A good engine cleaning

tamu93gt · 12-01-2002

I really want to clean my engine and make it look nice. I'm not really talking about polishing but more of an all around cleaning. I have some engine cleaner in a can that worked some and I will do it some more. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions? I mean spraying a cleaning solution over everything in the engine compartment seems to worry me a bit, especially with my k&n filter and wiring harness, battery, electric fan etc etc. Any help or input is greatly appreciated.

86StangLX · 12-01-2002

Well, if you're not a fan of Engine Brite-like stuff, or powerwashing, you're only left to do it by hand. Steel wool works great on anything that's not chromed. But yeah... You basically have to do it by hand. Take out what you can to get to hard to reach places, and just start scrubbin.

Vortex · 12-01-2002

cover the distributor (if you have one, and coil and any other electronics with plastic and you'll be fine.. the fan wont be a prob.. just make sure you get it on the engine and not up on the firewall etc.

Twister · 12-01-2002

try simple green, dont let it sit on paint too long...

OzPony · 12-01-2002

I find the oil and dirt comes off easier with the engine warm. Just don't burn your hands.

wagstdy · 12-01-2002

I've been using spray-on engine degreaser for years now. Both the cheapo engine degreaser at Wal Mart and Simple Green work well. In addition to the distributor, I also cover the alternator with a plastic bag.

The longer you let it sit after the rinse and before starting the engine the better off you'll be. That will let it dry out better.

I wouldn't use a power washer. In fact, I don't even use the garden hose sprayer. Just a gentle rinse. That wouldn't be any different than splashing water up while driving.

You can use a toothbrush or other brush along with the engine degreaser on the tough spots. Just don't let the degreaser dry out before rinsing it otherwise the effect will be lost.

GTRaptor · 12-01-2002

Dont forget to dry by hand.

BTW i also use simple green.

tamu93gt · 12-02-2002

Thanks guys. I'll start with tomorrow and hopefully it will come out ok.