For Heavens Sake don't put water on any hot metal you don't want to crack....

For cheap degreasing fluid you can buy the Gunk Concentrate and mix it with kerosene at about 9 to one ratio.... then use it like you would the spray on ,,,, let soak as long as possible.. like over night then spray off with hot water....

You can also make a solution of Trisodium Phosphate and water... and brush that on grease and let sit... then hose off with hot water.. Some companies are selling "TSP" , which used to be Trisodium Phosphate, without the phosphate.. which was the effective cleaning agent... you may can get a box at places like Home Depot where it is sold for cleaning oils and stuff off home walls before repainting...

NIC, it can crack the block....