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