How to clean engine?

[brianzero]

I use oven cleaner on all my engines, especially the diesels that get nasty over time. I heat the engine up and blast the over cleaner everywhere. It really eats through all the garbage unlike the 'environmentally friendly' stuff. Its cheaper too, at Home Depot its $4 for a can.

Dont use this method over asphalt or your nice concrete driveway. Go out and find a dirt patch, or better yet an area that has fire ants. Minds well kill some of those bastards while youre cleaning engines.

[TedCalvert]

Hello.

I believe that oven cleaner is mostly NaOH, sodium hydroxide, aka lye, caustic.
I further think that it carries warnings about not getting it on Aluminum as it will EAT aluminum.

I could be wrong, it's 1am, but I'd hate to see someone get rid of their GMC this way.

Also, regarding pressure washing, be careful around seals, gaskets, bearings, breathers.
I've replaced many gearboxes in machinery where the operator cleaned the machine with pressure washing and contaminated the gear oil with water.
I would not recommend it, although it's common practice.  I like Gunk.  Old school.

Ted.

[brianzero]

Thats right, the oven cleaner is sodium hydroxide, which shouldnt be used on exterior aluminum. If its in the engine space and its visual appearance isnt too important, go for it. Sodium hydroxide will just etch the aluminum and remove anodized coatings.

[pvcces]

It likes paint, as well. Inside aluminum, too.

I can't think of any reason that you wouldn't have noticed.

Tom Caffrey