what is the best thing to do/us to remove excessive oil buildup in the engine compartment? there is currently NOTHING in my engine bay except: starter, ps pump, brake cylinder and lines, fuel lines and someting for the carb (donno exactly what it is ).. i would like to clean it up before i drop a new engine and tranny in the car.. its bad in some parts (almost an inch thick )


-mike (loomdog)

 

For the really caked on stuff, use a putty scraper but try not to hit the metal. There *may* still be decent looking paint under there.

Then, go to a painting supply store and pick up a can of mineral spirits. That will clean off what is left really good.

 

I did a 66 Chevy not to long ago. Lots of old grease and surface rust. First used some Simple Green. In spray bottle. You can use a putty knife or some type of wire brush. Then I applied a thin coat of aircraft and boat paint stripper. Can find this at almost any Hrdw store. Once again use knife or brush to scrape off. Wash off engine compartment. Sand and paint. Depends on how far you want to take it. If all the way to bare metal. This I would do. Also might try some oven cleaner!! "Remember safety with these chemicals"

 

I'll second that on the use of Simple Green. Thats good stuff!

 

If you are worried about scratching the paint with a steel putty knife plastic ones are available in a number of different sizes. I got a set of three for less than two bucks at K-mart.

 

im not too worried about scratching the paint (some i already missing on the a arm (i think thats what its called - piece motor mounts to)).. i started using engine degeaser and stopped when i started raining/hailing (90 on sat and 60 on monday - cali does suck).. ill try the simple green/oven cleaner approach since ive heard so many ppl talk bout using it.. if i can get my friends dig cam to work ill post pics..


-mike (loomdog)