Best way to clean and degrease?

[todds112]

I just committed to a duece that will be in my hands on Saturday. When I test drove it, the engine and transmission were pretty oilly and greasy. I want to clean it all up so I can track down and fix any leaks. What's the best way to clean her up? Is a pressure washer a no-no? What's a good (cheap) degreaser? I've bought the "Gunk" cleaner before in the small cans for passenger cars, but I don't want to buy a whole case of it for the deuce.

 

[Woodsplinter]

I use Zep heavy duty citrus degreaser (orange) from Home Depot. Cleans most everything but won't eat your skin off. (Use full strength)
If that doesn't work, I use Zep industrial purple degreaser. Cleans everything off including paint. It WILL eat your skin off so wear thick rubber gloves.

I just spray them on with a spray bottle or you can use a sprayer for weed killer/ bug spray.

 

[ke5eua]

I got Zep Industrial Purple and used it the other day. Sprayed the entire truck, inside and out. Paint stayed, although it is carc so it's expected. Cleaned grease off pretty good.

I did the heavy mix, 20 oz to 1 gallon of water. Picked up a 1 gallon sprayer to put it in and made applying easier.

 

[zout]

HOT pressure washer with lots of pressure and no chemicals. Heat and pressure will make it so you can lick the surface.

 

[ke5eua]

HOT pressure washer with lots of pressure and no chemicals. Heat and pressure will make it so you can lick the surface.

Only the most hardcore green enthusiast will eat off the engine, lol

 

[m715mike]

HOT pressure washer with lots of pressure and no chemicals. Heat and pressure will make it so you can lick the surface.

zout - If it is clean enough to eat off of, how can you taste-test the fluids to determine exactly what is leaking???


todds112 - On a serious note, thanks for starting this thread. I learned something and have a bit of cleaning to do.

 

[clinto]

I got some industrial Zep from a very good friend beer and I will thin it varying degrees and apply it using a bug sprayer. Let it sit 5 minutes and pressure wash away.

Like Zout said, nothing's as good as a steam cleaner. I have a friend with one and I just can't believe what it does. The first time you use a good steam cleaner, you'll go home and set your cold-water pressure washer on fire-there's just no comparison.

 

[ke5eua]

So if I use my zep industrial purple straight will it peel the carc off?

 

[ke5eua]

The first time you use a good steam cleaner, you'll go home and set your cold-water pressure washer on fire-there's just no comparison.

Still won't get as hot as a steam cleaner, lol

 

[peashooter]

I didn't have access to a hot pressure washer but when I got my truck and wanted to do the same thing as you in order to track down the many leaks, I just used a normal pressure washer and some simple green cleaner and it worked fine. I'm sure the heated pressure washer would work great but if you have acess to a pressure washer then you are set

 

[clinto]

So if I use my zep industrial purple straight will it peel the carc off?

I've put it on undiluted (100% strength) and not peeled the paint, but your mileage may vary. A lot probably depends upon how well the paint is sticking to the subsurface.

 

[m16ty]

I third the steam cleaner. I've got a old Hotsy steam cleaner and that thing will take off paint if you hold it too close. I do realize not everybody has one of these at their disposal though.

I've heard a lot of people on the tractor forums brag on oven cleaner. I haven't tried it myself but it's cheaper than most de-greasers.

 

[todds112]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I can borrow a pressure washer easy enough. I'll check around and see if any rental places have the steam cleaners.

 

[SteveKuhn]

When it's dirt + grease like on the axles or inside of wheels, I blast it off 1st w/ plain pressure washer water then apply the degreaser. Saves money on cleaner. A lot of caked-on junk comes off w/ plain old pressurized water.

Steve

 

[zout]

Here's another trick from an ole fella.

Run your hose off the bottom drain on your home hot water heater to your cold pressure washer - your hot water tank should be drained of debris every year anyhow - might as well make good use of the water.

Not the same as steam or really really HOT water under higher pressure - but at least it gives you some hot water.

 

[rustystud]

Every shop I've worked at had a steam cleaner, that's because they work ! You can spend a ton of money on spray cleaners and still have a mess. Just rent a diesel fired steam cleaner for the day and clean your whole truck. Of course after you rent one you will want to own one

 

[Recovry4x4]

Steam cleaner my eye. You don't need steam, you need more power (pressure). Think water jet here. If it can slice steel, think what it can do to grime? A member quite a while back had a 15,000 psi cleaner. Made short order of cleanup but was heck on tires. LOL. Thanks RDM, miss ya.

 

[swbradley1]

My new pressure washer doesn't need hot water and it will take all the grease off as well as paint if it isn't holding well. Add a sand blasting hose and peel everything off.

 

[SteveKuhn]

Never saw a sandblasting hose for a pressure washer. Anyone have a link?

Steve

 

[swbradley1]

http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/power/pressure-washer-pump-sandblasters.html