Cleaning the Engine With?

[potter22]

When you guys clean an oil spot off of something like a valve cover, what do you recommend that is not too toxic.
How about simple green or something like it? I don't know if that will harm paint or something else if it gets on it by accident. I have read on the forums not to get the engine wet and thats why I'm asking.Thanks

 

[BlackNBlue95]

I like using simple green on my LT1/4 valve covers and plastic parts no problems.
-=Rick

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Citrus based spray cleaner works good and it's biodegradable.

 

[Vettefan87]

I like using simple green on my LT1/4 valve covers and plastic parts no problems.
-=Rick

That stuff works wonders. You don't have an LT1 so water with the engine shouldnt hurt it. Just don't soak it. I have sprayed my motor a couple of times and it hasn't hurt it.

 

[G Winter]

Zep brand name has an aerosol citrus cleaner that works wonders on equipment at the shop. Also something a little more costic, Scrubbing Bubbles
is a really good cleaner. It don't seem to hurt paint on any of our equipment but can't say about car finishes.

 

[rrubel]

Definitely Simple Green. They have a slightly stronger automotive product as well; I used it to clean up a high-mileage piston I was giving someone as a paperweight and it worked miracles.
[RICHR]

 

[G Winter]

Definitely Simple Green. They have a slightly stronger automotive product as well; I used it to clean up a high-mileage piston I was giving someone as a paperweight and it worked miracles.
[RICHR]

pistons for paperweights? I took an old camshaft with steel gear, welded a tube up the side , painted black , installed light socket and mounted on a base. presto , lamp.

 

[lbitp37]

Orange Blast IMHO is MUCH better than simple green

 

[Bioscache2]

What would people recommend if the engine is just dusty or looks like it might have some salt deposits from the road, still something as strong as simple green?

 

[Vettefan87]

What about just water and a rag? If not that maybe use a little soap?

 

[Mart]

It's amazing what a little water, soap and some degreaser can do, and not to mention a little elbow grease and a weekend.

The day I picked her up, I knew she was a diamond in the rough.

After

 

[Chetzki]

MART - This is very impressive!!!!

Chetzki

 

[Mart]

Thanks Chetzki, It was a lot of work but she looks great now.

Mart

 

[JEFNLSA]

MART - This is very impressive!!!!

Chetzki

Ditto...that looks great!

 

[G Winter]

Mart . be very happy. your valve covers aren't orange.

 

[ZumZum]

Orange Blast IMHO is MUCH better than simple green

I've used Orange Blast and it works great. Orange blast, water and a wire brush did great things for my suspension components that the previous owner had neglected for a long time.

 

[rrubel]

Also don't forget plain old dishwashing detergent (DAWN works well). It's a grease cutter too...
[RICHR]

 

[RV Guy]

MART - This is very impressive!!!!

Chetzki

Very-Very-Very Impressive. Your before picture looks about like mine did when I bought it in June of '03. I have made a little headway but nothing like this. What did you use to clean the aluminum parts, intake and valve covers?

Also, is there anything you can do if your valve covers are orange?

Thanks

 

[wannavette]

I just spent the morning with my car and a bottle of Simple Green.Did a pretty good job but, I've still got a long way to go.19 yrs of built up dirt and grease is hard work!

 

[Mart]

Here is what I did for the valve covers, stripped them with paint stripper then paint them from about 12-18' away to give them that rough look that the original paint has.

(The valve covers look like S*** when stripped.)
Here is one after the paint.