Cleaning the engine???

[fred1diver]

Hello everyone
After all that carpentry and more done on the boat, my Atomic 4 engine is very cruddy, what do you all recommend for cleaning it up, mostly saw dust, dust, oily film….
I am going to do the plugs soon, but I do not want anything to fall in the engine, plus more work to be done, always easier when working on clean parts

 

[dlochner]

I've been using Presolve Orange Degreaser (Amazon link). It works really well with grease and oil.

 

[rgranger]

I have a porter cable chordless shop vac... and absolutely LOVE it. I am surprised at how often I use it. There are other manufacturers of similar products. It it were me, I would start by sucking up any lose stuff followed up with a Zep bottle (Lowes) filled with a 1/4 solution of pinsol 3/4 water with a small squirt of detergent, a long handled tile/grout brush to knock stuff loose... followed by more suction. Rince and repeat. Then assess if you need to get some rust neutralizer and some paint involved.

 

[SycloneDriver]

Simple Green and a little water coupled with a "parts cleaning brush" and more water. Vacuum dry or run the motor.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I've cleaned many car engines with the cans of engine cleaner. Both foaming and spray stuff work