Originally Posted By: double vanos
This is a GREAT thread! I wish I'd known that Simple Green was bad for aluminum. I now know why my M54 engine has all that corrosion on it! All good ideas here. Since SG is out of the question now I'll probably use Griot's engine cleaner in it's place. My method is to cover up anything that looks sensitive, apply cleaner, hose off and blow dry with compressed air.
Something about a spotless engine bay....
A side note - I bought some Motorcraft "Engine shampoo/degreaser" and tried it out on a garbage can and it is very industrial smelling...kinda makes me think it is suitable for only the gunkiest of engines.
Anybody try this stuff?
Cheers!
Yeah, I never knew that SG was harmful to aluminum either. YOu learn something new here everyday.
I am going to do the tin foil idea around the parts that are easy to get to, use a garden hose and a mild soap, and then drive the car for a few miles.
I haven't tried that Griot's stuff, but I know they seem to only sell good stuff.
Cheers!