Engine Cleaning - Best Way ?

[04MRADR]

:cool:The Marauder now has over 175 K on it and it still runs incredibly great. Under the hood however things are getting mighty dirty. Has anyone steam cleaned the engine compartment or is there some other was to clean everything up under the hood ? Also, can anyone recommend a place in the Philadelphia area ?:cool:

[slickster]

I'm gonna say apply some degreaser or engine cleaner to a hot motor let that soak for 5min cover your filter with a plastic bag if you have a cai use low force water to rinse and repeat

[1 Bad Merc]

simple green, a bucket of water and alot of elbow grease. Stay away from the electrics with direct shots of water. Lightly spraying is fine but I would not use a powerwasher if you are not familiar were the electrical harnesses are.

[sailsmen]

Carbamide is the best engine cleaner.

[SC Cheesehead]

First, make sure the engine is completely cold.

If you have a CAI, cover it with a plastic bag, do the same for the alternator.

Mix up a solution of 2 parts water, 1 part Simple Green in a spray bottle. Spray the entire engine bay down with the cleaning solution and let sit for 5- 10 minutes. If you have some areas heavily caked with road grime, oil residue, etc, use a small brush (I use an old tooth brush) to scrub, and then re-spray with solution.

After allowing to soak, hose off engine bay with line pressure water and a nozzle set at one of the "indirect" (less than jet stream) settings.

After you've rinsed off all the cleaner, use a leaf blower to blow off any water puddling.

Final touch, spray the entire engine bay down with a light misting of Stoner "More Shine" or Croftgate "Tire Shire." Lightly wipe off any excess, and you'll have a like-new engine bay.

I clean mine about once a month.

[ctrlraven]

Simple green delouted in a spray bottle, small brushes, bucket of water, rags, low psi water source (garden hose) and take your time. Plus what everyone else said above.

[Embassy]

Simple green delouted in a spray bottle, small brushes, bucket of water, rags, low psi water source (garden hose) and take your time. Plus what everyone else said above.

Ditto.

I then use a leaf blower to quicker evacuate water from tight spots, and prevent pooling around the electrical components and injectors.

Do not use tire shine to "detail" your engine. Many have petroleum distillates which damage rubber components.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/761098/fullsize/img_6973.jpg

[03mmmonroe]

Ditto.

I then use a leaf blower to quicker evacuate water from tight spots, and prevent pooling around the electrical components and injectors.

Do not use tire shine to "detail" your engine. Many have petroleum distillates which damage rubber components.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/761098/fullsize/img_6973.jpg

Rex should have stated Croftgate tire shine has no petroleum distillates or silicone distillates in it. It will not hurt metal or rubber products and dries to touch and does not leave a sticky film.

[SC Cheesehead]

Rex should have stated Croftgate tire shine has no petroleum distillates or silicone distillates in it. It will not hurt metal or rubber products and dries to touch and does not leave a sticky film.

Yup, my bad for omitting.

The stuff works GREAT, BTW.

[eric jones]

First off wet down the areas around the engine bay (windshield, fenders, hood, grill, headlights etc.) I do this to protect the paint from the degreaser. I have found that a wet vac does a good job of getting rid of water. After you have cleaned the engine bay and are satisfied with it. Close the hood and wash and dry the car (this gives the motor time to dry before applying the dress). As far as dressing the engine, I do not recommend any type of tire dress or armor all type products. I prefer to use Maguiars Hyper Dressing. It is a water based dressing which can be diluted up to a 4:1 ratio depending on how glossy you want it to look.

[guspech750]

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I just simply wipe it all by hand.

[Flynlow]

Now when you guys use the Simple Green and dilute it at 2:1 are you refering to starting with the concentrate ?

[PonyUP]

Now when you guys use the Simple Green and dilute it at 2:1 are you refering to starting with the concentrate ?

I actually don't dilute it, I spray it on, rinse with a water spray, wipe the engine to soak up extra water, run the engine for 20 minutes and come out shiny.


Pony seal of Approval

[Flynlow]

I actually don't dilute it, I spray it on, rinse with a water spray, wipe the engine to soak up extra water, run the engine for 20 minutes and come out shiny.


Pony seal of Approval

And the Simple Green does not eat at any of the plastics, aluminum or other metals in full strength ?

[slickster]

I would think a hot engine makes it easier for the cleaner to break down the grim and stuff

[IwantmyMMnow!]

1. Remove engine
2. Place engine in washing machine
3. Add 1/4 cup maximum strength detergent
4. Add 1 capfull bleach (only if engine is chromed out)
5. Set washing machine to 'gentle' cycle
6. After wash cycle is done, call repairman to fix washing machine

[guspech750]

1. Remove engine
2. Place engine in washing machine
3. Add 1/4 cup maximum strength detergent
4. Add 1 capfull bleach (only if engine is chromed out)
5. Set washing machine to 'gentle' cycle
6. After wash cycle is done, call repairman to fix washing machine

And hang dry the engine. Do not put in the dryer.


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[PonyUP]

And the Simple Green does not eat at any of the plastics, aluminum or other metals in full strength ?

Nope, and one other thing, if you have a CAI, might want to cover that, but other than that, works like a charm


Pony seal of Approval

[SC Cheesehead]

I would think a hot engine makes it easier for the cleaner to break down the grim and stuff

Hot aluminum engines aren't particuarly fond of being sprayed with cold water...;)

[MM2004]

Simple Green FTW!

I do not dilute it, and use about 3/4 bottle on the entire engine bay.

Cold engine, spray everything but my CAI. Wait about 10 -15 minutes, then hose off with a shower spray nozzle on a garden hose.

I immediately start the engine, and let it run about 10 minutes, then dry off the wet areas.

Done.

;)

Mike.

[1stMerc]

Hot aluminum engines aren't particuarly fond of being sprayed with cold water...;)

Heck, i'm not particularly fond of getting sprayed with cold water either. :eek:

[SC Cheesehead]

heck, i'm not particularly fond of getting sprayed with cold water either. :eek:


+1....;)
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[TAKEDOWN]

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I just simply wipe it all by hand.

YUP, better safe than sorry! Bucket of water, a bit of soap, soak and wring out the towel so it's damp, and wipe off by hand.

[Smalldogg/03mm]

Ditto.

I then use a leaf blower to quicker evacuate water from tight spots, and prevent pooling around the electrical components and injectors.

Do not use tire shine to "detail" your engine. Many have petroleum distillates which damage rubber components.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/761098/fullsize/img_6973.jpg

Man that's puuuure beauty ...... Wow


Antoine