Need to clean engine, need advice..

[ISX]

I've got some oil leaks and such and it's built up into grit and grime and I've never had a chance to tear things apart and fix them until now. I have an entire week that I have nothing to do and won't be needing my truck. So I was wondering what the best thing is that will melt all the greasy residue off of everything. Let me know what other tips you have for making it spotless are.

[Mopar1973Man]

The quickest for melting that off is over cleaner but remember it will darken bare aluminum and strip old loose paint off a engine quick so don't leave it on for long. There is another product sold only at Costco which is a degreaser to (forgot the name) but it will also do a good job but a bit slow or poor and the thick stuff Most people swaer by simple green...

[ISX]

I have gallons of simple green but oven cleaner sounds better. Wonder if it will eat my valve cover gaskets :confused2:

[Mopar1973Man]

Nope... It won't... I done this to Taz's truck when I did a tappet cover on the driver sive I hosed it down in 2 can of oven clean with a warm engine and let is sit for about 10minutes and rinse with water. To this day it's spotless... Well other than the new leaks he is creating now...:shocked2:

[ISX]

At least he can fix his leaks easily. I got a leak around the last 2 valve covers that are shoved into the dash. I'd like to just pull the engine so I could get to everything but not sure I want to tackle that kind of task yet. Not sure the cherry picker will even pick it up, much less the front end loader on our small tractor

[ISX]

The hell with it. Engines coming out! Went and looked and I think it will be easier than taking out my 7.3, which took less time to do than it did to set my valves last weekend

[cummins2k]

The hell with it. Engines coming out! Went and looked and I think it will be easier than taking out my 7.3, which took less time to do than it did to set my valves last weekend

My 24-valve still has the factory lift plate on it. It almost like they intended you to pluck it out at some time or other.

[ISX]

I'm sure I could do what needs done without taking it out, but I'm just dieing to see it in all it's entity. Plus I can clean the chassis and motor mounts much easier.

[dorkweed]

IIRC, our engines weigh about 1100-1200lbs. You'd better use something that can handle a fair bit more than that!!!

[ISX]

I think if I retract all the legs and the arm on the cherry picker it will be fine. I got the jack on it on the farthest out hole so it should be perfect. If not, I just remembered we used the front end loader on the tractor to pick the 6v53 detroit out of my truck bed (which is a supposed 1400lbs). One way or another it's happening. I am going to take a million pics for you all. I don't know about anyone else but even on the huge forums, I seldom see much deeper than whats under the valve covers, so I am going to attack it with cam in hand and take a million pics since it's hard to get a good shot of things when it's still under the hood. If you guys got anything in particular you want a good shot of let me know. :thumbsup:

[Bugman123]

What i have use and it work very well just watch out for the plastic stuff, if it set too long it will dull it, The Dregreaser is bought at "Smart & Final" retail stores (Store Brand). I mix it 50/50 w/ hot water in a 16 oz spray bottle. Spray on painted surfaces and other things needing to be clean and then use a cone tip on a water hose. You can reduce water pressure with a valve if needed. I usually spray thing down lightly every month or so, clean engines compartment makes it easier to see problems. I like to let thing dry for a few hours before running vehicle too. We use at work where we clean our pest control truck out at the end of each month on makes thing clean fast.

Edited December 30, 2009 by Bugman123
correction

[Bugman123]

Cost about $6-7 for a gallon.