Engine Cleaning

[xpro87x]

Hey whats up. I was wondering if anyone knew if Meguiars have products to clean the engine and if they know any websites where they have tips or videos on how to clean the engine. It would be very helpful. Thank you.

[RogueGypsy]

Re: Engine Cleaning

Hey whats up. I was wondering if anyone knew if Meguiars have products to clean the engine and if they know any websites where they have tips or videos on how to clean the engine. It would be very helpful. Thank you.

They do, I'm a bit of newb so I can't offer much advise but there is a sub-forum 7 lines down from where you posted this in Detailing 101 that is dedicated to engine detailing. You will also find a lot of threads if you type 'engine detailing' into the search function. Wish I could be of more help.


Brock

[Derrick]

Re: Engine Cleaning

yea they have super degreaser and hyper dressing, two of the things i use under the hood. Also if you are looking for videos check on youtube and search for engine detailing and it will pull up some videos of people telling how they do it. hope that helps

[daniel]

Re: Engine Cleaning

Isn't it best for the motor to not clean it?

[Derrick]

Re: Engine Cleaning

Isn't it best for the motor to not clean it?

no, everything works better when its clean and its alot easier to work on. You get rid of all the gunk build up and not to menchon it just looks alot nicer. The only way you could be hurting it is by flooding the electrical system or computer but as long as you stay away from that and properly clean the engine bay you are not hurting it in anyway.

[Rick12345]

Re: Engine Cleaning

Isn't it best for the motor to not clean it?

A clean engine not only looks better, it will run cooler if it was really grunged up. You should cover the altenator, and fuse box if you have on in the engine compartment. Not sure about the computer in all cars, but in my GM it is inside, so not a worry there. Once finished, run the engine till hot, with the hood open, to dry things up quickly and prevent rust.

[Jossy92]

Re: Engine Cleaning

I found this link by using the great "search" function here. Might be a good start. [This forum is a gold mine if you appreciate quality info.] Obviously they use NXT and a lot of passion on it.

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showpost.php?p=18515&postcount=3

QUOTE:

"My $0.02 on engine detailing.

For lightly soiled engines, clean by hand and use old toweling saturated with Orange Blast or APC. Wipe on let it sit and wipe off with a wet towel. It's best that you or your client keep the engine clean by regular cleaning than to wait until you need to do a deep cleaning as described next.

In my experience powerwashing the engine compartment is not needed and can cause water to be forced into places that can cause trouble with the electronics.

To deep-clean an engine compartment I wrap the electronics in plastic bags. Things like the distributor, alternator, fuse box, O2 sensors and anything else that looks like it would not like being wet. Also plug the air intake if it's position will receive a lot of water in the process.

Recently, I've been using Orange Blast as it is not as alkaline and potentially harmful to painted surfaces and aluminum as Simple Green. APC+ (now APC) is good also.

On a warm but not hot engine, spray the cleaner on the dirty areas taking care not to get it on the painted surfaces as much as possible and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a brush on heavily soiled areas. Rinse off the cleaner with a hose using a fan spray. Rinse well but be careful around those electronic components. Remember that the gunk that is rinsed off the engine will stain the concrete below it so you might not want to do this on a client's clean driveway or use a large tarp to catch the grime and channel it away from the concrete.

With an air compressor or the blower on a shop-vac, blow out the standing water. Use old toweling to remove any remaining water. Inspect and redo any areas missed in the first round.

Let the engine dry for a half hour. Good time to do the wheels or interior. If possible leave the bonnet open and let the sun heat and dry the engine. Now remove the plastic coverings and hand clean those areas. If the engine doesn't start or runs rough after this cleaning something has not dried. You might want to use a large fan and recheck that areas around the electronics and wipe them down again.

To apply the engine coating do the following. Start the engine up and let it idle for about 5 minutes. You want your engine warm but not hot prior to applying the resin coating so it dries faster. I prefer CD2 Engine Detailer which is a clear acrylic resin based product that dries hard with no oily residue to attract dust and grime. I also like EngineKote but that has now been discontinued. I haven't tried any of the new Meg's "D" line yet. Products that don't dry or leave an oily surface are not good under the hood. I don't use NXT Tech Protectant in the engine compartment or hoses for this reason. Spray on the coating and let it dry for 10 minutes. Then start the engine and let it idle for about 20 minutes to get the engine hot and harden the resins.

Stand back and assess the look. I think you and your client will be happy with the result."

[xpro87x]

Re: Engine Cleaning

Wow I can not believe how much help Ive gotten from everyone Thank you. You all have been very helpful.

[roushstage2]

Re: Engine Cleaning

A brief write-up of mine from the archive:

I finally remembered to clean the engine before I washed and dried the car! It wasn't greasy, just dusty from sitting, etc. I didn't get any before pictures, sorry!








Total Time: 20 Minutes
Process/Products Used
Sprayed the warm engine down liberally with APC+ diluted 10:1
Let it sit for 5 minutes
Sprayed off really good
Let the engine run for 5 minutes
Soaked up any excess sitting water
Sprayed Water Based Dressing undiluted over the entire engine bay, and let it sit for a couple of minutes
Wiped down the engine bay with a terry towel dampened with Water Based Dressing
Viola! Clean!

Of course, the pictures just don't capture the look of it in real life. Water Based Dressing is a definite good choice for under the hood.

[Jossy92]

Re: Engine Cleaning

A brief write-up of mine from the archive:

Looks great!

[xpro87x]

Re: Engine Cleaning

wow it came out great

[supercharged]

Re: Engine Cleaning

APC+ cut 10:1 will work well, or regular (green) APC, again cut 10:1.
If engine is heavily greased, cut it at 4:1.
Again, use the least aggressive approach first, you can always adress it with a stronger aproach later if it won't work.