Cleaning my case halves

[Rot 911]

Does anyone see a problem with me cleaning the outside of the case halves with Simple Green and a power washer? I would then let the case halves dry thoroughly then clean the inside and all the oil passage ways with brake cleaner. Before anyone suggests sending the case halves out to a machine shop, their is no one in this town I would trust to do it right. Thanks!

[kstylianos]

Kurt,

Before the actual engine disassembly, I took off the CIS, oil cooler, sheetmetal, fan/housing, shroud, etc, until bare engine was exposed. Then used about a gallon of Castrol SuperClean, scrub brush then a power washer. After multiple applications, it came out immaculate.

I understand that your motor is apart, I'd be scared that some exterior filth will find is way into the oil gallerys, etc. Just me, I'm a paraniod SOB. If you are still wanna try, see if you can find various size rubber stoppers (like from chemistry class) and use them to plug any holes in the case. You can widdle them down a bit to fit the very small orifices if you need.

[Wayne 962]

Well, most shops use an industrial dishwasher type of washer (well at least mine does). I don't think there would be a problem with your approach, providing that you carefully cleaned out all of the passages with carb cleaner (Berryman B12?) before you were done.

Simple Green is a good degreaser, although definitely not as powerful as some others I have used.

-Wayne

[Jay Auskin]

I did it Kurt. Seemed to work good for me.

[Scott Clarke]

I seem to remember a post from a while back that said that simple green was not a good cleaner for aluminum, as it promotes corrosion. Don't remember if it talked about magnesium. Might be worth a search.

[88911coupe]

I'd also heard something to the effect that Simple Green and aluminum are not a good combination.

[Rot 911]

Those posts talked about not leaving Simple Green to soak on the aluminum, but spraying on. scrubbing and washing off won't hurt anything.

[KTL]

I found that a citrus degreaser called Xenit was more effective at getting the cosmoline crud off the engine and transmission cases. Simple Green was used after the citrus to break down the goop and then followed with soapy water (Dawn dishwashing detergent). I found it easier to physically tolerate the above products instead of strong carbon-tet solvents like brake parts cleaner. Easier on your rubber nitrile gloves and more environmentally friendly too.

Simple Green just didn't want to remove that cosmoline stuff. I don't know about Castrol SuperClean. Never used it.