Oil & Fuel Cleaning tractor motor

[MF 1532]

Like Gary Sweat , I always start with air , to get loose dry debris out of the way . I use a gas powered Troybilt pressure washer with the least psi tip on drivetrain . I would rather hand wash when I can . Reason being , pressure washer will blow paint off if you have any loose paint on equipment ( around fasteners , edges ,etc...) A good pre-soak like mentioned helps a lot . It's worth the effort to do it regularly .:thumbsup:

 

[flyingcow]

Karcher Electric-powered Hot Pressure Washers ? Portable


this is what i use. 2,000psi,4 gals a minute, 180+degree water.

 

[Jay4200]

My garage is heated and I have a floor drain. Is there a way to do it without steam. I don't have access to that tool.

Need to clean it so I can find out where the small leak is, and my radiator is pretty clogged with 20 years of gunk

Don't listen to any of these guys with their pressure washers, air guns, etc. Pressure washers do work good, but you will blow off all of your safety stickers and other important motor stickers, including the serial number tag. I do use a pressure washer occasionally, but only because already blew off all of my stickers by accident the first time .

Get WalMart brand engine degreaser. I use it all the time. It costs about $2/can - buy a half dozen. Empty two cans onto the motor right off. Wait a half hour, then empty another two cans on to the motor. Wait 10 minutes and wash it off with a hose (using a normal spray thingie) - use hot water if you have access to it. Save the last two cans to shoot at any remaining stubborn areas. Spray and wash until clean.

JayC

 

[9973720wb19]

Dawn Dishwash spray beats SimpleGreen hands down! Also I ride a bicycle (a lot, year round) and the best thing (but expensive) for melting grease away on the chain is WD-40.

 

[20 20]

If you have access to an air compressor (it doesn't have to be anything big) you can use one of these. You can adjust the pressure so you don't blow the paint off the engine and it can get into small places. It let you control how much spray you want to use. There are several types of cleaning solution you can get at any parts store. Just stick the small hose into the cleaning solution and hook up the air line. Keeps the mess down considerably.

I'll 2nd this device, have one and really like it especially when it's to cold outside to hook up the pressure washer. It's nice because you can get into the tiny places and seems to do a fair job.

 

[20 20]

Daaaannnnnggg Jay4200, seems like a lot of poison your dumping on the ground all at once? I agree that pressure washers can cause damage, BUT, if done properly they won't. Like another said either use a low PSI or use the correct tip. The air gun that Gary Sweat mentioned is VERY controlable and does a real good job on engines and built up crime.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Thanks Chris and Heywood. Sounds like just buy one that looks like it will not self destruct. I only need to use a washer 1 or 2 times per year. Not the best thing for a gas engine besides the having to drain the fuel and all.
Dave.

Since you live in Maine, do not make the mistake I did on my first one and let it freeze up at the end of the season. You need to keep it in a warm garage or the basement or it will be trashed the first time the temp drops.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

Don't listen to any of these guys with their pressure washers, air guns, etc. Pressure washers do work good, but you will blow off all of your safety stickers and other important motor stickers, including the serial number tag. I do use a pressure washer occasionally, but only because already blew off all of my stickers by accident the first time .

Get WalMart brand engine degreaser. I use it all the time. It costs about $2/can - buy a half dozen. Empty two cans onto the motor right off. Wait a half hour, then empty another two cans on to the motor. Wait 10 minutes and wash it off with a hose (using a normal spray thingie) - use hot water if you have access to it. Save the last two cans to shoot at any remaining stubborn areas. Spray and wash until clean.

JayC

Sounds like you need to read the manual. I have used a pressure washer for 20 years now and never a issue. Use it on boats with all kinds of stickers, ect.

Chris

 

[Ford tractor]

A buddy bought an industrial pressure washer with heater / steam that puts out 7 1/2 gpm at 4000+ psi. First time he used it to clean his deck and cut some of the deck boards in half. oops. They can do damage,but they can also be gentle when used correctly. Seal damage and water penetration into places are what you will have to guard against.


I know of nothing that cleans built up grease and grim better than steam. If you don't have it, expect to spray, scrape, hose, brush, rub and repeat several times to get it decent, then a couple more times to get it good. I like to use a 1"putty knife on warm engines to get the first layers off.

 

[oldballs]

I would like advice on how I can clean my tractor motor. It's a 1994 Kubota B20 that has never been cleaned and there is a ton of build up on the motor. What is the best way to get 20 years of grease and dirt of the motor without damaging anything?

I'd go with a hand wipe with some kerosene, then some compressed air and finally use some grease remover spray....let it soak awhile, then just use a garden hose (use hot water if available) to finish it off. I've always been afraid of using my pressure washer on engines (especially on post 1978 cars) for fear of screwing up the electronics. That could be one expensive car wash. The 1994 Kubota might not be so susceptible (to pressure washer with psi turned low) however.