Suggestions on cleaning engine parts...

[zguy1]

Anyone have suggestions on how to clean engine parts?
E.g., Cams, timing components, inside of valve covers and timing covers, etc.

I am in the process of replacing my head gaskets and a lot of parts are coming off. Some friends have suggested to leave them as is. I am not sure if that makes the best sense since everything is covered in oil and open to dirt and debris. All that can stick to them while out of the truck.

Ideas?

Btw, I don't have a parts washer. Not sure if that is the only way to do it.

 

[fourwd1]

A parts cleaner, even a cheapy one from HF makes it easier, even one w/o a pump.

Otherwise a 5 gal bucket, parts cleaner, and a brush will work.

 

[AuSeeker]

I have always used mineral spirits to clean my parts if I can remove them, but the price for it has gone through the roof, I have even used old gasoline but that can be risky if you're not careful, if parts are in place usually I use brake cleaner.

A good assortment of brushes helps greatly, especially the one normally used with a commercial part washer, but some smaller ones to get into tight places.

It also good to have various sizes of wire brushes for hardened buildup/old gaskets, steel for steel/cast iron parts, and brass for aluminium.

 

[fourwd1]

Yeah, mineral spirits is good, but over the years has gone from $2/gal to like $10/gal. Kerosene is almost as good as gasoline and a lot less volatile.
There's also a lot of "green" cleaners out now that do a good job.

 

[AuSeeker]

Yeah, mineral spirits is good, but over the years has gone from $2/gal to like $10/gal. Kerosene is almost as good as gasoline and a lot less volatile.
There's also a lot of "green" cleaners out now that do a good job.

Check the prices again for mineral spirits, I can find it here in the southeast for less than $13 to $17 gallon and the lower price is if you buy it at 5 gallons at a time.