Whats the best degreaser for cleaning a engine

[1973olds98]

I am getting ready to take my heads off 4 a valve job..I am not worried about cleaning the heads because the machine will take care of that during the valve job...But i Really want to clean up the rest of the engine to match my newly redone heads...So whats the best degreaser out there that will just disolve the sludge,,dirt,,,thanks

[csstrux]

Personally I am not aware of an effort free cleaner. I usually use a putty knife to get the heavy build up and grunge off and then use some gas with a cruddy paint brush. If you want fancier than that use carb and choke cleaner in a spray can, or brake cleaner. Others will likely have other methods, but this works for me. BTW be sure to lay out some drop cloths and cardboard cause this is MESSY.

[67 Cutlass]

Originally Posted by csstrux

BTW be sure to lay out some drop cloths and cardboard cause this is MESSY.

X2

No matter what's used it's gonna make a mess. I've used kerosene,oven cleaner, simple green in the past all with pretty good results. A pressure washer with hot water has also worked out good too after soaking with oven cleaner.

[jensenracing77]

clean it before you take the heads off. scrape the heavy stuff off and high pressure wash it then i also use gas to finish. and remember to be careful with gas. i use oven cleaner when the engine is out of the car but this stuff will take the paint and every thing off. if you have an accident then you may have paint removed where you don't want it to be.

[Olds64]

I suggest either Wal Mart brand engine degreaser (cheaper than auto parts store) or oven cleaner.

[Kennybill]

Kerosense works for me.

[Nilsson]

Originally Posted by 1973olds98

I am getting ready to take my heads off 4 a valve job..I am not worried about cleaning the heads because the machine will take care of that during the valve job...But i Really want to clean up the rest of the engine to match my newly redone heads...So whats the best degreaser out there that will just disolve the sludge,,dirt,,,thanks

Just remember whatever cleaner or method you use clean then clean again and then when you think it is clean, clean it one more time.

[Kennybill]

hmmmm, with the heads off, I don't think so. If the heads r off, cover/fit all bores with clean rags, try to seal with plastic to kept dirt out a bit. I would use kerosene & good parts brushes. Clean/rinse/clean/rinse, after done, uncover & wipe bores/ use shop vac in bores. When u put the engine back together change oil/filter then after a few hundred miles chang it again. PS, I like kerosense because it cleans, it rinses, it's oil base and it's cheap, like me. Later, Ken

[1973olds98]

I will clean it with the heads on..I am going to use kerosen because I have a couple gallons of it already....I bought a nieghbors small plasitc pool to put under the car to catch the gunk,,,ect. Worth the whole 5.00 I gave for it....So whats the best way to apply it..Just brush it or spray it on....thanks

[Olds64]

Since you are using kerosene just make sure you clean it in your drive way and make sure your buddies don't come up and chat while smoking.

[Dan Wirth]

How about removing first the large grunge, then use a degreaser, like Super Degreaser or Greased Lightning; I would stay away from the flammables.