Engine Cleaning

Post by **srnkanator** » 21 Feb 2007, 11:41

I would like to clean my engine this weekend and was wondering if any one has good suggestions or tips as to how to go about it. What products should I use? Are their good engine cleaners out there? Anything I should avoid? Your help is always appreciated . . . .

Sweet Wagon · Post by **Sweet Wagon** » 21 Feb 2007, 12:00

Protect your alternator, fuse box and other electrical connections with plastic bags. A little moisture while driving is OK, a hose when cleaning can ruin things!

I've had the best results with just a wet rag and a bucket of soapy water. I take my time and clean small areas at a time. I've never taken a hose to my engine bay and will hopefully never have too.

Post by **billofdurham** » 21 Feb 2007, 12:17

I agree with Sweet Wagon about the cloth and soapy water. If you come across any stubborn oily bits then a water soluble engine cleaner can be applied with a paint brush. Let it stand for a few minutes and rinse it away with water from a jug - no hoses in the engine bay.

Two cleaners I have used with success are Gunk and Jizer. Not sure of their availability in the US.

Bill.

volvrow · Post by **volvrow** » 22 Feb 2007, 12:20

I agree with what everyone else has said...I tried using a hose in the engine bay and it started running roughly...the spark plugs got wet and I had to dry them out. Just use a wet rag, and spot spray some gunk engine cleaner for stubborn areas. I then used a detail spray that you can put on the engine to keep it shiny and prevents dirt/gunk buildup.

Post by **JRL** » 22 Feb 2007, 13:49

Sweet Wagon wrote:Protect your alternator, fuse box and other electrical connections with plastic bags. A little moisture while driving is OK, a hose when cleaning can ruin things!

I've had the best results with just a wet rag and a bucket of soapy water. I take my time and clean small areas at a time. I've never taken a hose to my engine bay and will hopefully never have too.

That's all fine but protect the plug wires and the plugs.
They sit in a valley and if the water stays there your car may not start tomorrow.
Spray the entire engine with Gunk or equivilent, use a brush to dislodge all the crap and then power wash it off if you can on the lowest power setting. Just be careful as I said, in the spark plug and electrical areas as was also said.
Make sure you run the car for at least a half hour, driving it is better yet to blow off the extra water in there

bobsnow100 · Post by **bobsnow100** » 22 Feb 2007, 14:09

I have washed dozens of engines on many of my different cars.First,I lighty warm up the engine (Warm to touch,not hot) and then shut it off, Next I get aluminum foil and cover the alternator and electrical boxes,distributor cap,etc.If you're removing the air box,cover the throttle body with a plastic bag and secure it with a rubber band. With the aluminum foil ,you can mold it around things,Next I'll spray engine degreaser on what needs degreasing, I'll use a scraper and and old tooth brush on heavy sediment. let it sit 5 minutes or so and spray any areas again that need it. Then I get a garden hose and will just rinse off the degreaser. I will use a high spray on the hose on areas where it won't be beating down on any electrical components.Like the bottom of the engine and those under body parts
Once done,I'll use compressed air and blow off the water that sits in any areas on the engine that won't drain. Then I start the motor and drive the car until every thing is dry.
I've never had a problem.
Just be careful with the water near the alternator and other electrical componets mentioned above. If you happen to get water in the alternator,don't start the car until the next day .Once it evaporates it won't be a problem but if you start it and it's wet inside it can short out