In a message dated 5/11/04 2:01:31 AM, bduggan@MINDSPRING.COM writes: << Any suggestions? . . . . . . I also want to do a total engine compartment clean up, any degreaser favorites out there (nontoxic please)? Any suggestions with the clean up? >> Take the engine and transmission out as a unit. If you do not have a lift: I prefer to support the engine from above by way of a suitably stiff crossbeam across the engine bay and raised up a bit on some cribbing with the hitch towards the transaxle so that the assembly is somewhat balanced. Lay down several layers of 4-6 mil polyethylene sheeting extending from beneath the engine to beyond the rear bumper. Lower the engine/transaxle onto a piece of carpeting which is long enough for the assembly to rest on. If you do not have the carpeting, use a piece of double ply corrugated cardboard from a large appliance box. The engine/transaxle will slid out from under the van slicker than diarrhea. There will be plenty of headroom once the van is relieved of the weight of the engine/transaxle and you won't have to worry about it tipping off of a transmission jack or, as some suggest, a skateboard. Once it is in free space, you can easily have your way with it. Kerosene and a stiff bristled brush are a great, cheap combination for degreasing. If you can't stand the smell of kerosene, mineral spirits is just as effective. Also, the mineral spirits will evaporate more quickly. I think neither is particularly toxic if not consumed. George |
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