On Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:56:49 -0400, Stormin Mormon wrote:

I've used oven cleaner with great success. On many carb and engine parts.
Parts in a strainer basket, and then in the laundry tray in the cellar.
Sounds strange, but has worked well for me.

So have I.

I've used it for everything from stripping paint on a bicycle
frame to repaint it, to degreasing Detroit Diesel slobbering beasts
before tear-down for reconditioning. Washes off with water.

It contains Lye, so eye protection in the form of goggles or face shield
is a must. I recommend goggles as a first choice. I suppose it could be
neutralized with vinegar first, sprayed on using a garden sprayer. I found
that the dollar store brand was as good as best known brand name for this
use.

I had access to a steam cleaner for the Detroit.