Engine Cleaning
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 15,362
Likes: 199
From: Tampa
The petroleum distillates would be harmful to rubber/plastic parts over time. Isn't Gunk petroleum based?
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 177
Likes: 20
From: Mainly, St Pete FL
Simple Green - maybe not a good idea
RE Simple Green (and Purple Power as well)
These are absolutely corrosive to aluminum.
Simple Green has a caution stating that the product can be used safely on aluminum. However that statement is more about mitigating damage (IMHO) than it is about truly safe use.
The AOPA has recommended against using it. And a couple of specialized military maintenance divisions have apparently banned it.
Since there are so many alternatives, I don't use the stuff at all on my car, ever.
Who knows. Maybe it'd take a long time to do real damage. But aluminum degrades quickly. So, for me, 'Why risk it?'.
Hope this helps.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 15,362
Likes: 199
From: Tampa
Hey Rennlist Tom, thanks for the info on Simple Green. I'm always learning something here on Rennlist.
I guess it's hard to find a good cleaner degreaser that doesn't harm rubber and plastic too.
BMWDavid... S100 Total Cycle Clearner is a nice idea too. Thanks!
I guess it's hard to find a good cleaner degreaser that doesn't harm rubber and plastic too.
BMWDavid... S100 Total Cycle Clearner is a nice idea too. Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15,863
Likes: 1,632
From: Clifton, NJ
The importance of keeping an engine bay clean is appreciated more as a car gets older. It affords you the opportunity of seeing seeps or leaks earlier. I use brake cleaner on strictly metal parts (not painted) and Gunk for others (easier on plastics). You may be too late however. Keeping an engine clean starts from the beginning. It's far easier to keep an engine clean when you have only 12 months of grime to remove--than 5 years of it.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,390
Likes: 220
From: Milwaukee, Wi
Use P21S Total Auto Wash All Purpose Degreaser. Its safe for all surfaces. It wont harm aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber, rubber hoses, belts, wires. It will make the engine look like new
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 677
Likes: 3
From: Minnesota
The plastics used are also not affected. If you were the engineer designing and engine that was bound to have grease oil and gas spilled and leaked on it what would you spec. I'm pretty sure those German engineers are at least as good as I am.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 15,362
Likes: 199
From: Tampa
Car engine parts are made of neoprene which is not affected by petroleum.
The plastics used are also not affected. If you were the engineer designing and engine that was bound to have grease oil and gas spilled and leaked on it what would you spec. I'm pretty sure those German engineers are at least as good as I am.
The plastics used are also not affected. If you were the engineer designing and engine that was bound to have grease oil and gas spilled and leaked on it what would you spec. I'm pretty sure those German engineers are at least as good as I am.
I never second guessed Porsche engineers.
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Michael S. Palmer
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 177
Likes: 20
From: Mainly, St Pete FL
Hey Mike
Seems like most of the pro detailers use the P21S product for cleaning engines.
I've not used it, so no personal experience. But they make very good stuff, so I'd trust the brand.
Not to hijack this thread, but -
I saw your post RE the ArmourAll Wheel Treatment. Thanks. Good info. I need to try that stuff. How's the application process? Best to remove wheels? Not necessary? Any special considerations other than making sure the surface is dry?
Seems like most of the pro detailers use the P21S product for cleaning engines.
I've not used it, so no personal experience. But they make very good stuff, so I'd trust the brand.
Not to hijack this thread, but -
I saw your post RE the ArmourAll Wheel Treatment. Thanks. Good info. I need to try that stuff. How's the application process? Best to remove wheels? Not necessary? Any special considerations other than making sure the surface is dry?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 15,362
Likes: 199
From: Tampa
Hey Mike
Seems like most of the pro detailers use the P21S product for cleaning engines.
I've not used it, so no personal experience. But they make very good stuff, so I'd trust the brand.
Not to hijack this thread, but -
I saw your post RE the ArmourAll Wheel Treatment. Thanks. Good info. I need to try that stuff. How's the application process? Best to remove wheels? Not necessary? Any special considerations other than making sure the surface is dry?
Seems like most of the pro detailers use the P21S product for cleaning engines.
I've not used it, so no personal experience. But they make very good stuff, so I'd trust the brand.
Not to hijack this thread, but -
I saw your post RE the ArmourAll Wheel Treatment. Thanks. Good info. I need to try that stuff. How's the application process? Best to remove wheels? Not necessary? Any special considerations other than making sure the surface is dry?
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Tyler, Tx
I have also had phenomenal results with P21S Total car wash. I use it on all my engines. Follow directions on this as you spray onto a cool engine. I work the tough to get to areas and soiled areas with a $.99 painters brush. Rinse and use blower to dry. I then take for a nice little spin for final dry. All of your engine will look great. My local Ferrari and Lamborghini guys put me onto this after they showed up to events with incredibly clean and restored looking engines.
