How do you clean parts?

[R Leo]

Since these cars are old enough to have accretions of crud that seem to alter the appearance of some parts and oil leaks that make the Exxon Valdez look like a drip, I'm just curious to find out how others on the forum go after this noisome task. Red rags? Disposable shop towels? Parts washer? Dishwasher? Kitchen sink?

And, while we're at it, how clean is clean? Enquiring minds want to know!

[TX76513]

Picture for illustration only

[Wes Bender]

A better question might be - How does TX76513 keep his parts cleaner so clean?

I use Simple Green and paper towels for the light work. Kerosene and a brush for the tougher grime. Best bet is too keep it clean and not let it get out of hand. Of course, buying someone else's gunked-up mess is a different story.

Oh yeah, also have a pressure washer, but I need to keep it dialed down so as not to strip paint!

Wes

[Kestas]

I keep two jugs of mineral spirits and use my oil drain bucket for cleaning parts. One jug is for the really dirty stuff, the other for cleaner stuff (or rinse). For the really tenacious grime, I use a Scotchbrite pad soaked with mineral spirits. It's also nice to have a squirt bottle of mineral spirits to flush a part. If you need cleaner than that (i.e., to prep for rtv application) you should keep a bottle of alcohol handy to remove the film left behind by the mineral spirits.

I'd like to know who TX76513 used to interior decorate his garage!

[Wasuchi]

For that really stubborn gunk methanol with 10% nitromethane (R/C car fuel) just don't get it on some plastics or any rubber that you want to survive. Otherwise, simple green, or some sort of degreaser or brake cleaner is what I use.

[P.E.Haiges]

R Leo,

Isn't that what gasoline is for, to clean Diesel parts?

P E H

[TomJ]

Ultrasonic cleaner with simple green (less toxic) and water @10% sol.

Also, for greasy stuff, spray engine cleaner and brush or castrol cleaner (the purple stuff).

For smaller crudded up stuff that's not greasy, the beadblast cabinet.

Having used Tri-chlor extensively in my younger days and all other manners of chemical evils, I'm trying to get away from anything that's even close to toxic or carcinogenic (or muta-, tera-, etc.)

[leathermang]

PEH, I know you are frugal.... but surely you are not stupid enough to use Gasoline for cleaning purposes....

But just in case you are....

FOR EVERYONE ELSE....

DON'T USE GASOLINE FOR ANYTHING EXCEPT INSIDE A GASTANK FOR RUNNING AN ENGINE .

[R Leo]

Originally posted by P.E.Haiges
R Leo,

Isn't that what gasoline is for, to clean Diesel parts?

P E H

Hmmm...that doesn't seem too safe.

[P.E.Haiges]

Yes, I use gasoline to clean parts all the time, also use it in my ultrasonic cleaner.

Never had any problems, been using gasoline for 40+ years.

Then I burn the old dirty gasoline, mixed with used crankcase oil, in my wood stove so I don't have it laying around. I don't want to waste any BTUs.

P E H

[Stevo]

R Leo



When I buy a car I go straight to the car wash in town and give the engine room and wheel wells a good cleaning. This is with a car towed, just in engine in the back of the truck, or driven in.

I use brake cleaner on the small things but for most nasty parts I use diesel as it leaves the part somewhat protected and I have plenty around. I use allot of "409", Simplegreen and cut up allot of old cloths for rags. I am waiting to hear some opinions on the covered "parts cleaners"

[dmorrison]

For parts I have a parts washing tank. A desktop model. Works very well. For parts still attached. I use a strong degreaser and my high pressure washer. But not on the 560SL. Only diesels.
Sometimes it requires the stiff brush that came with the washing tank to get the hard caked grime off.

Dave

What we really need is a group gathering at Bodyart27's house and he can teach us.

(Pics) More detailed engine bay by popular request...

(Pics) Doesn't this look so much better?!?!

[kmaysob]

i have a parts washer full of diesel.

Diesel, brake cleaner, simple green, water with soap, cleaning solvent, storebough degreasers. Whatever will clean it best by hand or in the dishwasher.

[mplafleur]

Gunk. The good stuff only.