Engine Cleaner on Diesel Engine

[rnummi]

Is there any particular product or method used to clean oilly residue off the engine? The whole thing is literally coated. I don't want to use a product that will harm the gaskets/seals etc. Is ordinary Gunk engine degreaser ok? Mechanic told me to use carburetor cleaner instead of a degreaser. It doesn't sound right to me. I'm on the hard so I can wet/vac any product that goes into engine drain pan/bilge.

[DCatSea]

Thanks for posting this question. I will be following closely, as this is the "Year of the Clean Engine Room", and seeing how others have degreased and made all shiny will be an eye opener.
That said, I'll probably start by taking out all that moves, then hitting the space with good old "hot soapy water", a soft brush and my big wet/dry, but there are bound to be some bits that will benefit from more up to date methods. One thing I learned in the diesel-powered Submarine Service was that a good rinse with distilled water, thorough drying with cloth or chamois, and placing a fan in the space to complete drying, never hurt anything, and often solved a host of problems.

[Jeremyvmd]

I too would like to know the best product. I've been told simple green will clean the engine nicely and not hurt the seals but i haven't tried it yet. I will say for cleaning the bilge spray nine from lowes works amazing!

[jleonard]

I use simple green

[Tree]

I've used TFR in the past and that also works wonders - its not too harsh but if its good enough cleaning down paint and removing oil residue.

[Jeremyvmd]

I use simple green

Do you just spray it on, let it soak and then rinse or do you agitate with a brush?

[Panhdjoe]

Simple Green is a decent degreaser, I use it because it is a Non Toxic product that I don"t mind rinsing off into the Bilge then into the water. Gunk engine bright is a good cleaner but is petrolum base, at least it smells that way. Carberator cleaner attacks paint and plastics. It will soften up or remove paint and detereate plastics, it can only be used on non painted surfaces. CRC brake cleaner is as good or better spray degreaser that is safe on paint and plastics but expensive and produces some strong fumes. I also use Simple Green to clean the Bilge.

[Carl]

I have used this stuff and been very happy. It really does rinse off clean, smells ok, no strong chemical smell. You mix the strength for different jobs. A 5 to 1 mix, really cleans up your vinyl like seats and bolsters. You just need to treat them once cleaned.



http://www.autogeek.net/mg10801.html

[Grey Eagle]

I have used Simple Green on the engine with good results, In the bilge I use liquid dishwasher soap mixed with hot water which is great at breaking up the oil but with out suds.

[DCatSea]

Don't forget the good old pressure washer -I used mine in the bilge last year, with great results, following application of HSW.

[JT48348]

Simple Green by spray bottle +1

[Yearwood]

Simple green, orange based degreaser and liquid Dawn dishwasher detergent are among the good products I have used as well as engine cleaner from the autostore. The first three I generally apply with a lawn pressure sprayer for the boat is too far to haul the pressure washer.

Osprey
Davidsonville

[DCatSea]

I have used Simple Green on the engine with good results, In the bilge I use liquid dishwasher soap mixed with hot water which is great at breaking up the oil but with out suds.

Dishwasher soap - thanks for a great tip. No suds - yes!!

[Serenity]

In regard to the bilge I throw in a couple of washing machine Tide "pods" They dissolve in hours and bio-degradeable. In washing the engine are you guys applying a power washer spray to a cold or warm engine?

[Yearwood]

In my case always on a cold engine.