So, what's the vertict? What's safe to use with the older rubber/plastic to clean the engine? Mine has grease and gunk caked from the PO and I'd like to clean it out.

Any recommendations?

 

S. green!!!!!

 

First thing is simnple green... lots of it. then, steel wool for the bare metal parts (unless polished). Lots and lots of elbow grease. BTW, it usuallt doesn't work to clean in situ. Better to remove for easier cleaning.

When all done, a combination of back to black, wadding polish (I forget what it's called), and continuous cleaning will kepp it looking fresh. And if your hood liner is falling apart, fix that before trying to clean the engine.

Good luck.

 

If the paint on the engine parts is already trashed, use one of the Orange Clean style degreasers. Simple Green will do the trick too, slower but maybe friendlier. There are some things that need to be protected from the detergent and water, to the point where it may be worthwhile removing them and certainly worthwhile shielding them. Distributor(s), alternator, and any temp switches or sensors that are on the engine. Use a parts-cleaning brush for the thick stuff.

Once all the grease is off, you can go at the metal bits with your choice of metal polishes if you really feel the need. The dr's double-top-secret make everything shine method is a light fog of spray tire dressing, followed by a wipedown with a damp sponge ( as --dedicated-- sponge) to spread the stuff around evenly. Makes rubber and plastic stuff look like new. Don't tell anybody...