2182 Engine Cleanup Concern

[Bryan S]

Hi all,

I have a question about the cleaning up of my 2182 engine. Not how to but my concern is for the wiring nightmare that I read so many posts about. I bought my 2182 slightly used in 1997, been a great beast for me all these years. My health is not so good these days so I don't want to cause a major headache for myself. I know I'm going to regret these words but my 2182 has only ever had one issue in all these years and that's the starter click or nothing at all when the key is turned to start it.
Replaced the starter about 12 years ago worked twice then back to click, and now these days not even a click. I have always just grabbed a screw driver I keep in the drain hole of the seat, jump the starter and it fires right up. While I'm still able to, I want to clean it up, replace the radiator hoses, antifreeze and give it a tune up. I have read about the starter relay addition, so going to do that also. Got to make up the plug wires yet, replace the cap and rotor. I only ever changed the air filter, plugs out and it got fresh Amsoil small engine oil and oil filter, hydro filter and fluid top off every year that I have owned it, so going to drain the rear as well, yes I have the gasket. I want to wash the engine and compartment and rear end, but am concerned about all the wiring horror stories I have read about here. I was going to use some Gunk engine brite/cleaner I've had sitting on the shelf for over 20 years but worried about the possibility of it doing harm to the insulation on the old wiring and the paint. So then I thought about Castrol Super Clean, but again pretty harsh cleaner. So I'll probably just use Spray Nine or Simple green and enough water pressure just to rinse it clean. Going to use the air compressor and nozzle first to blow all the thick and or loose crud off, before the cleaner and hose down. Any thoughts or heads up, or be on the look out for... would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks much,

Bryan