Getting old dried gunk off is never easy or fun. Stuff I have tried. Scrapers and Putty knives. Dental picks in small tight locations(think bolt and case). Some solvents, like WD-40, Diesel fuel, and even the stuff from the paint shop for removing grease and wax during prep. It works, but it will burn so be safe. Lots of scraping, wiping and soap and water. No short cuts that I know of. The reward for all of this? You can still use the tools when you are done. You might be let back into the house to wash up. And, last but not least, less to clean up before reassembly.
