How to clean the engine ?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 125
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From: Ypres , Belgium
How to clean the engine ?
Hi,
I want to clean my engine.
In the past I've cleaned the engine of other cars with steam, but I don't think this is good. I'm affraid for using water under pressure to clean the engine. To many connectors and other electronic stuff.
Suggestions ?
I want to clean my engine.
In the past I've cleaned the engine of other cars with steam, but I don't think this is good. I'm affraid for using water under pressure to clean the engine. To many connectors and other electronic stuff.
Suggestions ?
Race Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,951
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From: Wisconsin
I'v heard of, and just did this weekend, using Simple Green. Didn't do much for me, as I have a fixed wing and there's lots of holes for water to get into on a normal wash. The engine stays fairly clean, just not show quality. You could try Simple green with just garden hose pressure.
Professor of Pending Projects
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Ocala, FL
I use the citrus degreaser... I removed the engine tray so it is just a matter of spraying plenty of the degreaser, let it sit a bit and then spray with water hose (no pressure washer).
From the top I spray degreaser, with the straw that comes with it, to reach inside without spraying the sensors or connectors... then use the hose to wash it down (I try not to throw water or degreaser over the distributors or any connector....)...
I finish off with a rag and then run the engine to get rid of water I could not reach with the rag (keep the rag away when the engine is on... last thing you want is getting the rag into the fan or belts...
)
From the top I spray degreaser, with the straw that comes with it, to reach inside without spraying the sensors or connectors... then use the hose to wash it down (I try not to throw water or degreaser over the distributors or any connector....)...
I finish off with a rag and then run the engine to get rid of water I could not reach with the rag (keep the rag away when the engine is on... last thing you want is getting the rag into the fan or belts...
)
Burgled
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From: Altamonte Springs, Fl/Gwynns Island, Va.
last thing you want is getting the rag into the fan or belts... )
DONT DO IT!
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,351
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From: Neither Here Nor There
Definitely stay away from the steam--it will infiltrate your electronics and other areas, condense, and cause problems.
I recently detailed my new-to-me 96 C4 using Aerospace 303 Cleaner and Aerospace 303 Protectant.
I first started the car to let it run for a couple of minutes--I wanted it to warm up just a bit (not enough to make it hot, just enough to make it warm to the touch without having to pull my hand back). I covered up all of the critical areas of the engine with aluminum foil (i.e. electronics, distributors, air intakes, etc.), which allowed me to form a tight bundle only over the selected area--worked well. I then applied the 303 Cleaner at full strength to my engine and let it stick for 3-5 minutes. I scrubbed some of the dirtier areas with a brush. I then sprayed down the engine with water (noting the previously covered portions) and dried. Later in my detailing process, I came back through and dressed the engine (plastics, rubber hoses, etc.) with the 303 Protectant to make the black black.
Here are a few pics of the engine:
I recently detailed my new-to-me 96 C4 using Aerospace 303 Cleaner and Aerospace 303 Protectant.
I first started the car to let it run for a couple of minutes--I wanted it to warm up just a bit (not enough to make it hot, just enough to make it warm to the touch without having to pull my hand back). I covered up all of the critical areas of the engine with aluminum foil (i.e. electronics, distributors, air intakes, etc.), which allowed me to form a tight bundle only over the selected area--worked well. I then applied the 303 Cleaner at full strength to my engine and let it stick for 3-5 minutes. I scrubbed some of the dirtier areas with a brush. I then sprayed down the engine with water (noting the previously covered portions) and dried. Later in my detailing process, I came back through and dressed the engine (plastics, rubber hoses, etc.) with the 303 Protectant to make the black black.
Here are a few pics of the engine:
Last edited by InTheAir; Feb 8, 2007 at 09:48 PM.
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Professor of Pending Projects
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From: Ocala, FL
Originally Posted by Peter_964C2
Woowww.. That's clean !!!!!
Thx for the tips. I will try to find the cleaning products in Belgium
Thx for the tips. I will try to find the cleaning products in Belgium
Detailing New Ride
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,879
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From: Pasadena, MD - Land of Taxes
Jeff, THAT is a clean engine... It's not just clean... It looks brand new. (There IS a difference!) Mine was sparkling clean when I got it and I have kept it that way. One trick that I have found for all the rubber parts on the car (engine hoses and other rubber trim) is to use the shock oil that you buy at hobby stores for RC cars & trucks. It's thick and goes a L O N G way. The best part is that it is 100% silicone and helps preserve the rubber... Not break it down like some of the silicone that has petroleum additives.
Try it and you'll never use anything else!
Try it and you'll never use anything else!
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: not in HRM
Steam / water .
If your driving along and you engines hot and then it rains , doesn't the rain get into the engine , getting everything wet , turning into steam when hitting hot parts ? Doesn't the water from the road get kicked up by the tires and spray everywhere ?
Ive look at the motor after a rain and found water all over , the distributors and wires wet ....
If your driving along and you engines hot and then it rains , doesn't the rain get into the engine , getting everything wet , turning into steam when hitting hot parts ? Doesn't the water from the road get kicked up by the tires and spray everywhere ?
Ive look at the motor after a rain and found water all over , the distributors and wires wet ....
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Neither Here Nor There
Indy -
The difference between steam generated by a hot engine while driving and that used to clean the engine is pressure--steam cleaning is under pressure and is forced into areas that are otherwise "water resistant". This doesn't happen when you're just driving in rain.
The same goes for the distributor, etc. Although these parts are generally water resistant and in most cases there won't be any issue with them getting wet, when you force water in during washing you ~may~ get it into places it doesn't belong. Covering these parts is more an excercise in being careful than being absolutely necessary.
The difference between steam generated by a hot engine while driving and that used to clean the engine is pressure--steam cleaning is under pressure and is forced into areas that are otherwise "water resistant". This doesn't happen when you're just driving in rain.
The same goes for the distributor, etc. Although these parts are generally water resistant and in most cases there won't be any issue with them getting wet, when you force water in during washing you ~may~ get it into places it doesn't belong. Covering these parts is more an excercise in being careful than being absolutely necessary.
