elbow grease to remove grease

Well, a few minutes a day have been devoted all week to cleaning the drivetrain.  This ongoing procedure has been a piece at a time.  The bellhousing has been the first component to receive a thorough cleaning, and is currently waiting for a paint job.  With a few minor exceptions, the procedure has been the same for the other parts such as the engine block and the transmission, as well as flywheel shield, oil pan and the like.


1) Scrape old caked on oil/grease/dirt/gunk off with a scraper
2) Brush with wire brush
3) Apply and let soak overnight (or longer) with 50% Awesome degreaser and 50% diesel fuel
4) Brush/scrape and reapply awesome mixture
5) Scrub/rinse with soap and hot water (pressurized if possible)
6) Dry with compressed air
7) Address any leftover gunk
8) Spray entire surface with non-chlorinated brake cleaner
9) Mask, prime, and paint

Although there have been a few departures, such as hand scrubbing the oil pan to remove oil build up, hand scrubbing around the pushrods with a diesel soaked shop rag to remove accumulated oil gunk from the block, and utilizing just about anything possible to remove anything that is just hanging around waiting to break off and cause any problems.

I am hopeful that I will have an opportunity to go over the block once more with a scrub brush, then replace all the covers (oil pan, push rod cover, valve cover) with new gaskets, check for oil leaks (oil pan mainly), then give the engine several thorough scrubbing with hot soapy water, then a blast of air, brake cleaner, then paint, prime, and rock and roll.  Why is all this being done in such a hurry?  Because this motor is about to get moved!  We are set to close on the 27th of may, so I will have a new shop to work in.  But, I have to get it put back together by then in order to get it moved.