Best cleaning products and methods out there ?

r.sal923 wrote:

I always spray out side of motor with a mag/aluminum rim cleaner. You might want to not spray it on the inside on machined surfaces. I...

I always spray out side of motor with a mag/aluminum rim cleaner. You might want to not spray it on the inside on machined surfaces. I would start with that befor pulling the motor.

Micahdogg wrote:

As I get older and work on more stuff, I try to limit my exposure to nasty chemicals. Brake cleaner really blasts through stuff in a...

As I get older and work on more stuff, I try to limit my exposure to nasty chemicals. Brake cleaner really blasts through stuff in a hurry and there was a time when I would have drained an entire can of that stuff cleaning engine parts.

These days I work primary with "low odor" mineral spirits. I have a big jug that I pour into a small jar. I then use a small nylon brush that I dip into the jar and wipe around the inside of the case. This will cut 95% of the oil, gunk out of the way. And its easy to focus on the exact area you are working on. If you are working over a drain pan, you can accumulate enough excess mineral spirits in the drainpan to keep dipping into. You end up using very little chemical and don't get it all over your skin or other stuff.

Then I would probably razor blade the gasket areas good, work on any bolt holes that need dressed or repaired, and finally give it a blast of brake cleaner to get that final prep finish. And of course I would have already cleaned the outside of the engine before disassembly.

EDIT - I also use a dedicated micro fiber cloth when wiping the inside of any engine surfaces down. It won't leave lent or paper towel residue behind. And its usually so clean at this point that the same micro fiber towel will last awhile.