Engine "Hot tank" question

Just goes to show there's more than one way to skin a cat.

Yes. Before I go the ley route though, what I had thought about is trying a solution of Dawn in the 55 gallon drum of HOT water. I have my suspicions that it might work pretty good. Of course, I don't think it would remove paint and surface rust like lye does, but it would certainly remove grease and be much more friendly to the environment.