power I think... might be the same stuff. Spray it down and let it sit a few mins then hit with hose or pressure washer. Lather, rinse, repeat until clean. Using a throwaway plastic brush helps loosen really thick stuff.

 

[Earl Ohl]

I have used kerosene in a sprayer, let it sit overnight or at least a couple of hours then pressure wash it. What you miss or is not removed just redo it and wait a little longer then do it again
Just don't have the EPA or environment cops around
I have used this for many years and it is a cheap way to do a tough job
Regards
DGS

That's what I'd do also. I'd spread a plastic tarp out underneath it to catch the dirt & runoff.

 

[Window Geek]

One more thing, if you're using kerosene or regular brake cleaner to clean up, have a fire extinguisher right there. Spending the extra 30 seconds to get it now is way better than the extra minute of raging fire in the engine while you run for it by the shed door.

 

[/pine]

I'd protect any moisture sensitive parts and do as others have recommended... for the protected areas...you might be amazed at how well just high pressure (dry) air will do in removing gunk etc...especially with a few makeshift nozzles...

Remember to avoid blasting dirt,grease etc. into seals etc when using a compressor or pressure washer...

 

[ToadHill]

I worked for many years for a company that made electric motors and we had all kind of cleaning tanks. The only thing you want to be sure of is that whatever you use won't soften the coating on the wire used in the rotor and stator. We used Toluine (sp) but I'm not sure it is available to the general public. It sure cleaned any grease or oil on anything.

 

[Ken]

Consider the fluid a dry cleaner uses. used to be varsol don't know the new type but still cleans things. And some that have a dry cleaning co. will sell the used fluid after they changed for new. Of course use all the safety required for any cleaning material. all liquid used for cleaning in Calif. causes cancer

For small uses I also use engine cleaner in the foam can from W/M.
Simple green straight for the large. then flush off with water.

ken

 

[eastexan]

All of those cleaners that have been mentioned are good, but the OP needs one that doesn't hurt electrical components.

Where I used to work, the electricians used a spray can of something called "Lectra Clean" made by CRC.

They would pull apart electric motors and spray them out with this stuff.
It would clean the grease off wiring, brushes, armatures, etc.
It works a lot like Brakleen or carburator cleaner in dissolving crud. And it would dry pretty fast, leaving no residue.

I don't know if Lowes or HD would carry that kind of cleaner, but I bet an electrical supply place would.

Ronnie

 

[RalphVa]

I'd be inclined to wet it good with kero and let sit. Then sprinkle some Tide (or other detergent) over it. Let sit a little bit. Then use a water hose to remove crud. I'd certainly NEVER use a power washer. Those seals weren't designed to take that kind of pressure.

Renting a steam cleaner gizmo may be the best way to go.

Ralph