cleaning the engine

[eldorito]

Part of my engine has picked up some dust and dirt... I'm thinking about cleaning it and was wondering what you all suggest. This is the part that I am referring to: http://www.distrocars.com/wp-content...ird-Engine.jpg

I would assume that even a quick clean with something like a chlorox wipe would work, but wanted to see what you all do. Thanks.

[Gobird]

Re: cleaning the engine

Josh, I have only done it a few times but haven't had any problems with it. I spray simple green on everything, let it soak about 5 min. and use a very light mist from the garden hose to wash it off. I then turn the engine on for about 15 mins. to dry everything. Other then that I just use detailer spray to wipe things down.

[steelblue5505]

Re: cleaning the engine

A damp rag works

[PaulD]

Re: cleaning the engine

Josh,
Like Spence, I have used Simple Green .... but not heavily all over the engine. I sprayed in selected areas that were especially dirty and then use a "EZ Motorcycle Detailer Brush" like here. This brush is long with bristles and is fantastic for getting into tight areas.
I mixed up some Simple Green and water in a bucket and then used the solution and brush to get into the tight area. Then I used a low pressure spray from a hose to wash it off. Then use towels to dry everything off as best I could. I then dressed up the plastic parts with Meguiars #40 Rubber and Vinyl solution. That solution will make it look new without the shiny greasy appearance that many products will leave.

[Rondor]

Re: cleaning the engine

I am a little skiddish about using a garden hose on today's cars under the hood even tho' they are probably more water proof than ever. To me there is alimit to how clean you can keep an engine compartment but wipng it down feequently makes it easier. I have to admit I focus on what you can see, out of site out of mind mentality.Like a buddy of mine from way back used to always have a clean shiny hood no matter what the rest of his car looked like. The easiest way to keep an engine bay clean is to not get it dirty. Then when you are gone your kids can sell it to those of us who wore ours out :- )

[YLO BRD]

Re: cleaning the engine

I wipe mine down with detailer and take the swiffer cleaners on the stick and get to the places I can't easily reach. For all those really difficult corners, I have really long swabs that will get into anywhere. Try to keep up with it so it never gets bad.

[JAB02LHS]

Re: cleaning the engine

. I have to admit I focus on what you can see, out of site out of mind mentality.

That's my theory....
I never open the hood, so I don't care if it's dirty under it.

Cleaning the engine is an addiction like taking drugs, your way better off if you never start!

[V8 Cat]

Re: cleaning the engine

I go along with the "no water under the hood" group no-matter how little water pressure is involved. Wiping components/shrouds off with a damp rag I have done at times, but definitely no spraying of water.

[5bird7]

Re: cleaning the engine

That's my theory....
I never open the hood, so I don't care if it's dirty under it.

Cleaning the engine is an addiction like taking drugs, your way better off if you never start!

It was only because I keep the engine compartment clean that I found a leak in our 02 years ago while it was still under its basic warranty. (with our mileage, that meant the car was under 2 years old at the time).

[Swalker]

Re: cleaning the engine

When I was my engines I use soap and water rince and then blow dry with leaf blower off my wet vac. Always looks showroom fresh.

[Wheats]

Re: cleaning the engine

I use DP(detailers pride)engine degreaser,spray on,let dwell agitate the heavy areas,fine rinse with the hose run the engine for 5 minutes and after it dries spray with either 303 protectant or CD2.

I won't use simple green or any other cleaner thats not made for automobiles.

[5bird7]

Re: cleaning the engine

I've attached the instructions from all of the Thunderbird owner's manuals. I don't follow it. I use damp rag on the places I can easily reach and dry clean with a swiffer the parts I can't get my hands into. I try to do it everytime the car is washed but that doesn't always happen.

oh yes, mechanics are always amazed and appreciative at how clean the engine is when they have to work on the car. (George isn't the only one that works on it)

[Rondor]

Re: cleaning the engine

WOW !!!!!!

[Icebluebird]

Re: cleaning the engine

I have steam cleaned, pressure washed, degreaser, simple greened, hosed and dried with a leaf blower all of my car engines and undercarriages since the late 60s.

The only problem I ever had was with my 71 V12 convertible when the distributer got some extra water in it. Dried it out and on the road again.

My experience is that water will not hurt car engines and keeping them clean is good for them, the mechanic and your wallet!

Your mileage may vary.

[00mustng]

Re: cleaning the engine

....what Dean said......for the now I use a prespray of Murphy Oil soap and water.....end result is a clean without the too much shine on the flexible components...