Cleaning question

[JMUHockeyfan]

Hey everyone

Just want to quickly say that I've enjoyed the forum tremendously, and all the information I have been getting has been a huge help to this project.

For my question; a buddy and I got into a discussion about using carb cleaner (not the spray kind, the nice 1 gallon kind) to clean engine parts. He says that you could do it and it won't harm the engine.

1) Is he right?
2a) If he is, any recommendations
2b) If he isn't, any recommendations on what else to use to clean parts?

I should specify; by parts I mean anything really on the inside of the engine (pistons, values, nuts, bolts, etc)

Thanks guys!