at your local auto store they sell a large straight plastic brissle cleaning brush
this would be much better for starters -- so as not to scratch
after some cleaning with this one
then you will know more about how deep you need to get
at work all the mechanics used these type cleaning brushes
with some standard cleaning solvent
a little gas also works
For cleaning all engines I use a degreaser like simple green,purple cleaner,awesome(99cent store) and just spray it on with a hand spray bottle.Then hose it off.If its really caked up repete and use a nylon brush and a pressure washer works well if you have one.
Good cleaning
Baverian
A good pressure washing, by itself, will do a very good job. When finished, if I want to be able to eat off the surface, THEN I'll spray with Simple Green, or something similar, and hose it off.
I appreciate all the help. I had never thought of a pressure washer. I have one at home. I'll be getting started on the engine in a couple weeks. Now, I need to find some motor mounts to start with. I plan on building a stand to run the engine, and some kind of electric motor to start it.
I remember seeing them at the memorylane-classics web site, and they looked great. I plan on giving them a call when I get back home in Ohio. Wish they had an online ordering system.