simple green safe on these engines?

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2020 12:49 am

Hi I know its probably a silly question, but do ya'll know if its safe to use simple green on these engines? I''m trying to get the cases and blocks ready for paint and was thinking about cleaning everything with simple green. All the engine blocks, cases and covers have been stripped of paint so it will be simple green (diluted probably) directly on the aluminum parts.

If simple green is no good, what should I use?

Thanks in advance.

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2020 1:37 am

If repainting, yes.

Frankly, I use Superclean for what you're doing.

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2020 3:36 am

POR-15 cleaner/degreaser. Without a doubt the best- I've used it many times when engine prepping & painting.

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2020 4:28 am

Here’s an option from the makers of Simple Green.

Simple Green 13405 Extreme Aircraft and Precision Cleaner

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2020 9:38 am

Ive also used mag wheel cleaner, its a mild acid and will slightly etch aluminum

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2020 12:05 pm

Thanks for all the help!

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2020 12:11 pm

cbx1956 wrote:

POR-15 cleaner/degreaser. Without a doubt the best- I've used it many times when engine prepping & painting.

Do you use the POR metal prep afterwards?

Thanks

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2020 12:42 pm

The basic truth is to use whatever will clean the metal, but the mandatory last step (for best results...) prior to applying paint is a thorough wipedown with lacquer thinner, to prepare the metal to bond with the paint.

Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2020 9:15 pm

thegeneral000 wrote:

cbx1956 wrote:

POR-15 cleaner/degreaser. Without a doubt the best- I've used it many times when engine prepping & painting.

Do you use the POR metal prep afterwards?

Thanks

I first use paint stripper to get the worst of the muck & any old flaking paint off then it's a question of several applications of the POR 15 together with a stiff paint brush to get a clean finish. As someone else pointed out you do need a final wash down with thinners to get rid of any residue; I use a spray bottle with thinners & another stiff brush- it helps to have the engine mounted on a stand so that I can swing the engine around at all angles allowing a decent run off to a catchment tray on the ground. I do not use any form of media blasting on the motor- just liquids, & elbow grease. It's a tedious job but rewarding

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 12:02 pm

cbx1956 wrote:

thegeneral000 wrote:

cbx1956 wrote:

POR-15 cleaner/degreaser. Without a doubt the best- I've used it many times when engine prepping & painting.

Do you use the POR metal prep afterwards?

Thanks

I first use paint stripper to get the worst of the muck & any old flaking paint off then it's a question of several applications of the POR 15 together with a stiff paint brush to get a clean finish. As someone else pointed out you do need a final wash down with thinners to get rid of any residue; I use a spray bottle with thinners & another stiff brush- it helps to have the engine mounted on a stand so that I can swing the engine around at all angles allowing a decent run off to a catchment tray on the ground. I do not use any form of media blasting on the motor- just liquids, & elbow grease. It's a tedious job but rewarding

Thank you this helps a bunch, nice to have some direction to go towards.

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 5:04 pm

In addition to what others have said, keep in mind that Simple Green will strip metal finish, i.e. zinc and cad plating, off if left on long enough. Probably not an issue for cleaning an engine but be sure to rinse well.

Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 1:57 am

Lindy wrote:

I've also used mag wheel cleaner, its a mild acid and will slightly etch aluminum

I have done that too as well. Its a good idea, I've followed up with an etch primer for engines prior to painting the engine.