Best degreaser for aluminum engines?

Most old Kawa's get pretty grimy from road crap around the engine. If it were a car engine, I'd just coat it up with Gunk degreaser, scrub it a bit and hose it off. But Gunk and similar degreasers warn not to use on aluminum (as well as oven cleaner). I've tried aluminum wheel cleaners with no success, and I can't afford any kind of blasting. So what's out there that's safe for aluminum? Thanks!

I have used Gunk Foamy engine cleaner for years without problem. Never harmed the engine. I also use Zep Citrus cleaner which I buy at Home Depot and it works equally well The nice part about that is that it is 100% biodegradable and won't harm your grass when you pressure wash or hose off the engine.

Only thing I ever use is gas.

S100 works well for me.

Water based.

Okay to douse entire bike. Won't harm any finish. Hose off.

Click here > S100

Good Fortune!

I've used simple green with good results. It is biodegradable as well.

I get a kick out of all the " biodegradable" products, yes they are in the origonal formula, but the second you introduce any oils, solvents, fuel, or anything that you clean with it, the product is NOT "green" friendly anymore,

sorry,, had to vent,,,

GUNK and GUNK only.
Used it for 30 years.
It smells though!
Want to use it at the street curb or near a drain.

Go to the Projects Forum and scroll down to 78 KZ 1000 makeover thread and check out his ultra clean cases. Best method I've seen yet - vapour blasting or US spelling vapor blasting.

Take the cases to the local transmission shop and have them put them in their washing machine.

I know polkat hasn't said as much, but I have a feeling his engine is still assembled and in the frame. If it's still bolted in then ditto what these guys have said- solvent and elbow grease is the only thing that will do any good on the roughest, grimiest spots And like Jack suggested, if you want your cases to look amazing and your engine IS apart, I can direct you to a some guys that'll do it quick, and the total cost (for me) was $105 minus the side covers

Porhev? so what dd these guys do to yours??? didthey blast it w/ somethin....What? thank you

The case is still in the frame, but everything from the block up is on my work bench. As I mentioned, I'm too poor right now to afford some shop work just to clean grime off the parts.

I heard Gunk mentioned again. So you guys think Gunk is safe on aluminum (even though it says right on the lable that it's not)?