Cheapest and easiest way to degrease engine parts

[steppinthrax]

I was recently overhauling a 5HP Briggs and Stratton motor. I tore the engine down. The only thing I could find that would clean it well was some stuff called “Super Clean”. It’s $7.00 a gallon. Are there any easier ways to degrease. I was told the dishwasher is good, but you might ruin it and detergents are not supposed to be good on aluminium.

 

[Ronstang]

Super Clean is what I was going to suggest just from the title....but I was going to suggest the WalMart brand "Purple Power" as it is about half the price. I mix it either 3:1 or 2:1 parts water to Purple power in a spray bottle, depending on how greasy a mess I have. I use cheap fruit brushes and such to agitate the really grimy stuff and flush well with water. It works really well and is biodegradable.

 

[steppinthrax]

Super Clean is what I was going to suggest just from the title....but I was going to suggest the WalMart brand "Purple Power" as it is about half the price. I mix it either 3:1 or 2:1 parts water to Purple power in a spray bottle, depending on how greasy a mess I have. I use cheap fruit brushes and such to agitate the really grimy stuff and flush well with water. It works really well and is biodegradable.

I saw purple power there with super clean. It was only 20 or 30 cents cheaper. I was thinking if there is a concoction of cheap chemicals you could mix up to make large quantaties of degreasers (5 - 10 gals). Superclean also dosen't work on engine sludge. I had a 1/4 inch thick of sludge on the bottom of the sump and super clean couldn't dissovle it.

 

[Christobevii3]

Soak in diesel?

 

[Nessism]

Soak in diesel?

Agree!

 

[ThatsABigOne]

You could also soak in normal car fuel. (gasoline, diesel, and even jet fuel) You could also use the acetone.

 

[JCH13]

Kerosene is also good and gives off fewer fumes than acetone. A buddy of mine picked up a kerosene parts washer for a song and a dance at auction. You can get small parts washers for $40 on amazon.