Cleaning outdoor power equipment

[zkling]

Been tuning up / going over and down sizing my fleet of gas yard equipment this summer. Anyone have tricks or tips on cleaning blowers, trimmers, chainsaws from the usual black sludge that accumulates around the carb and in the tight passages (external) of the tools without taking them apart?

I usually hose off the mower then blow dry with the blower and that keeps it clean, but am a bit hesitant to hose off the other tools. Thinking of a plastic safe engine degreaser if you will and a long bristle brush.

Suggestions based on your experience?

 

[PCustoms]

Diluted simple green and a hose if greasy. Air hose if just dirty

 

[Legion Prime]

If it's all metal I'll commonly just spray down with brakleen and wipe, then spray down again and hit it with an air hose to get any remaining stubborn spots. If there's plastics then yeah use a degreaser like PCustoms suggested. I just cleaned up a Poulan chainsaw I found on the side of the road, greased lightning and a rag got everything nice and clean. Little spray of brakleen to get the slot in the bar. Something larger like a mower, degreaser let it sit a few minutes maybe brush and reapply to any areas of heavy buildup and spray it with a hose. With the use they get put through day to day you're not likely to do much harm with a quick wash.