Have a 1.8 that has been setting for some time and draining the case gave up some pretty thick gupe. Stripped down and on engine stand now. What would be best for pouring in and "shaking around". Don't want to removed heads and split case. Thanks

kerosene, home heating fuel, or diesel

What about ATF? I hear that is ok for a short time to clean it out.

That is actually a trick my dad taught me. ATF is just very detergent oil. He would add a quart just before the oil change interval and then drain it with the rest of the oil at the change.

When the motor runs, yes.
You can get it hot enough to clean and drain.

On a stand...you would have a hell of a time getting all the ATF out after.
When you fill (overfill) a motor with diesel or kerosene....sometimes it breaks free the motor...

Kero etc all have oil mixed in...

Rich

...ARE you trying to clean up/inside the engine...before disassembly?...just curious....

No, I'm hoping to get out the thicker goop and then sew it back up and get some driving around time.