Engine cleaning

[Chubbz91]

This may be a stupid question but whats the best way to clean your engine? Ive herd steam cleaning is the safest way but i cant do steam clean. What products and tips to cleaning ur engine?

[79elcamino]

Re: Engine cleaning

when i cleaned mine i used an engine degreaser, but before i did anything i put plastic bags over my alternator so it did not get wet and if you have any exposed wires cover them to, then i just sprayed the degreaser everywhere let it sit for 15 min, i scrubbed really dirty areas with a terry towel and rinsed on the shower setting on the nozzle with low pressure, make sure the sun isnt right on the motor because when i did it the degreaser started to dry on the motor so i had to re-spray that area, when i was done since my engine is aluminum i used megs aluminum polish and the motor, and i sprayed #40 on all rubber parts and plastic pieces and let it dry on them and if there were any streaks i sprayed a little of #40 on a pad and wiped the part that streaked and it was perfect. before you start your engine make sure the degreaser is all rinsed away then turn your car on and let it run for 5-10min until its dry.

[BlackScreaminMachine]

Re: Engine cleaning

FYI this does NOT apply to all vehicles.

In general you can clean engine bays with All Purpous Clean (APC), or whatever you prefer (Simple Green, Purple Power). I work with a cool motor or AT MOST a warm one, not a HOT one.

* I remove any loose debris (inlcudes, leaves, tree stuff, acorns, or anything that does not belong there.

* Then I Mist/Spray with water. (Avoiding things like the Computer/PCM/ECU/Ignition)

* Spray on some cleaning agent and with a brush (can vary in size, depending on the motor). Let sit

* Scrub Vigerously

* Spray/Mist/Rinse off cleaned areas

* Turn on motor, use a air hose and possibly a towel. Let idle

* Repeat if needed.


As mentioned earlier some vehicles CANNOT be sprayed with water directly. One comes to mind, anything with a General Motors Gen 2 LT1 (350 CID) V8's as their Distributor is located at the front of the block, prone to getting wet and breaking and to fix cost anywhere between 300-1000$. So 93-97 Camaro/Firebird, 92-96 Corvettes and other v8's in the Mid 90's. We would have to work with VERY limited water and often a rag and cleaner is all that we could use.

After cleaning and drying. I follow up with some Tire Shine (Gel) as it leaves a look thats between Satan and Wet. Nice trick.

[paul.segovich]

Re: Engine cleaning

Just be careful with water really. Don't focus a stream on places (wires, openings) and you'll be alright.
I spray a light mist, spray APC+ over the engine, let it sit, agitate and spray off. Repeating the process as necessary.

Essentially the same process as above.
Except I spray ASD over the finish. Leaves a nice shine, but doesn't look too over the top.

[RDVT4ME]

Re: Engine cleaning

I use a pump up garden sprayer. It is low pressure and you can safely direct the water spray where you need it.

[Chubbz91]

Re: Engine cleaning

thank you for all the inputs i will have to try it out

[paul.segovich]

Re: Engine cleaning

^ That may well be all and good on a car you keep nice and clean.
I guess I just kind of assumed that the OP was talking about a car he hasn't really worked on before.

Edit:
RDVT4ME ninja posted me. O.O

[RDVT4ME]

Re: Engine cleaning

^ .

Edit:
RDVT4ME ninja posted me. O.O

Huh??? Not sure what you mean.

[paul.segovich]

Re: Engine cleaning

Oh, coppied the wrong persons screen name.
haha. OP ninja posted me, meaning that he posted as I was trying to post, but got it done faster than I did.

[Garage Troll]

Re: Engine cleaning

I use ONR (1 oz to 2 gallons of water) with a dedicated MF towel and follow it up with UP. Then again I clean my engine bay at least once a month so it's never really dirty...

[paul.segovich]

Re: Engine cleaning

...I clean my engine bay at least once a month so it's never really dirty...

That's the most important tip that I've learned with anything really.
It's easier to clean something, and continue to keep it clean than to let it go and allow it to get filthy.
This applies to anything.

[RDVT4ME]

Re: Engine cleaning

That's the most important tip that I've learned with anything really.
It's easier to clean something, and continue to keep it clean than to let it go and allow it to get filthy.
This applies to anything.

AMEN to that!

Good words of wisdom.

[akimel]

Re: Engine cleaning

Whenever I ONR my car, I will conclude the wash by wiping down the engine bay.

[Jossy92]

Re: Engine cleaning

I jumped in yesterday and cleaned an engine for the very first time. This is also my first attempt at taking pictures and uploading. It looks the right size in my gallery, but not in this editor. Sorry if it's turns out to big.



Briefly, I sprayed normal strength ONR as well as several brushes and rags soaked in ONR and sprayed everything, scrubbing and wiping as I went. Then I repeated with 10-1 APC followed by another ONR wipe down. Just experimenting. Lots of wasted steps and mistakes.

I am not done as you can see by the remaining stains. Need to tweak the procedure and camera work.