Scooterotica

Petrol is dead iffy as a cleaner. It does clean well but the flash point is so low to be dangerous. Too many sources of ignition in a standard shed/garage. Even empty cans can explode.
Parafin/Diesel works ok but watch your skin as you can pick up dermatitis if you're sensitive.
There are safe cleaners about which aren't too pricy if you buy a reasonable amount, (you can store them safely too) and have the advantage of not poisoning you and will dry properly rather than leave a greasy residue.

I use WD 40, I buy it from Screwfix in a 5lt container it also comes with a spray bottle, I use it for loads of stuff as well as cleaning engine cases, coating scoots for storage or riding during winter, I keep my engines cases covered in the stuff and it keeps them in great condition and easier to clean..

50 / 50 % white spirit / petrol is excellent for cleaning muck of engines and killing weeds , grass and flowers.

take the engine to the local garage and stick a quid in the jet wash...leaves all the muck at there place. finish off with some gunk and WD40.

unipart"formula traffic film remover"

5 gallon drum about £20.00, brilliant engine degreaser, we use loads of it and its brilliant.

or get it off ebay

skidmark wrote:I use WD 40, I buy it from Screwfix in a 5lt container it also comes with a spray bottle, I use it for loads of stuff as well as cleaning engine cases, coating scoots for storage or riding during winter, I keep my engines cases covered in the stuff and it keeps them in great condition and easier to clean..

Same here use it on the car engines too, works really well and leaves a film so no rust after, where as a degreaer leaves clean metal to corode
P.

WD40 (water displacer 40) aint a degreaser its a good cleaner and protector but not a degreaser.

Eibar wrote:WD40 (water displacer 40) aint a degreaser its a good cleaner and protector but not a degreaser.

I guess if I does a good job it doesn't matter what its classed as.
The absolute best 'degreaser' I've ever used is Mr Muscle Oven Cleaner. A bit extreme for the OP's requirement but f*~*ing awesome for shifting baked on black sh*t. Just spray it on leave it for 10 mins, no longer on ally, and wash it off. Simples. I've tried white spirit & parrafin with help of scouring pads or wire brushes and they don't come close to Mr Muscle! Cheap too.

SF