Cleaning/Degreasing Engine on Series IIa

[yarborc]

I was wondering what the best method is to clean and degrease the engine in a series IIa rover. I have alot of crud and grease built up around the engine and surrounding parts and would like to have it clean so I can look for leaks etc. Thanks

[alaskajosh]

Rent or borrow a "Hotsy", a hot water/steam pressure washer. Some you can even add a detergent.
I'm sure half-a-dozen people will chime in to warn you not to spray around seals, cap, or maybe not at all, but honestly any other option involves hours and hours scrubbing with either noxious or ineffective (your choice) chemicals for only mediocre results.

[ajones]

I used oven cleaner from the dollar store, sprayed it on, let it sit, and then used the water hose. Worked pretty well. Though the fumes are nasty, but it was cheap!

[Roverowner]

I used a half dozen cans of aerosol carb cleaner, then rinsed with water. No scrubbing involved except where the grease had really built up.

[Linus Tremaine]

oil eater

i prefer oil eater. You may be able to get it by the gallon at your local costco or somewhere online. its biodegradable and is relatively harmless. Works great

[GrFa]

I used MANY cans of engine clean and brake cleaner AND a pressure washer. With the engine out of my truck and on a hoist it took a few hours. NOT a fun job.

[siii8873]

I found one of the best things to clean my engine was kerosene.

[greenmeanie]

For serious engine cleaning, like when I pulled the 101 V8 for rebuild, I agree with the oven cleaner being the best. Gloves and plenty of ventilation help there.

If I just want to get rid of the usual oil/dust/blood buildup to do a bit of maintenance I just spray the engine bay with simple green. Leave it for 30min or so and then squirt it with the pressure washer and all is good. Environmentally it is supposed to be better than a lot of the degreasers if that's the way you think.

Cheers
Gregor