Best Way to Clean a Carbureted Engine?

[greg82255]

Hello,

I have a 1986 Merc 260/Alpha One and it's pretty dirty. There's definitely some grease all over it. I'm wondering what the best way to clean one of these engines might be. Is it OK to use a degreaser on the engine and spray it with the hose? If I put plastic bags around the distributor, carb and alternator would it be OK to use a hose, or is this a bad idea? Keeping water away from the electronics and the carb is obviously a necessity. Any suggestions for doing this safely without risk of damaging anything would be helpful.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Best Way to Clean a Carbureted Engine?

No different than cleaning your cars engine really, use the same precautions.

Ayuh,... 'n a car wash is better than yer garden hose....

 

[John_S]

Re: Best Way to Clean a Carbureted Engine?

Depending on hatch, etc, you may want some splatter shields to prevent "flying gunk" from getting on vynel/carpet.

 

[Volphin]

Re: Best Way to Clean a Carbureted Engine?

And a clean engine is a happy engine! LOL
I use foaming gunk spray. It's basically foaming kerosene.
Let the spray do the work. Rinse gently.

V

 

[greg82255]

Re: Best Way to Clean a Carbureted Engine?

No different than cleaning your cars engine really, use the same precautions.

I haven't cleaned a car engine before lol - so as long as the electrical stuff and carb are covered I can spray /degrease the rest without any problems?

 

[seaboo]

Re: Best Way to Clean a Carbureted Engine?

I haven't cleaned a car engine before lol - so as long as the electrical stuff and carb are covered I can spray /degrease the rest without any problems?

Yep, but use some common sense (flush thoroughly but NOT with a super high pressure (splatter and water under pressure will "creep" past plastic bags used to seal off electronics/ect.). Spend some extra time flushing the bilge afterwards (all that grease and gunk is going there and it would be nice if it didn't wind up in a lake later).
I (personally) am a big fan of purple power (or similar) for cleaning engines (it doesn't do quite as good a job as an engine degreaser but is non-flamable and my belief it is alittle more "environmentally friendly).

 

[Volphin]

Re: Best Way to Clean a Carbureted Engine?

Another tip: Get some cheap dishwashing liquid and put a heathy dose (two or three ounces) in the bilge BEFORE you start cleaning. It will keep the gunk from sticking in the bilge when you rinse it out.

Awesome tip!

V