I used some simple green on the sump and I think it made the plate that’s in there rust a bit. Is that a problem? After using this stuff, do aluminum oarts like the sump or steel parts like pulleys need to be wiped down or sprayed with something else like mineral spirits or WD40? Any input is appreciated - really hoping not to corrode parts here. I can clean stuff with diesel or gas too, if that’s better, just trying to prevent a forest fire where I am since it’s very hot and dry now and all someone has to do is kick a rock and it’s on again. I could also use mineral spirits. I need to clean inside the pickup pipe and the screen as well and I’m not really sure how to do that. I’ve heard diesel, so I’ll try that unless mineral spirits would be better… I found sort of a piece of a stick caught in there that the screen prevented from going any further. I wonder if the pipe is full of build-up. I’m very obsessive about this kind of stuff, so I want to be sure every single thing I’m doing is correct. The last thing I want to do is start damaging parts. Hopefully the simple green didn’t damage the harmonic damper (rubber, steel) or the mating surfaces of the sump and oil filter adapter that I used it on.

 

Simple Green did not make anything rust. And no, it didn't damage the harmonic damper or anything else. And no, there's no need to wipe down the parts with WD-40 or anything else.

As for cleaning the pickup pipe, just use a brush like the one linked below.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Simpson-Str...ush/1002740048

 

I soaked the pickup pipe in a small tub of simple green over night. Came out like new.

 

I don't use standard Simple Green on anything underhood / on automotive applications. It does cause corrosion/surface issues ultimately on a variety of metals and I have noticed this firsthand.
Use Simple Green Motorcycle / aircraft / Aluminum cleaner. This one -->