Cleaning the engine

[mikerox]

Does anyone have tips, advice, or helpful hints on cleaning a rear engine diesel engine?

[CaptSquid]

When I was in the Army, we used dry cleaning solvent in a hand pump to keep the engines clean. Now, I believe the EPA would have something to say about that. So, you might want to use a pressure washer with Dawn detergent.

[PNW_Steve]

In the past I have pressure washed many engines with to more trouble than occasionally getting water in the distributer and having to dry it out.

With today's electronics I have become reluctant to use a pressure washer on an engine.

Over on Autogeek.net there is an engine detailing stickie. That could give you some good info.

[CaptSquid]

You might also want to try oven cleaner.

[weboughtabus]

How about something like this?

[ol trunt]

The problem with "this" is your bus will smell like mechanics musk for weeks after you're done

[EastCoastCB]

I've cleaned a couple engines with this stuff-

I don't go nuts with it. And I use a steam cleaner on low pressure.

[Tango]

Steam. It's what the big boys use. And about as "environmentally friendly" as you can be when dumping caked on grease, oil, diesel fuel, trans & brake fluid onto the Earth.


Hey...at least no harsh chemicals.

[TJones]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

I've cleaned a couple engines with this stuff-

I don't go nuts with it. And I use a steam cleaner on low pressure.

+1 on steam if you can find one to use. A hot pressure washer with a delicate nozzle would be ok. You do not want to blast seals and gaskets with high pressure water.

Ted

[cadillackid]

steam is best... use a garden sprayer and spray everything down with a dawn / water mix.. fairly heavy on the dawn... the hit it with the steam.. keep in mind, steam has a way of getting into electronics if you arent careful so try not to spray the computer if its located on the side of your engine.. I like to start with a warm but not Hot engine..



most truck washes have the capability of steam wands..


power washing tends to get water in places it doesnt belong like the air intake, oil, and or electronics..
-Christopher

[BlackJohn]

I like a de-greaser in combination with engine heat and steam heat.

The de-greaser you can work into tight areas via spray and then use a brush to loosen crud up even more.

Then steam it from top to bottom.


An industrial steamer would be ideal but many household ones can reach those tighter places as well.


John