Degreasing my engine

[DavidJay]

Hi all,
I have recently bought a '71 Traveller and am enjoying going over it to fix faults/make improvements etc. A job that needs doing is cleaning the engine/gearbox. I don't think they has been cleaned for many year and so consequently there is a build up of grease, oil and general muck all over them.
I am aware of Gunk (other degreasants are available) and could give it a good going over then pressure wash it. However if I did do it this way it would be very messy and the water spray would soak everything else. I am half tempted to take the engine out and have a go at the engine bay at the same time but I don't want her to be off the road at this time of the year.
I would want to get the engine block/head to a condition that would allow me to paint them. Wheres the best place to get paint from?
With the wealthy of experience and ingenuity out there I wondered if anyone has got any useful tips, or do I just get down and dirty.

[Declan_Burns]

David,
Brake cleaner is very good for degreasing but observe the instructions on the can as it' s toluene and put plenty of old newspapers under whatever you are cleaning. Engine paint is available from the major morris parts suppliers.
Regards
Declan

[dalgrae]

I recently used TFR (Traffic Film Remover) on my gearbox case and diff case with great results and then sprayed both with WD40 .TFR was very easy to use without any issues

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Autoglym machine cleaner - water based and gets rid of all grease and oil. Works a treat and you can get it from Halfords.

[bmcecosse]

Just take it up to the local car wash place and pressure wash the grubby bits! Tie a plastic bag over the dizzy first.

[DavidJay]

Thanks guys, useful tips. I'll let you know how I get on.

Cheers Dave

[PSL184]

Oven cleaner! I use Mr Muscle spray on, leave for 30mins then hose off. Use a small brush to get into the corners to agitate the cleaner into the dirt....