Oil Pan / water pump cleaning in order to...

[opelitis1]

What is the proper way to clean original oil pans/water pumps/valve+timing covers etc in order to get  the "best bang for the buck"??  Right now, old grease and gunk on 'em from way, way back..
Don't wanna be chincy but, would like to do it right.. 
Thanks!!
Ted

[bertfam]

I got a Harbor Freight parts cleaning bin several years ago and use it to death! It was only around $100.00 and it's lasted me 10 or so years so far.

Ed

[qwertyme77]

but before you stick them in a parts cleaner, scrape the heavy stuff off with a FLEXIBLE putty knife. be careful not to gouge the metal with the blade. if you don't want to pop for a parts cleaning bin, use a few cans of carb cleaner to blast the stuff off.

[qwertyme77]

oh, and buy a proper parts cleaning brush. they are very stiff nylon bristles in a round, pointed pattern. i think sears sells them.

[bertfam]

By the way, HERE'S the one I got.

Ed

[opelitis1]

Thanks guys!!  Have a few neat parts and it is time to get a cleanin'.  On an oil pan should I sand off the old paint before putting on the new GM orange, or just paint over the original orange..  When time comes to sell, I don't want anyone saying why'd you do it this way or that way??  People can be funny sometimes, eh???
Merci Bert!!
Ted

[qwertyme77]

unless it's rusty i would not sand it. instead i would use a paint stripper. There is probably only one coat of paint oniy anyway so it should come off fast and easy.

[KevinW]

I have the same parts cleaner, works great!  Between that and the glass beader are my most used tools. Have to clean and modify them as time goes by because they internals are cheaper, but they keep running!