Best way to degrease engine, transmission? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ykobayashi · #1 08-25-2021, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

I found that ZEP Industrial Purple Degreaser from Home Depot is the exact same stuff.

Thanks for the tip Rich!

I actually have some of that stuff I bought for a totally different project. I had no idea it was Members Mark Degreaser.

My power washer is only 1800 psi. Pretty low but okay for a $70 washer.

Rogviler · #2 08-23-2021, 09:38 PM

Oven cleaner for me. It's sodium hydroxide like many of the popular degreasers but it sticks to the vertical surfaces better.

vwnate1 · #3 08-24-2021, 12:16 AM

DO NOT USE HIGH PRESSURE ! .

It will force water into places it shouldn't go and cause you future problems .

Whatever you use, use it with a soft bristle brush and work it around until you have a greasy soppy mess then rinde it off with the garden hose or other low pressure water jet .

It generally takes a few tries to get things really clean .

As mentioned, once you have the engine and tranny clean and dry you can fairly easily spot the individual leaks, weeps and seeps and address them one by one .

No matter what you're going to need to work from the bottom up if you want a really good job .

Buy some jack stands and a plastic creeper, it's easier to clean off after each use .

resago2000 · #4 08-24-2021, 08:52 AM

I just used 4 or 5 cans of engine degreaser, then rinsed off with water

ROLLGUY · #5 08-24-2021, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwnate1

DO NOT USE HIGH PRESSURE ! .

Sorry Nate, but I disagree. I have NEVER had a problem using high pressure on the MANY engines/engine bays that I have cleaned over the years.

oldsinner111 · #6 08-24-2021, 09:46 AM

easy off oven cleaner spray, and warm motor

Dubyagee · #7 08-24-2021, 10:03 PM

I used a steam cleaner on a hot engine with good results. Drown the engine in purple power and let it rip. Dont hit the alternator or starter with degreaser and be careful around seals like the water pump shaft. Blowing dirt into rotational seals will hurt them.

I took pictures prior to make sure any vacuum lines blown loose could be reconnected.

merc lover · #8 08-24-2021, 10:11 PM

Just curious, there are several nice steam cleaners on the market now, some specifically designed for use on cars. Would you mind sharing which brand/model steamer you used?

Dubyagee · #9 08-25-2021, 11:34 AM

https://m.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200921682_200921682

We have it at work. Drove in on a Saturday and used the wash bay. Really worked good on the tarry grease.

The 15 degree tip worked best.

merc lover · #10 08-25-2021, 03:07 PM

OK, I have managed to locate a professional pressure washing service. They say they have a long handle wand to go under both the engine and the transmission for more thorough cleaning. I'm planning on telling them to stay off the valve cover area (oil cap) and to go easy around the water pump area although there is grease/grime on the front of the engine which I want removed.

ROLLGUY · #11 08-25-2021, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merc lover

OK, I have managed to locate a professional pressure washing service. They say they have a long handle wand to go under both the engine and the transmission for more thorough cleaning. I'm planning on telling them to stay off the valve cover area (oil cap) and to go easy around the water pump area although there is grease/grime on the front of the engine which I want removed.

If the oil cap, valve cover gasket, and other seals are keeping the oil in, there is no way for water, even at high pressure to get in. There is absolutely no risk in pressure washing every part of the entire engine, save the air intake or any other orifice that is left open. The water pump seal and bearing are behind the pulley, and it would be quite a magic trick to get enough water pressure there to even think about doing damage. I have cleaned MANY engines/engine bays with strong degreaser and the high pressure wand at my local coin-op car wash, and never had any problem after spraying directly at every part of the engine, transmission, engine bay, or suspension part......Rich

AG83 · #12 09-14-2021, 02:35 AM

Be warned that if you have any anodizing left on engine components, Purple Power will destroy it. It will also leave your aluminum prone to white corrosion deposits. I've had better luck with Simple Green, it doesn't seem to be as caustic.

BillGrissom · #13 09-15-2021, 03:26 PM

L.A. Awesome at dollar stores works well and is cheap. Spray all over, brush, hose, repeat. I have also used diesel, as gasoline evaporates too fast, plus diesel is safer. I recently had the transmission out of our Chrysler minvan and used Awesome plus a little power washer. That is best for getting in crevasses like the webs on the upper oil pan. I've used purple stuff but doesn't seem to work any better.