| Once the dirt is dry, carefully remove the impacted dirt using a strong, flat toothpick. Metal picks will also work but may scratch engine surfaces (Photo 4). The epoxy brush is used to remove loose dirt from inside cooling fins and other hard to reach areas (Photo 5). It sometimes helps to cut the bristles to half-length, increasing their stiffness. As the final exterior cleaning step, use the toothbrush to remove ALL the remaining exterior loose dirt. (Photo 6)
 
Photo 5 Photo 6
Note from photo 6 that the dirt in the carburetor opening is left undisturbed. Trying to remove that dirt at this point just results in pushing more abrasive materials deeper inside the engine. The carburetor will be cleaned after it is removed from the engine. Give the engine’s exterior a quick vacuum to insure all dirt is removed prior to disassembling the engine (Photo 7). Clean the dirt from your work surface before disassembling the engine or carburetor.
Photo 7
Now that the exterior dirt has been cleaned, remove the engine from the mount. Remember not to rotate the crankshaft. If there was a spinner installed, insert a screwdriver into the propeller opening to prevent the crankshaft’s rotating and remove the spinner (Photo 8). Using a pair of adjustable pliers, firmly hold the propeller hub, not the engine’s thrust washer (the serrated piece behind the prop hub) and remove the prop bolt and prop hub (Photo 9).
 
Photo 8 Photo 9
The prop hub may be difficult to remove without rotating the crankshaft. Use a small screwdriver to pry it off without turning. Once the propeller is removed, you may need to insert a foam spacer onto the crankshaft and replace the crankshaft bolt and propeller washer. The idea is to prevent the thrust washer from sliding forward on the crankshaft. Not all engines have secured or tight thrust washers (Photo 10).
Photo 10
Begin disassembly by removing the muffler (Photo 11). Point the muffler downwards during removal to prevent any exterior dirt from entering the exhaust port. Try to leave the muffler bolts in place and remove the muffler. Then carefully stuff some paper towel into the exhaust port (Photo 12). While the engine is still pointing exhaust-side down, remove the muffler bolts.
 
Photo 11 Photo 12
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