Nasty Engine

volvo850black · Post by **volvo850black** » 02 Aug 2010, 10:07

94 850 na engine is caked with sludge, oil from formerly clogged PCV, and general road grime. What would be a good degreaser that is safe for the engine?
Matt

Post by **vjaneczko** » 03 Aug 2010, 12:48

I picked up a can of cheap spray-on stuff at AutoZone and it did a great job. If it's really nasty, you may have to do it twice. I did it once, but used a toothbrush to scrub all the nooks & crannys and all the heavy build-up. It might be a good idea to cover the driveway with some soapy water under the car before you do this - it'll look like an oil spill when you hose it off!

To make it really look good afterwards, spray it down with a 50/50 mix of water & Armor All and let it air dry. Looks pretty sweet, especially the plastic and rubber.

I've also used A.A. sprayed onto a rag to scrub the rubber & plastic under the hood. It helps to remove the dirt/dust/oil buildup really well.

A few other things you can do to make it look even better:

- Paint the sparkplug cover with high-temp engine paint.
- Peel off the sealant from the fuel rail and engine block - The engine takes a little more effort so I'm still working on it, as you can see.
- Rub the aluminum heatshield on the firewall with a dry, clean rag to polish it up nicely.

Kind of hard to tell how improved it looks from these pics, but trust me - it sure doesn't look 14 years old!

: Before

: After

Post by **matthew1** » 05 Aug 2010, 07:27

Brake cleaner will take off ugly gunk, but in small patches, so it's not suitable for an "all over" application. If you're not familiar with it, it's a spray can product, is nasty to breathe, evaporates quickly, and is hyper flammable so wait until the engine has cooled after a drive, and certainly don't use it while idling.

I use it with one of those tiny red straw attachments to blast nooks n crannies. Watch out, it will come back at you. Wear eye protection and gloves.

Post by **pkc303** » 15 Aug 2010, 07:57

I've got one of our 850's with years of leaking oil (previous owner) from a clogged pvc, (fixed now) along with road grit that is forming a protective barrier under the car, and all of the components. I've taken it to a spray car wash, and tried to get under the car with it ramps. Only moderate success. I've tried the auto parts spray, let it sit, and wash it off. Both methods are pretty good, but are still leaving some residue. Now, I'm going to try what they use down here in the Gulf of Mexico area to clean up the BP tar, Dawn detergent. my neighbor swears by it.

robbo · Post by **robbo** » 18 Aug 2010, 20:37

I have been using a product called "Super Clean" for cleaning engines, tires, motorcycles, you name it. It comes in a purple gallon jug and available at many of your big box stores. I usually cut it 100% with water and it will still cut most any greasy mess you could come up with.

I must add that the active ingredient in Super Clean is sodium hydroxide (lye) so be careful. Also please do not clean engines or parts in your driveway if you live in an area that has paved streets, curbs and storm drains. These go directly to the nearest stream, creek, river, etc. If you live within city limits, there are strict regulations and stiff fines for discharging greasy/oily washwater to the storm system. The best place to get something greasy really clean would be the coin operated car wash, they are connected to the sewer and you can take advantage of the high pressure.

OK, I'm off my soap box (no pun intended)

mindshadow · Post by **mindshadow** » 20 Sep 2010, 13:48

Stupid question: When you apply these products and hose them off do you have to use a lower pressure water source (e.g. a water hose) or is the high-pressure hose at the car wash fine? I ask because I can see a high-pressure hose breaking some of those older rubber hoses.

Post by **vjaneczko** » 20 Sep 2010, 16:45

I'd avoid those high pressure hoses for that very fact - too much pressure coming out and breaking something. If you use a regular garden hose with a spray attachment, you should be OK. If you have to use a car wash hose, use the one with the fine mist setting; I'd think that may push enough water to rinse everything off.

okihiro · Post by **okihiro** » 22 Feb 2011, 17:02

sorry im new to this, but are you all referring to spraying the engine compartment with water? is it ok to do that? or are there certain precautions needed to not get water into parts that might be allergic to water?

Post by **vjaneczko** » 22 Feb 2011, 22:33

If you head to AutoZone and pickup a can of engine cleaner, it'll tell you to cover the distributor, alternator, etc. with a plastic bag before spraying it down. Once it sets for 10 minutes, you hose it off - but I'd make sure you don't use a high pressure nozzle. Just a regular garden hose with a spray attachment will do fine.

Volvos rock3 · Post by **Volvos rock3** » 23 Feb 2011, 17:13

yes, +1 for the garden hose and super clean/purple power. long time ago when I worked as a detailer at various dealreships, and to this day I will have the car running when it is time for the hose (dries it out quicker, leave it running when your done for a few minutes with the hood latched but not closed and a quick spin around the block) and don't spray to hard in anyone spot, let the cleaner do the work before you spray it with the hose.