z driver 88t

I'll be starting the timing belt job this weekend and the bottom end of the engine is pretty grimy. What tips and techniques / cleaners do you use that don't need to be rinsed off.

Most of the engine cleaners I've used need to be washed off with water afterwards but since the car will be on jackstands in my garage I don't want to run a water hose in the garage if I don't have to.

kombatrok

Brake cleaner, a scrub brush and rags.

Wisconsin Joe

Put a kiddie pool under the car to catch the water as it drains off.

Don't plan on letting kids use the pool after you dump all that grease and grime in it.

Chalkboss

I use this all the time now:
http://crcindustries.com/auto/?s=05482

No residue, does not stink, safe on paint, etc. Spray on and wipe off. Really dirty stuff I use a toothbrush and a few applications. I get it at Pep Boys, it can be a bit hard to find.

worf928

I use a citrus-based concentrated cleaner for the first pass with a spray bottle rinse of distilled water and then brake-clean if I want it really clean.

syoo8

+1 on the citrus-based. Brakleen is very expensive. I use the P21S auto wash

in a spray bottle with a brush. Then, I use another spray bottle with distilled water to "rinse." Then, finish off with Brakleen.

kelanel

If the alternator is already off and the wiring is out of the way, gunk or similar citrus engine degreaser followed by blasting water then scrubbing problem areas worked for me last time. 99% clean in 30 mins vs scrubbing for hours. Cover any oiling holes (if oil pump is removed, or oil pan drainback) well with duct tape and you should be pretty good to go. kiddy pool or even a large oil change basin will catch the drippings, just focus on where you are rinsing at.

giddyupp

I used simple green with a selection of wire and nylon brushes then blasted all the hard to get places with brake cleaner - worked a treat. Be sure to plug the dip stick hole.

Tony

remove the engine.
Soak/spray down in simple green citrus.
Pressure washer.
then fix where all the leaks are coming from.
Install engine.
Stay on top of any signs of leaks...stains from then on out.

linderpat

there is no way to do this job without getting your gagrage floor filthy. It is a dirty job, but it has to be done. Bite the bullet, dive in, and clean the garage floor afterwards. I've done a couplke of these now, and it's messy. And do rinse off what you use. Years ago on my 86.5, I used simple green to clean verything under and around the engine. It works great, but my car would not start afterwards. After a lot of screwing around and trying different things with no luck, I found some information that said simple green can cause electrical issues. I pulled my ground wire tothe lower side of the engine, rinsed it thoroughly with water, and the car fired right up. Water is a good final rinse agent.

FiveElements

You probably should replace the seal first on the oil pump. That is generally why there is so much oil mess there. I used degreaser from the 99¢ store. Worked perfectly. Water washable too.

Bertrand Daoust

Simple Green Max and water.
Nylon brushes and rags.
... And the kiddie pool!

linderpat

Wow Bertrand - that hurt my eyes it was so shiny! Sweet!

linderpat

and while you have the car up, keep going - lots more to clean - this becomes an obsession!

siscogts

I used gnld super 100 mixed with water 1/3..wonderful.
You should find this product also in US...