Engine cleaning questions

neuronyx · 08-14-2006, 01:02 AM

I am thinking of cleaning my engine, before it gets bad and have a few questions. First of all yes, I used the search up top and dug up a few old threads regarding engine cleaning. I was going to do it with my pressure washer, but I would rather use my faucet pressure (so I dont force water into any components).

The only thing I am wondering is what should I cover when I do this? From what I have gathered I should revove the air filter, cover the distributer, cover the wiper motor, and stay away from my fuse box (obviously). Is there anything else I should watch out for when I clean it?

I have some gunk in the garage and was going to use that can up. I used to use this other stuff..... until I found out it takes paint off when you spray it onto a wet surface.

Oh, one more thing. Is that metal thing with the 2 handles, which is mounted on top of my reserve tank the computer? Heres a pic:

Thanks!

94SilverDime · 08-14-2006, 01:42 PM

Just get some engine bright and use a regular faucet pressured hose. Rinse the motor, spray the engine bright, let soak and then brush the scrub the real dirty areas with a nice brush. Then rinse THE HELL out of the engine compartment. Honestly, you really don't have to cover the things you listed, just watch where your spraying. After that I like to spray my motor down with tire foam. Just watch the belts and electrical components. It helps keep the rubber and plastic like new and shines.

When you drive in the rain, the water pressure from hitting puddles and what not is powerful. Engines are pretty water proof.

neuronyx · 08-14-2006, 05:32 PM

Thanks for the tips. I did see a few photos where tire shine was used in there. Makes all the hoses and other plastic pieces look brand new. It probably is good to protect against dry rot as well.

I will also get some engine bright. I couldnt think of the name when I posted my first message.

BeyondeXtReMe · 08-15-2006, 12:03 AM

i wouldnt put a hose anywhere under your hood.... and yes that metal case is your computer, I would stick to using a cleaner that is non flamable and non corrosive, I have a leather and vynal cleaner that meguiars makes, if you watch there tutorial vidoes on there site they show it, stuff works real nice, and it's safe to use on your engine.

Ddizz595 · 08-18-2006, 07:54 PM

i like just spraying it with the walmart engine cleaning shit and then taking a powerwasher to it

97minitaco · 08-20-2006, 11:43 PM

I've always used the Advance auto brand engine cleaner and a pressure washer to clean my engines with no ill effects. Here are my steps.

1. SOAK the engine compartment with the cleaner. I use 1 complete can first time.
2. Let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Spray the compartment down with the pressure washer.

4. SOAK the engine compartment again with can 2 of the cleaner.
5. repeat 2&3.

Then I'll take the engine dressing they have out now and soak the compartment with that. I'll take some pics of my 98 Accord and my 02 Escape and show you my engines.

I have posted a pic in the 1st gen forum of my Sonoma with a pic of the engine dirty. I'm cleaning it this week and I'll post the after pics so you can see it.

Contrary to popular belief, if you are careful, water under the hood WILL NOT hurt anything.

neuronyx · 08-21-2006, 03:12 AM

Thanks for the tips. It still cant be good to get water in the crank though. Water in the oil is never good. I am not sure how easily that can be done though.

Also wont getting engine dressing near or on the serpentine, cause it to squeak?

I actually saw a guy across from where I live wash his engine the other day. He was using a Husky 1600 psi washer to get the job done. I have a gas 2700 PSI washer in the garage, but it has different nozzles to knock the PSI down.

On another off topic note, cleaned my rims today. I dont know what the hell was on the inside of them, but it took heavy dute engine degreaser, carb cleaner, goo gone, steel wool and a scrub brush to clean it up! No, it didnt damage the wheels or rims. Since there is no clear coat on the inside its just bare aluminum there. Was a bunch of tar spots in there too. They cleaned up fairly well. I am sure if I worked at them more I could remove the really tough stuff, but at least they are somewhat silver now, not black!

hurtaj · 08-26-2006, 02:39 AM

i just spray the whole engine down with greased lightning (it comes in a purple bottel) let it sit a min then spray it off with a pressure sprayer but i dont hold it really close to the engine. then i dry all the plastic parts and wipe them lightly with armor-all.

lowriderbowtie · 09-03-2006, 02:09 PM

i didnt cover anything when i did mine

neuronyx · 09-04-2006, 12:22 AM

Impressive. Looks like what mine looked like when I first bought it from the dealer (pre owned).

Did you use armor all on it?

lowriderbowtie · 09-04-2006, 04:28 PM

no armor all on my stuff

frankum · 09-04-2006, 04:40 PM

Bro, I used turtle wax tire spray, and it doesn't shine for shit. pissed me off.

DfntPntbll · 09-04-2006, 09:55 PM

the meguires hotshot works great.

neuronyx · 09-05-2006, 04:16 PM

I've always been a fan of Meguires's products. Maybe I'll pick up a can of the hotshot. I was going to do it today but its been raining all day. Figues, just waxed it yesterday too. Cant keep it clean for a single day!

Bob35josh · 09-06-2006, 01:03 AM

somewhere i read on here a guy used a mix of mr. clean and water or something. i think it was like 50/50 mix and he said DRIVE to the car wash and pressure wash it. gets it every time.

GiveMeBreak · 09-09-2006, 11:31 AM

Here is when I got my truck with 68k miles
I have used this method with all my cars and not once had a problem.

1 - slightly warm motor to loosen and heat oil/grime
2 - spray a can of GUNK Heavy Duty Engine Degreaser all over the motor, using caution on your exterior paint. A little overspray will be fine as you will be rinsing it shortly
3 - with a scrub brush, hit the heavy deposits and wait 10-15min
4 - pressure washer works best, but a high pressure hose will do, blast it all away
5 - may have to repeat
6 - I follow up and routine clean with Orange Blast by Grease Lightning (works great on rims for brake dust too)
7 - wipe the motor down with your choice of chamios or towels, or just let air dry
8 - once dry apply Armor All tire foam, I would not spray directly on belts, but plenty of overspray hits mine from time to time. Let sit until it smooths out. You can blend it in with a clean rag after a few minuts for a good luster.

Wallaaaa, it stays that way for weeks. Then i just quiclky rinse and redo, every few times I use Orange blast to keep up with it.

Sorry for the poor lighting conditions in the first pic, but you get the idea

Truck has just under 90k on it now and looks just like that

08-14-2006, 01:02 AM	#1
neuronyx Seeking Insight Age: 22 Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 554 Location: User is: OffLine	Engine cleaning questions I am thinking of cleaning my engine, before it gets bad and have a few questions. First of all yes, I used the search up top and dug up a few old threads regarding engine cleaning. I was going to do it with my pressure washer, but I would rather use my faucet pressure (so I dont force water into any components). The only thing I am wondering is what should I cover when I do this? From what I have gathered I should revove the air filter, cover the distributer, cover the wiper motor, and stay away from my fuse box (obviously). Is there anything else I should watch out for when I clean it? I have some gunk in the garage and was going to use that can up. I used to use this other stuff..... until I found out it takes paint off when you spray it onto a wet surface. Oh, one more thing. Is that metal thing with the 2 handles, which is mounted on top of my reserve tank the computer? Heres a pic: Thanks!
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-14-2006, 01:42 PM	#2
94SilverDime Registered User Age: 21 Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 91 Location: Seven Hills, OH User is: OffLine	Re: Engine cleaning questions Just get some engine bright and use a regular faucet pressured hose. Rinse the motor, spray the engine bright, let soak and then brush the scrub the real dirty areas with a nice brush. Then rinse THE HELL out of the engine compartment. Honestly, you really don't have to cover the things you listed, just watch where your spraying. After that I like to spray my motor down with tire foam. Just watch the belts and electrical components. It helps keep the rubber and plastic like new and shines. When you drive in the rain, the water pressure from hitting puddles and what not is powerful. Engines are pretty water proof.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-14-2006, 05:32 PM	#3
neuronyx Seeking Insight Age: 22 Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 554 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Engine cleaning questions Thanks for the tips. I did see a few photos where tire shine was used in there. Makes all the hoses and other plastic pieces look brand new. It probably is good to protect against dry rot as well. I will also get some engine bright. I couldnt think of the name when I posted my first message.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-15-2006, 12:03 AM	#4
BeyondeXtReMe Registered User Age: 23 Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,478 Location: Halifax, NS, Canada User is: OffLine	Re: Engine cleaning questions i wouldnt put a hose anywhere under your hood.... and yes that metal case is your computer, I would stick to using a cleaner that is non flamable and non corrosive, I have a leather and vynal cleaner that meguiars makes, if you watch there tutorial vidoes on there site they show it, stuff works real nice, and it's safe to use on your engine.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-18-2006, 07:54 PM	#5
Ddizz595 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 177 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Engine cleaning questions i like just spraying it with the walmart engine cleaning shit and then taking a powerwasher to it
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-20-2006, 11:43 PM	#6
97minitaco Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 49 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Engine cleaning questions I've always used the Advance auto brand engine cleaner and a pressure washer to clean my engines with no ill effects. Here are my steps. 1. SOAK the engine compartment with the cleaner. I use 1 complete can first time. 2. Let sit for 10 minutes. 3. Spray the compartment down with the pressure washer. 4. SOAK the engine compartment again with can 2 of the cleaner. 5. repeat 2&3. Then I'll take the engine dressing they have out now and soak the compartment with that. I'll take some pics of my 98 Accord and my 02 Escape and show you my engines. I have posted a pic in the 1st gen forum of my Sonoma with a pic of the engine dirty. I'm cleaning it this week and I'll post the after pics so you can see it. Contrary to popular belief, if you are careful, water under the hood WILL NOT hurt anything.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-21-2006, 03:12 AM	#7
neuronyx Seeking Insight Age: 22 Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 554 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Engine cleaning questions Thanks for the tips. It still cant be good to get water in the crank though. Water in the oil is never good. I am not sure how easily that can be done though. Also wont getting engine dressing near or on the serpentine, cause it to squeak? I actually saw a guy across from where I live wash his engine the other day. He was using a Husky 1600 psi washer to get the job done. I have a gas 2700 PSI washer in the garage, but it has different nozzles to knock the PSI down. On another off topic note, cleaned my rims today. I dont know what the hell was on the inside of them, but it took heavy dute engine degreaser, carb cleaner, goo gone, steel wool and a scrub brush to clean it up! No, it didnt damage the wheels or rims. Since there is no clear coat on the inside its just bare aluminum there. Was a bunch of tar spots in there too. They cleaned up fairly well. I am sure if I worked at them more I could remove the really tough stuff, but at least they are somewhat silver now, not black!
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-26-2006, 02:39 AM	#8
hurtaj Drags Daily Age: 24 Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 48 Location: Houston Tx User is: OffLine	Re: Engine cleaning questions i just spray the whole engine down with greased lightning (it comes in a purple bottel) let it sit a min then spray it off with a pressure sprayer but i dont hold it really close to the engine. then i dry all the plastic parts and wipe them lightly with armor-all.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-03-2006, 02:09 PM	#9
lowriderbowtie 2LO4BC Age: 23 Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 2,856 Location: Kamloops, BC CANADA! User is: OffLine	Re: Engine cleaning questions i didnt cover anything when i did mine
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-04-2006, 12:22 AM	#10
neuronyx Seeking Insight Age: 22 Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 554 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Engine cleaning questions Impressive. Looks like what mine looked like when I first bought it from the dealer (pre owned). Did you use armor all on it?
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-04-2006, 04:28 PM	#11
lowriderbowtie 2LO4BC Age: 23 Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 2,856 Location: Kamloops, BC CANADA! User is: OffLine	Re: Engine cleaning questions no armor all on my stuff
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-04-2006, 04:40 PM	#12
frankum Photoshop b1tch. Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 617 Location: Northern Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Engine cleaning questions Bro, I used turtle wax tire spray, and it doesn't shine for shit. pissed me off.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-04-2006, 09:55 PM	#13
DfntPntbll Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 4,062 Location: St. Auggie Dog, Florida User is: OffLine	Re: Engine cleaning questions the meguires hotshot works great.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-05-2006, 04:16 PM	#14
neuronyx Seeking Insight Age: 22 Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 554 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Engine cleaning questions I've always been a fan of Meguires's products. Maybe I'll pick up a can of the hotshot. I was going to do it today but its been raining all day. Figues, just waxed it yesterday too. Cant keep it clean for a single day!
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-06-2006, 01:03 AM	#15
Bob35josh 1988 2.8L R W and B Age: 20 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 228 Location: Independence, Missouri User is: OffLine	Re: Engine cleaning questions somewhere i read on here a guy used a mix of mr. clean and water or something. i think it was like 50/50 mix and he said DRIVE to the car wash and pressure wash it. gets it every time.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-09-2006, 11:31 AM	#16
GiveMeBreak 98' Cowl Induction Age: 36 Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 471 Location: North Smithfield RI User is: OffLine	Re: Engine cleaning questions Here is when I got my truck with 68k miles I have used this method with all my cars and not once had a problem. 1 - slightly warm motor to loosen and heat oil/grime 2 - spray a can of GUNK Heavy Duty Engine Degreaser all over the motor, using caution on your exterior paint. A little overspray will be fine as you will be rinsing it shortly 3 - with a scrub brush, hit the heavy deposits and wait 10-15min 4 - pressure washer works best, but a high pressure hose will do, blast it all away 5 - may have to repeat 6 - I follow up and routine clean with Orange Blast by Grease Lightning (works great on rims for brake dust too) 7 - wipe the motor down with your choice of chamios or towels, or just let air dry 8 - once dry apply Armor All tire foam, I would not spray directly on belts, but plenty of overspray hits mine from time to time. Let sit until it smooths out. You can blend it in with a clean rag after a few minuts for a good luster. Wallaaaa, it stays that way for weeks. Then i just quiclky rinse and redo, every few times I use Orange blast to keep up with it. Sorry for the poor lighting conditions in the first pic, but you get the idea Truck has just under 90k on it now and looks just like that
	[Reply w/Quote]