Engine Cleaning Poll....Who does it and how

[SlkMerc]

Hello Gentlemen,

I was looking underhood today and noticed I have a lot of Long Beach, Calif dirt and dust on that beautiful DOHCammer. I live close to the port and all kinds of airborn nasties get blown my way.

Question:
Do you guys wash your engines? If so, whats the correct procedure? Do you use some magic Marauder Mojowash?


I await......:argue:

Donnie

[MM2004]

Hello Gentlemen,

I was looking underhood today and noticed I have a lot of Long Beach, Calif dirt and dust on that beautiful DOHCammer. I live close to the port and all kinds of airborn nasties get blown my way.

Question:
Do you guys wash your engines? If so, whats the correct procedure? Do you use some magic Marauder Mojowash?


I await......:argue:

Donnie

Magic Marauder Mojowash? lol

I use Simple Green purchased at AutoZone. Spray all over the engine bay (cold engine) and drink a beer or two, smoke a cigarette, then spray off with a garden hose shower spray. Start the car, drive it around then wipe off excess water.

The shiny stuff -> Eagle One Tire Shine.

Mike.

[Blackened300a]

I have a degreaser down at my shop, Its diluted with 10 parts water one part solution, I spray it on, let sit no more then 3 minutes, Hose it off and when it dries I have a Factory clean engine.
For a shine, I use Armor all Low Gloss spray on a microfiber rag and cover all the plastic detail's
If the engine gets really filthy, I have a industrial steam cleaner which we use for our trucks, it removes any dirt that may be lodged on my intake manifold.

[SID210SA]

When I go to the hand wash facility they bring me out a damp rag and I go to work......every week w/out fail.....only takes about 10 minutes or less and never gets very dirty. With the exception of a couple of knooks and cranny's I still looks like the day I drove it home from the lot with 7 miles on it.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/9/4/3/DSC06156_thumb.jpg (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=1665&c=3&userid=3943)

[michael ward]

I go to the quarter car wash use high pressure w/soap bring home dry off w/ cotton towel and it looks brand new been doing this for 27 years never a problem..

[MarauderMark]

So far i have done it once with windex scrub brush and garden hose which worked well.
i have also used a high pressure with car washing soap and brush which also worked good.
While the engine is out i used degreaser and a hose , made it look brand new.
But the final product i use to shine and smell(like cherrys) under hood is CR2.
And i didnt cover anything.

[DEFYANT]

DO
NOT
USE A
PRESSURE
WASHER
ON YOUR
ENGINE!

[KillJoy]

What is this "clean engine bay" you speak of? :D

KillJoy

[Blackened300a]

DO
NOT
USE A
PRESSURE
WASHER
ON YOUR
ENGINE!

I have done it several times, If you don't aim at the electrical and stay on the block within reasonable distance you will have no issues!!!

[cyclone03]

Someday I need to learn how to link one post to the next......

Simple Green:Full strength everything you can get to under the hood.

Rinse well with water,I use the "full" setting on the nozzle.
Wipe up the bigger puddles,no need to dry it all yet.
Then...this is a secrete...spray everything with Armor All or your favorite vinal/rubber protectant.Close the hood,start the engine,I like to wash the rest of the car now,about 5-10 mins.( it should be just steaming)then shut off the car finish washing the outside.
Once the outside is dry and you get to the hood open it up and useing your not good towels clean up the wet spots under the hood and your done.

[Loco1234]

Try this with warm soapy water then rinse when your done....

I use it.... it works great at getting the hard to reach stuff and everything...

http://www.brandsonsale.com/air-engine-cleaning-gun.html

:beer:

[Bigdogjim]

Then...this is a secrete...spray everything with Armor All or your favorite vinal/rubber protectant.

I have used Armor All for years however the shop that just detailed my car warned me that Armor drys out the plastic etc, so use STP Son of Gun.

[grampaws]

When using pressure washers
Do not spray into radiators/inter coolers/and AC condensers
damage will occur..fins get flattened
Do not spray directly on electrical connectors/coils/plug wires
or firewall connectors..fuse blocks included..
Do not spray into air filters..
covering some components with plasic bags wiil protect sensitive
components..

[cyclone03]

I have used Armor All for years however the shop that just detailed my car warned me that Armor drys out the plastic etc, so use STP Son of Gun.

I liked Son of a Gun,but haven't seen it in a while.
The Mequires spray seems to be heavier than Armor All,I just use ArmorAll as an example that everybody knows.
I've also used storebrand sprays,read cheap,that works too.
The key seems to be the silocon content,the more the better.


DO NOT USE ANY CITRUS CLEANERS!!!They seem to discolor the aluminum.
Do Not use Castrol Purple stuff same reason.

[rayjay]

Magic Marauder Mojowash? lol

I use Simple Green purchased at AutoZone. Spray all over the engine bay (cold engine) and drink a beer or two, smoke a cigarette, then spray off with a garden hose shower spray. Start the car, drive it around then wipe off excess water.

The shiny stuff -> Eagle One Tire Shine.

Mike.

As an added step I used a cheapo toilet bowl brush per another members suggestion. Worked great. I just wish there was a way to remove the road salt stains from the winter... :(

[ckadiddle]

What is this "clean engine bay" you speak of? :D

KillJoy
It's on the Engineering deck on the Enterprise. Not far from the "sick bay".:D

[KillJoy]

:D

I ask....because I probably have ONE OF THE DIRTIEST there is! Not quite as bad as that wrecked one, but bad none-the-less!

I've seen MM2004's and SergntMac's......and DAYUM! All I can say is those boys have a LOT more patience than I do. Those engines SHINED!

KillJoy

[blkwidowmerc]

what about taking the car in and having the motor steam cleaned

[Loco1234]

The Engine Bay Cleaner I Provided A Link To Earlier In This Thread Does Just As Good Of A Job But Not Steam Needed.

Just Soapy Water....

[Drock96Marquis]

I pride myself on keeping my engine bay nice and clean.
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/305127/fullsize/pdrm0098.jpg (http://www.supermotors.net/vehicles/registry/media/305127_1)

What I use depends on the condition of the engine prior to cleaning.

For my car it normally only needs a light cleaning, regualr car wash soap and occasionaly Simple Green (used straight on a wash mitt) are suffucient. Then various bristle brushes are used to agitate. Lastly washed off with low-pressure hot water and dried.

If it is really dirty before hand I will use an engine cleaner product, I've found CD2 Engine Cleaner and Gunk Engine Brite to work well, any similar product will do. On heavily soiled areas I will agitiate it with bristle brush s, a rag or similar. I then rinse the engine with low-pressure hot water.

With either method I use I always cover all igntion components, alternator and airbox inlet with plastic bags or equivenlent. I also advise against a pressure washer, it will make it easier but the engine electronics, especially the older said vehicle is, are very sensitive to intense moisture.

I normally follow this with a engine detailer/shine product, typially CD2 detailer applied by a rag. CD2 is a petroleum based detailer, so it is not great for your paint and such, so don't over-do it, and be careful with it if you decide to just spray it on. A water-based detailer/dressing is preferred. A shine will attract more dirt and dust much faster however, so you may wish to just leave it just 'nice and clean'.

[Blackened300a]

:D

I ask....because I probably have ONE OF THE DIRTIEST there is!

I have seen the dirtiest!
There is a Marauder near my job with PA plates on it, I sold him my 1725 Microtuner, When he opened the hood so we can pull the fuel pump fuse out, I had a hard time finding the fuse box with the grime that was caked all over the engine, The coolant reservoir and the washer fluid reservoir were so filthy that you couldnt see if there was any fluid in them. It was a 300a and the block was as black as the valve covers.
The guy never washed under the hood since he owned it and he has over 90k miles on it.
Its sad since hes the original owner and the rear quarters have dings and scratches all over them, both bumpers are sc***** and theres isn't a straight door on the car.
Hes still a nice guy either way just not the greatest when it comes to car care.

[Agent M79]

I wanna know what TAF does. It sure makes my engine bay look shameful.

[MI2QWK4U]

I liked Son of a Gun,but haven't seen it in a while.
The Mequires spray seems to be heavier than Armor All,I just use ArmorAll as an example that everybody knows.
I've also used storebrand sprays,read cheap,that works too.
The key seems to be the silocon content,the more the better.


DO NOT USE ANY CITRUS CLEANERS!!!They seem to discolor the aluminum.
Do Not use Castrol Purple stuff same reason.



Thats funny....what citrus cleaners have you tried? I exclusively use Orange Blast cleaner. I cover the air filter with a plastic shopping bag, then spray liberally on a warm engine. Close the hood...let steam for a few minutes, then spray off with a garden hose. Towel dry and its done. The nice thing about the orange blast is the orange oil in the cleaner leaves a nice gloss to the heater hoses, wires, and plastic parts. I never use anything to gloss up under the hood because it seems to act like a dust magnet. My engine bay has won the car several awards.

[MENINBLK]

DO
NOT
USE A
PRESSURE
WASHER
ON YOUR
ENGINE!

There is nothing wrong with using a pressure washer.
ALL ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ARE WEATHER PROOF,
with the exception of the battery terminals.
If you have an issue starting your engine after using a pressure washer,
it is because you have a faulty seal on an electrical connection
and it needs to be corrected.

I use nothing but a pressure washer and NO DETERGENT at all.
All of the dirt, oil, and dust come off completely.
I wash everything under the hood, and steer clear of the radiator, and condensor.

Just don't do this to a HOT engine, because you WILL crack the block.

[Pat]

Defyant may be referring to fuel injectors being broken or cracked by high pressure water being applied in the cleaning process.

I read that somewhere, can't seem to find it now, may be just a general statement in a car care article.

So, don't hit the injectors with the full blast from a high pressure source.

[michael ward]

I have done it several times, If you don't aim at the electrical and stay on the block within reasonable distance you will have no issues!!!I NEVER EVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH PRESSURE WASHER AND I HAVE BEEN DOING THIS A LONG TIME PEROID!!!

[stryker]

:burn: !Ok Marauderers!, Now everybody keep silent and pay attention to the Darklord. To keep out the humidity after cleaning the engine bay spray all engine bay and electrical parts with WD-40 this not only remove water and humidity it promote good electrical circulation and prevent the dust to stick to the parts that's what I do on my "BLACKHAWK-P74 INTERCEPTOR" and now on his sucesor when I use pressure water I just use the sufficient to remove the dirt and dust not apply full pressure.


STRYKER.

[SlkMerc]

After reading and digesting all the replies, I ventured under that hood. Simple Green straight up in an ergonomically gripped spray bottle in hand and hose at the ready I went for it.

Awesome results! Then after drying, went with some home brewed silicone mixture and a towel for all the plastic and rubber parts. Looks really nice!


Thanks again for all the help Gents,

Donnie

[stryker]

You Welcome Mang.


STRYKER.

[SergntMac]

After reading and digesting all the replies, I ventured under that hood. Simple Green straight up in an ergonomically gripped spray bottle in hand and hose at the ready I went for it.

Awesome results! Then after drying, went with some home brewed silicone mixture and a towel for all the plastic and rubber parts. Looks really nice!


Thanks again for all the help Gents,

DonnieOkay...Now you need this!

http://www.alldumb.com/item/12949/

[MM2004]

After reading and digesting all the replies, I ventured under that hood. Simple Green straight up in an ergonomically gripped spray bottle in hand and hose at the ready I went for it.

Awesome results! Then after drying, went with some home brewed silicone mixture and a towel for all the plastic and rubber parts. Looks really nice!


Thanks again for all the help Gents,

Donnie

OK, where are the pics?

Gotta have pics,...

Mike.

[Blackened300a]

Sorry a little big but you get the detail of it
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d12/blackened300a/DSCN0347.jpg

[Bluerauder]

:laugh: :laugh:


Okay...Now you need this!

http://www.alldumb.com/item/12949/
After hearing the ingredients in the "Scrub" .... I think I'll opt for the Pressure Wash. :eek: :rofl: :rolleyes:

[kj31067]

i have a long way to go...apparently someone previous hit the forward face of the engine and valve covers with something caustic
and pitted them. i tried cleaning but it came back when it dried...
it s a shame cause when i sold my 97 p-71 that engine looked sweet ....i did it twice a year ....oh welll!!!!!!!!

[Cheeseheadbob]

I will second this advice. After $600.00 dollars worth of new coils after a pressure wash, I don't think I will try this again. Perhaps some simple green and a watering can...:o
DO
NOT
USE A
PRESSURE
WASHER
ON YOUR
ENGINE!

[stryker]

!! USE A PRESSURE WASHER !! JUST DON'T USE FULL CHARGE.


STRYKER.

[Drock96Marquis]

Cover the COPs as best as possible, minimize water and shine/dressing spray in the area. Also, used compressed air or a leaf blower to blow air away from then prior to start up.

[Loco1234]

Seriously; I haven't heard anyone comment on this method of cleaning.....
http://www.brandsonsale.com/air-engine-cleaning-gun.html

Has anyone else tried it?
Its a cheap way to make every single knook and Kranny become clean without having to use a pressure washer or any kind of brush....

Item Description:
Engine cleaning gun works on compressed air, just attach to your air hose and drop the siphon hose into your favorite engine cleaner solution (simple green or whatever).

This works great and uses very very little water and solution...

The key is how it airats the water....
It truely is the best way to detail your motor.....

[RR|Suki]

Okay...Now you need this!

http://www.alldumb.com/item/12949/

oh dear :lol:

[Drock96Marquis]

Seriously; I haven't heard anyone comment on this method of cleaning.....
http://www.brandsonsale.com/air-engine-cleaning-gun.html

Has anyone else tried it?
Its a cheap way to make every single knook and Kranny become clean without having to use a pressure washer or any kind of brush....

Item Description:
Engine cleaning gun works on compressed air, just attach to your air hose and drop the siphon hose into your favorite engine cleaner solution (simple green or whatever).

This works great and uses very very little water and solution...

The key is how it airats the water....
It truely is the best way to detail your motor.....

THey sell something virtually identical at Lowes. THe mainly market it for spraying stain and such, but it should do that no problem. I have one in the garage, I'll give it a try sometime :)