What cleaning product to use
 

I have the new water pump and thermostat housing installed, while I have it apart I want to clean some if the grime off the front of the engine. I know 409 is a heck of a cleaner but probably corrosive...what would you use to clean with...Simple Green, one of the Orange cleaners ??

Plans are to spray on, let set and lightly spray warm water...let dry inside overnight.

Thanks
Dwight

I used simple green when my transmission was out. Cleaned things quite well.

I've had good luck with Gunk Engine Degreaser.

I used spray 9 mixed with a bit of water and a paint brush. Any good orange cleaner should work.

Thanks Guys
 

This should be a Stickie to help anyone else out attempting this

Simple Green or citrus based for me. Gunk works really well but smells for quite some time after using it. If you clean the top of the engine, be aware there a lots of nooks and crannies on top, and they are pretty deep, particularly under the left intake beside the PS pump.

+1 for Simple Green.
Spray on, let it work for 10 minutes and hose it off.

Simple Green : Distilled Water ( 1 : 1 )

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When using Simple Green it is important to not let it sit too long and be sure to completely rinse it off. Simple Green will affect the finish on aluminum and alloy parts if left on too long, especially anodized aluminum. Don't ask me how I know.

Both Simple Green and ZEP can really mess up the finish of alum if left on too long, they are also not that great on grease (although excellent with oil). Gunk engine degreaser works well.

I just bought 5 gallons of Oil Eater cleaner and degreaser to try in my parts washer. I've not used it yet, but it is water based, environmentally friendly and supposed to be easy on alum and painted surfaces.