Cleaning inboard engine

[ingrid75]

I have a question about cleaning an inboard engine. When I clean the engine in my truck, I spray it with "Gunk" engine degreaser and then hose it off. But when I clean the engine in my boat, it's more like a sponge bath. I am afraid of what the degreaser residue in the bilge might do to the plastic parts of my bilge pumps and other things in the bilge. Any thoughts on this?

[deblen]

Did a quick Google "Gunk Engine Degreaser"
There are several versions of it.
Here is link to CEB1 MSDS http://www.rscbrands.com/products/msds/CEB1.PDF

You should look up the MSDS for version you intend to use.
What I read:
Uses natural products-Citrus oil,etc.
Warnings-Vapor is noxious/need good ventilation/explosive
Bad for marine life

Would hot water,Dawn & a parts brush do the job??

[ranger58sb]

A spray of Dawn/water and then a Shark Steamer works pretty well.


You'll still have to clean the bilge underneath, afterwards.


-Chris

[gjordan]

What ever product you use, have lots of ventilation. I once got a job on a large motor yacht because the previous engineer had used an engine cleaner inside the boat and ended up being flown 1000 miles to the nearest burn center. BE CAREFUL. ____Grant.

[jongleur]

Any other cleaning agents recommended?
I thought kerosene was suggested. Would
that be worth trying?

[a64pilot]

You know honestly, I don't let an engine get so bad that it needs anything but warm water, mild soap, and a counter brush. I have purchased engines that were dirtier than that, and I have always used Gunk, foamy seems to work better.
But not on a boat.
I wouldn't go stronger than Purple Power on my boat, that and a little elbow grease will clean most anything

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Aiken-Purp...-1gal/16778256

[Charlie]

+1 on Purple Power. Good stuff. Vary the concentration according to the grime.

[Lepke]

If the engine has a little diesel and oil, I use dish soap. Strength determined by thickness of buildup. Works best if sprayed on and let sit. For heavy deposits, I use a product called Super Clean. It appears to be a really strong soap. I flush well with fresh water. I've been doing it this way for 50+ years in wood, steel and fiberglass hulls. I've never had a problem.
The dish soap is probably better for killing the diesel smell.

[zeehag]

mine wipes down well with a soft cloth.
have enough issues in bilges, i do not need to add to that.