RE: Engine cleaning question
I really wouldn't trust anything but breaking it all down and using a stainless steel brush over everything and a good hot soapy scrub, and a clean rub with a towel to see if the towel picks up any dirt.
I've tried to clean whole assemblies before in the crock pot and just like it was mentioned it is good at helping take things apart but cant really be trusted in my opinion to just rinse and use.