Cleaning my PT

[3238dpw]

I was wondering if there are any tricks out there for cleaning the bottom of the tubs, AKA engine compartment. I used a preasure washer but it is difficult to get the blast of water where you want it. It also doesn't have much of a flushing action out of the holes in the bottom. I don't think the previous owner ever cleaned the tub area.

 

[ponytug]

Per Terry,

Pour Dawn over the really oily bits and give it half an hour or an hour to soak in. Then wash it, or pressure wash it off. Worked great for me, but I didn't have five years of grime to cut through.

There is always engine degreaser. I would go with the orange oil stuff, as it is easier on the environment.

All the best,

Peter

I was wondering if there are any tricks out there for cleaning the bottom of the tubs, AKA engine compartment. I used a preasure washer but it is difficult to get the blast of water where you want it. It also doesn't have much of a flushing action out of the holes in the bottom. I don't think the previous owner ever cleaned the tub area.

 

[Rip]

Compressed air or leaf blower for the leaves, grass clippings, etc, then a putty knife to loosten the caked-on oily crud, then as per Peter.

Rip

 

[3238dpw]

Well there really isn't much loose stuff for a leaf blower or air compressor. I already soaked it in degreaser (the orange stuff) before hand. I have a hard time reaching all the nooks and crannies with a putty knife. There isn't much room.
I kind of thought that it would just take a few washings and degreasing sessions.
Any more ideas would be appreciated.

 

[woodlandfarms]

There are a couple of additional tricks. On my PT I have to put the tractor at a perfect angle that stuff rolls back out the motor opening. It is bigger and easier to access than the drain hole under the engine....

Second, you can use a pressure washer or a compressed air wand (the one I use is for engine cleaning and has an optional hose so you can suck through solvent to help loosen junk). Harbor freight had them for like $10 and it works great (Thanks to Ken S for that and many other great suggestions).

 

[MossRoad]

I try to blow mine out with a leaf blower after every use. Then, I jam a shop vac hose into every nook and cranny that I can see. That usually gets most of the dry stuff. After that, I use simple green cleaner in a squirt/spray bottle and spray down any greasy or oily spots and hose it out with a garden nozzle. I'm leary of using a pressure washer on the engine itself for fear of forcing water where it should not be.

 

[ponytug]

Dear MR,

As you should be. The starter solenoid is an exposed contact to the + battery terminal, and none of the engine interconnects are shielded, at least on the Deutz, nor do they have dielectric grease on the contacts to reduce corrosion issues.

All the best,

Peter

I try to blow mine out with a leaf blower after every use. Then, I jam a shop vac hose into every nook and cranny that I can see. That usually gets most of the dry stuff. After that, I use simple green cleaner in a squirt/spray bottle and spray down any greasy or oily spots and hose it out with a garden nozzle. I'm leary of using a pressure washer on the engine itself for fear of forcing water where it should not be.