Engine block degreaser/cleaner

[bmwpower]

I need a good way to clean an engine block that has some residual carbon buildup (hard as a rock) and some left over gasket material (also very hard). I've tried using carb cleaner, acetone, etc. with a plastic putty knife, but to no avail.

Block is in the car, so I can't hot tank it.

Anyone know of some magical chemical or method to clean this block up?

 

[JeremyB]

Get the engine warmed up and then soak the area with spray on oven cleaner. I've let it soak for about 15 minutes and then spray it down well with the garden hose. Its pretty powerful stuff, but may leave marks on aluminum sufaces.

Good luck.
Jeremy

 

[KCHOTBOAT]

Try brake cleaner.

 

[DynoDave]

For the gasket material, there are spray-on gasket removers you can buy. They will soften it up enough for you to scrape it off. Might help with the carbon too. Just be sure to follow the direction on the can. Read the warnings. The stuff is pretty nasty.

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

I need a good way to clean an engine block that has some residual carbon buildup (hard as a rock) and some left over gasket material (also very hard). I've tried using carb cleaner, acetone, etc. with a plastic putty knife, but to no avail.

Block is in the car, so I can't hot tank it.

Anyone know of some magical chemical or method to clean this block up?

for an mt block I have herd of people putting the entire block in a heated solution of lye and water. Don't recall the percentage of lye to water but can do a search this is some seriously dangerous stuff.

 

[kartracer55]

DId you try Gunk Engine Brite? That is some POWERFUL stuff. It smells liek deisel fuel, so your neighboorhood will stink for a little while lol. (the citrus stuff doesnt smell as bad, but costs alot more) Thats the stuff I use to clean a briggs block after I hone it, and it gets it totally clean.

The other thing you might try is dawn power dissolver. I dont know what it has in it, but it is some seriously powerful stuff (if sorta burns your hands lol) I have never used it for anything automotive related, so it might be worth a try, but you should test a little area first.

Jim

 

[bmwpower]

You've guys got a lot of good ideas! I hope to go out today after work and get a couple of these things and give them a try...hopefully with some pictures.

 

[red caddy]

carbon trick

The best carbon disolver I've found is plain tap water, I soak piston tops and ring grooves over night, and a light scrub with a nylon tooth brush takes it right off. works on intake and exhuast manifolds too. also, cheap (dollar store)oven cleaner works well in the lifter valley,valve covers and oil pan, just remember to use eye and hand protection when scrubbing, the cheeeeep stuff is mostly lye, and burns lick a b**ch in cuts. RED

 

[Wolverine]

Simple Green

 

[Jay H 237]

I'll 2nd the Dawn Power Dissolver. I found that stuff cleans better than Simple Green, just becareful with it though. I sprayed some on the outside of the barbeque to clean up the grease and after letting it soak for a few minutes I hosed it off..............including the paint on the barbeque!