What's best to use to clean an engine block

[RedArmy]

If I had the time, had a place to bring it, and wanted to pay the money, I would have the engine hot tanked and get it over with but alas, I live in Upstate NY. What's the best method to remove crap from the metal on the block and tranny such as build-up of sediments, deposits, and rust spots on other parts of it.

I was thinking about just getting a fine wire wheel brush from the Depot but I wanted to know if there was an easier method to use or what else I should use to aid in the removal (engine degreaser to help break it up?...no idea) and return it to all it's glory. I'll also be cleaning other parts like the alternator, intake manifold, throttle body etc etc (exterior only, I can handle carb cleaner).

Thanks in advanced.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Elbow grease.

 

[RedArmy]

I assumed that much, but I only have so much elbow grease to give.

 

[Ronstang]

What exactly are your goals here? What are you doing with it? Is this just a comsetic cleanup of the outside?

 

[Iron Woode]

take off any electrical parts and power wash the engine with warm water and grease removing soap.

That's the cheapest way I can think of. Or just take it to a car wash.

 

[RedArmy]

Well this stuff has been built up on there, like calcium deposits or something, just crap that you get after having an engine for a while. Im cleaning it since it will be mainly for cosmetic reasons. Everything is disassembled already and completely apart. I just don't want to leave scratches on the metal or anything since I've never done this before. Water itself doesn't stand a chance in removing anything

 

[Howard]

Is it cast iron or aluminum?

 

[Ronstang]

Go get some Purple Power or the more expensive Castrol SuperClean (both the same stuff)...it is cheap by the gallon at WalMart and I cut it 3:1 with water. Dilute to intructions in a spray bottle. Use it and various brushes to clean up the parts. You can use a sharp object to loosen big dirt deposits and then the cleaner and brush to finish. It may take several applications. When all the dirt and grime is gone then you can use a wire whell like you have stated on the steel castings to clean rust and old paint. Then was again, dry with blown air, prime and paint quickly. DO NOT use the wire wheel on the aluminum as it will ruin the finish. You will have to either be happy with the results of the cleaned aluminum or spray it with some aluminu cast paint that restorers use. I do not use this stuff...I clean up aluminum to the best of my ability and live with it or if it is a special restoration I totally disassemble things and beed blast them.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Power washer. Get some purple stuff, purple power, simple green, or Greased Lightning.

 

[AnthraX101]

What is the year, make, and model?

Keep in mind if you're doing a show rebuild, having the original metal/paper/plastic tags are some of the most valuable parts of the car. Be careful around them, don't use water or steam.

If you're just looking to make it look shiny, then use some real engine cleaner, followed by polish. You could also use engine paint on top, and never worry about the corosion again.

AnthraX101

 

[Shawn]

Paint it after you clean it.

 

[RedArmy]

Im pretty sure it's aluminum alloy. Im guessing I should just go to Wally World then and buy a bigass tub of Purple Power or the SuperClean stuff. I saw on anothe forum some guy used sandpaper on the tranny and kept going over it with finer and finer grit until it was smooth then rubbed in Mothers metal polish. It was so shiny but Im sure took a lot of time. Im aiming for something down the middle since it's not really for show but I still want it to look nice when I go to car shows (mainly Carlisle next year).

It's a 91 CRX in PERFECT shape and we are swapping out the engine for a first gen B16 like they had over in Japan in their version of the CRX (Del Sol). Im not sparing anything on this build and I want it to look clean inside and out

 

[Ronstang]

Originally posted by: RedArmy
Im pretty sure it's aluminum alloy. Im guessing I should just go to Wally World then and buy a bigass tub of Purple Power or the SuperClean stuff

This cleaner is a mild acid also so it cleans light rust and corrosion very well. I use it daily when on the dirty phase of a restoration. Just used it the other day to clean up a rearend housing before painting.

 

[amdskip]

I'd degrease it with simple green and then take it to a car wash bay.

 

[Ronstang]

Originally posted by: amdskip
I'd degrease it with simple green and then take it to a car wash bay.

Purple Power/Castrol SuperClean works better than Simple Green and is MUCH cheaper.

 

[RedArmy]

Do you have a rough idea of how much it would cost for the Purple Power/Castrol SuperClean? I edited my other post above with more info too for whoever asked for the model and such