Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I currently have the engine bay fairly empty, removed wiring harness/alternator/exhaust manifold/ intake manifold/heating /water pump. Before putting it all back together, I wanna give it a good cleaning, it is filthy, so wondering what you guys recommend. Is there a DIY way or would it be best to take it to a shop?

I used Engine degreaser, a pressure washer and elbow grease!

For dirt and oil, the Gunk foaming degreaser works well if applied, let sit for 10 minutes or so and rinsed with a good hose spray.
If it's caked on grime like you might see on ball joints or tie rod ends, I scrape it off, then use a wire brush and finally a stiff bristle brush with Simple Green and finally a water rinse.
Hard to beat a good steam cleaner tho.
Dan

I've seen some youtube videos of people using this:
https://www.amazon.com/McCulloch-MC1275 ... am+cleaner

Thoughts? How does this compare to using degreaser, it seems more environmental and maybe better for at home use? Are they both similarly effective? My car is fairly caked up with grease and grime.

Looks like a good tool for cleaning ketchup off a tile counter but not grease off your suspension. Hard to imagine how it could develop enough volume and pressure to do much on a car.
I don't own one tho so I cannot say from experience but I'd be amazed it it worked well on a dirty undercarriage.
Dan

+1 for wire brush, plastic scrapper and elbow grease. Scrap as much as you can first. Use a degreasing cleaner, then lots of rags to wipe clean. Get as much stuff (electrical haress, master cylinders, relays, etc) out of the bay as possible first.

I purchased said steamer and was sorely disappointed. Tried it on fabric upholstery to no avail. No pressure, only steam iron type steam. Might get wrinkles out of your clothes, but a lousy cleaner. Donated it to Goodwill. FWIW Pat

A word of caution: If your roadster is a bright color like red or yellow you want to stay away from Heavy Duty Alkaline degreasers, these contain sodium or potassium hydroxide and are very strong and economical to use. Never buy a degreaser based on the front of the label, only the back. Heavy duty Alkaline products such as commercial oven cleaner in gallons are the go to type for really greasy parts like the engine transmission and everything back. For the very dirty more delicate painted areas the better route is a solvent type. The citrus or dilimonene based products I find work the best, and are well worth the extra money. Fancy names and colors don't get the job done. Dawn is good for light cleaning but slow going on petroleum grease. The reason that they used it to get the oil off the birds is that it would not have been beneficial to get the oil off if the skin had come with it. Always read the label and follow personal protection instructions.

I would start with a pressure washer. You might want to put some plastic down first...I always forget that part.

fj20spl311 wrote:I would start with a pressure washer. You might want to put some plastic down first...I always forget that part.

Always start by applying your cleaner first with a spray bottle, allow some time, ten minutes, for penetration, time is your easiest and cheapest component for a good job.

Thanks everyone, I ended up renting a pressure washer from Home Depot, sprayed degreaser first, then went to town. Worked out well, didn't have to worry about electrical as I took it all out. Now the fun job of putting it all back together!

I'm needing to do a engine cleaning /degreasing.
Would it be okay to use plastic to cover wiring harness/alternator/exhaust manifold/ intake manifold/heating /water pump, then apply degreaser?

Sure, but be diligent in sealing it with a good duct or gorilla type tape. Water will seep in anywhere it can. By the way is the OKC in your screen name for Oklahoma City?

Yes Mike! OKC west side