Luis de Prat

I like to detail the engines in the S2 and 951 essentially because they were very clean when I bought the cars and I've worked on keeping them that way. The '83 was nowhere near as tidy and could probably use some serious cleaning, but I'm an ocean away from it right now, so I'm concentrating on the other two

Basically, I spray the engine down with a mild degreaser and then use a pressure washer to rinse it. I also use a toothbrush to get into hard to reach places. I then apply Armor All to the rubber and plastic parts and it holds a nice shine for quite a long time.

I'm curious to hear what engine cleaning tricks you guys have, and what products you use to do the cleaning (e.g. the concours folks love ear swabs and citrus degreaser).

TIA

iloveporsches

For now, it's just a spray bottle of degreaser, a rag, and some old fashioned elbow grease.

I'll be borrowing a pressure washer soon and plan on blasting the engine, but I'm not sure exactly what I have to do. What areas should I cover/ avoid when spraying under the hood?

Luis de Prat

I cover the distributor cap with a plastic grocery bag, and that's about it. It's also advisable not to spray directly on the speed/crank reference sensor plugs/bracket behind the head.

Mledbetter

<a href="http://www.nsxhelp.com/amnsxlit/Enginetrick/EngineTrick.htm" target="_blank">http://www.nsxhelp.com/amnsxlit/Enginetrick/EngineTrick.htm</a>

JohnA944

I have a friend that works at a bus shop and he gets his chemicals mixed. He has some stuff he uses to clean the gunk off the buses that is out of this world. Plus its free. It cleans the hell out of aluminum and rubber. Very little scrubbing needed.

GOBOGIE

Good ideas. That link has some interesting ideas also!

Mongo

I use Simple green dilluted with water to get the really grunchy areas and then follow up with Meguiars Quick Wax Spray since its a milder carnuba that won't destroy the paint in the engine bay. DO NOT use ArmorAll on radiator hoses because it will decrease there life (ironically). Instead I reccommend Meguars interior vinyl and rubber shine since its not greasy and has a lot less silicone than armorall. It gives you a really nice finish. As for metal components, use Eagle One Never Dull....then call me in the morning <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

<img border="0" alt="[burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" />

Luis de Prat

Does Armor All have a lot of silicone in it? It was my understanding it did not.

jason952

it does contain silicon, I don't like it.

MadMax

Armour All has a sh*t load of silicone in it. I NEVER use that crap, not even on my tires. Use Vinylex, it is much better. On engine compartment or exterior black parts I suggest trying "forever black". Paragon sells it. A couple of guys over at 968.net swear by it. It goes on like shoe polish and lasts a long time.

Max

Fishey

OK, Let me break it down..
First you wet the engine down (no pressure washer) Use Distilled water (like $.50 for a gallon) Why? you ask? because distilled water cleans better and also will not short your electrical systems (no minerals so no way for electricity to travel) and with no minerals it will soak up the minerals that are already on your engine (read Road Grime). Then I use Gunk Engine Cleaner. Spray everywere!!!!(in the engine bay no were else). Then you use some elbow grease and scrub the "hard spots". Then pour more distilled water on the car untill clean... To get the "high gloss look" I would highly recomend the CD2 engine detailer. The stuff works wonders and last forever.(read details on how to use...) and then when all done just be happy... and look at the engine and smile.

Enzo's Nightmare

Hey Luis, any new pictures of the 951 cab you can post? You know how much I love to see them.

Fishey

Look at my Signature for Details.. (and pics..)

Conor

Fishey-
Nice job on the engine! Looks great, I'll have to try that method.

Conor

Bruce '89 s2

Surely ANY water will conduct a spark??