Engine cleaning chemicals

[stirlinggaz]

Hi all,
Not something I usually bother with (soap & water & an oily rag is the norm) but I'd like to clean up a wee engine, properly.
Seeing as it's gonna be a year long project what with this covid nonsense, powder coating frame, sourcing parts etc, I'd like to do a FULL restoration, just for my own sanity (now I'm not in employment) not to sell on or anything.
It's out the bike & wondering what chemicals will remove all the years of grime from the engine casings, cylinder & head (not inside obv 😁)
I know most of it will come down to elbow grease but would appreciate any help.
Any ideas?

cheers,
GAZ

[stinkwheel]

Paraffin and a paintbrush/toothbrush is good. Apply, leave to soak, agitate then rinse off with water. Then hot soapy water. The rinse again.

eg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3ejJT02FGtneQFCF9Rt6xtnmzkH-2NojQEMUFshrcu73FVji3jGLq7sjfIG5UIVfdpN_OT2A5PwoJtrR1MbhmVXw9oWCm9kTd_wYpiucvq4KxESFx4UKs5HebkuhFIDT5cE1a8Tu2VfftMd9K42EEAF=w1155-h866-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3eytV1ZUYeYnkpoKbSNLGB3B4pyw10hzNwNi5KfLkYJ-XkZ1Lkk-LVCc5C4Mhgoldskt4kGJm0LCyn6xCT8RpPH22DN1WxyX_ffkIA9evcHXp5_JPpoGNGjmHTzC0UB3QHEtjNQnGQ2NHL17jd6HnTo=w1155-h866-no
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[xX-Alex-Xx]

[kramdra]

Paraffin is good, doesnt instantly evaporate, but I am sensitised to it. A slight wiff and I'll have the snots and blocked sinuses for two weeks. Brake cleaner does evaporate quick, but also works well.

Small and medium sized parts drop them in a wide mouth sealed tub of paraffin or BC and give a shake.

[stinkwheel]

I keep meaning to try simplegreen. The Yanks use it by the bucketload for cleaning and degreasing almost anything.

Probably more environmentally friendly than paraffin.

https://www.simplegreen.co.uk/
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Easy-X]

[MCN]

Petrol works at £1.20/l.
But it's kind-of explosive if great care and awareness is not employed.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[stirlinggaz]

Hi,
I briefly tried using petrol & a small brass brush & it seems to take off a lot of the grime but was hoping there was some readily available chemicals which would do a better job, easily.

cheers,
GAZ

[MCN]