The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop What is the best way to clean.......

I'm in the process of getting my cab sandblasted/primed, but in the meantime, I'm about to start cleaning everything, such as the horns, distributor, carburetor, oil bath, etc - Everything is gunky, really dirty and some rusty... what is the best thing to use?

Carburetor cleaner for the carburetor, Stoddard solvent (parts cleaning solvent) for everything else. If you slash Stoddard solvent on your clothing, even a small amount that you might be temptee to ignore, change clothes and wash the area, or you will regret it. Stoddard solvent is a strong oil solvent, which if left on clothing where it will chaffe your skin, will cause what amounts to a chemical burn and a blister that becomes very large, very painful and slow to heal. Its a common mishap that only happens once to the same person. Trust me on that.

Harvester

Wear Rubber gloves & googles while using solvents. It can (will) be absorbed into your body and cause internal organ faliure. Simple Green is good stuff for most "Gunky" stuff and Easy-off oven cleaner works for heavier caked on mess.
Be careful, these things can burn. Harvester is correct.

Hey Blake,

I have always used gasoline. Its just as nasty as any other chemical, works better in my opinion. and is only 2.29 for a gallon of the stuff currently, vs about 3.49 for a rattle can of of carb cleaner or brake parts cleaner. Just submerge and brusk away. I do also recommend using gloves, an apron, safety glasses, and doing everything in a well ventilated area.

Eli

Pressure wash the gunk first. I use 2750 psi.

Purple Power Industrial Degreaser is what I use. It takes a longer soaking, but knocks down the grease with a bristle brush and is biodegradible.

Cleaning with gas is asking for trouble! Had a friend using it and it enigited with static electricty! Now everyone knows what happens with gas YOU CAN'T WASH IT OFF WITH WATER AND YOU GET A NASTY BURNS. Better to use the Purple Power Ind. Degresser its much safer.
62Blue
Don

I prefer Super Clean over Purple Power, Super Clean seems to be a bit stronger. A quick warning using Purple Power, Super Clean, Simple Green, and similar products- If you soak any painted parts in them for more than maybe a 1/2 hour, it will take the paint off. Also, do NOT use it to soak nay kind of die cast parts. A short soak, scrub, and rinse will be fine, but leaving die cast parts in those kind of cleaners will result in a ruined part, as the dissolve the metal. If you mist soak a die cast part, use Simple Green, as it will only discolor the part, but won't do any major damage. It will remove any paint from it, though.

Dawn dish soap works really well with a pressure washer after it's been soaking for a while. Cheap too.

Dawn is the only soap in my garage.