Topic: Best way to clean grime and "snot" from a engine without removal

[GroovieGhoulie]

I replaced the weeping valve cover gasket in my engine, so it's now oil-tight again, but the fins are darkened by the oil and road grime that stuck to them.  They're still gray, but they don't have that "clean" gray look.

I was thinking about spraying with a degreaser like "gunk" and then pressure-washing it.  Would that knock it all off and leave it shiny and neat?

Any other ideas?

What's the best way to prep the engine?  I'm concerned about high-pressure water around the electrics and wiring.

[ProTeal55]

Go get a can of Foamy Engine Brite at your local autoparts store.
This stuff kicks ass as far as cleaning grease/gunk/etc..
You don't need to use high pressure water either.
Just do a pre-wash to get the majority of the bigger stuff outta their, then
spray the foam on their, once you see it start to change color, wash it off, then dry..
I plan to do this to my scoot soon - as the front of the motor has caught a decent amount of bugs crap the last
few times out 

[nickjtc]

Go get a can of Foamy Engine Brite at your local autoparts store.
This stuff kicks ass as far as cleaning grease/gunk/etc..
You don't need to use high pressure water either.
Just do a pre-wash to get the majority of the bigger stuff outta their, then
spray the foam on their, once you see it start to change color, wash it off, then dry..
I plan to do this to my scoot soon - as the front of the motor has caught a decent amount of bugs crap the last
few times out 

Care to do a 'before' and 'after' photo shoot....?

[Gordon]

Foamy engine bright (like ProTeal said), and a toilet cleaning brush.  Works great!  The brush is hard enough to scrape off the grime, but doesn't scratch off the engine paint. 

[grumburg]

Orange Clean and a bottle brush does wonders. Does not leave residue and is biodegradeable

[adams77]

and a toilet cleaning brush.  Works great!  The brush is hard enough to scrape off the grime, but doesn't scratch off the engine paint. 

Let it be known that NOTHING  used to scrub a toilet will EVER touch my bike

[ProTeal55]

You can also get some S100 foam engine cleaner (if available in your area).
Most higher end bike shops sell the S100 line of products.
They have a wicked foam cleaner that is similar to foamy engine brite, but made just for bikes, and you can actually see
the dirt being pulled outta little creavses and such.
Pretty nifty...

[Short Round]

I would put some purple power on it and let it soak for a bit.  Then rub it a little so it gets all the sh*t off and spray it with a low pressure hose.  If there is still some gunk on it I would repeat the same process.  Worked for me!!!!!!!!!!

[puppytrax]

Go get a can of Foamy Engine Brite at your local autoparts store.

I second nickjtc!! Photo shoot!! Before/After!!