The Correct way to clean an engine?

[joshjwc9]

Ok, I have gotten fed up with dirt, grime, grease, random crap and leaves inside of my engine bay, normally I just would spend some time with my trusty rag to clean it, but I know that water and engine degreaser will definitely make my motor shine.

Now, in reading and remembering some past Tech threads here, I have heard of people having spark issues after detailing the motor the wrong way.

So what is the right way to do it? I know too much water is just asking for it but using the garden hose and a misting option on the head work good enough after degreasing (and covering the plug and COPs) the motor work good?

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

dont use degreaser, when you wash off the engine some will undoubtedly get on your paint and F it up. Use Simple Green, spray/mist it on a wetted engine, let soak for 5-10 mins. Gently wash off essential parts mainly skipping most ecu/fuse boxes and your air filter. Hand dry off major parts, let dry, enjoy

 

[40th GT]

:Word:
That's gotta be the correct way/easiest way to do it.

 

[d98gt]

Cleaning/detailing the engine can be a major PITA especially when it comes to cleaning some of the hard-to-get-to places

I've been thinking of purchasing a steam cleaner with some different extensions to get into some of those places

 

[tag4car]

i use something like meguiars hot rims cleaner for mine, cleans the cast aluminum, i want some of this stuff we use for rainy day cleaning at work though, called aluminate. it's hydrofluoric and sulfuric acid!!

 

[the98stang]

simple green FTMFW! Also use some armor all for the plastic/rubber pieces. Make your engine say BLING!

 

[GettinThere]

dont use degreaser, when you wash off the engine some will undoubtedly get on your paint and F it up. Use Simple Green, spray/mist it on a wetted engine, let soak for 5-10 mins. Gently wash off essential parts mainly skipping most ecu/fuse boxes and your air filter. Hand dry off major parts, let dry, enjoy

+1 but I dry it by starting it up and letting it idle for 5-10 minutes while using a leaf blower on it. Then I'll take it for a drive.

I think people have had problems after washing the engine bay, due to (primarily) using high pressure water and (secondarily) not drying it well.

 

[TenaciousD]

At the dealership i work for this is what we do, I have yet to have a car not start after doing it and every engine looks awesome. Soak everything with degreaser, start low and work your way up( like someone said try not to get it on the paint but if its only on there a few minutes it wont make a difference) use a brush to scrub heavily soiled areas, then we pressure wash the whole engine and bay area followed by tire shine) end result is bad ass.

Having said that....
when I clean mine I cover up the intake, alt and alarm. anyting with open wires.
spray on simple green. hose it off. I went to walmart and got a "firemans hose nossle) it was less than $10 but it puts a little bit more pressure in a thin line spray so you can pint point it. then spray on or wipe all the plastice/rubber hoses with shine. armaroll with work or even tire shine. its doesnt look as clean, i think the pressure washer has alott to do with it but still pretty clean.

 

[96GTstang46]

HA I used to be a detailer at some backyard dealership.. They would have me wash the motor the same way you explain TenaciousD.. BUT one time i was pressure washing the motor and the Serp. belt slipped off while the motor was running.. (they wanted the motor running the whole time while doing this )

I would clean your motor like CobraRed_96_GT said.. seems to be the best safest way..

 

[1992 2.3LX]

dont use degreaser, when you wash off the engine some will undoubtedly get on your paint and F it up. Use Simple Green, spray/mist it on a wetted engine, let soak for 5-10 mins. Gently wash off essential parts mainly skipping most ecu/fuse boxes and your air filter. Hand dry off major parts, let dry, enjoy

Just for informational Simple Green is a Degreaser

 

[DCjuggalo]

dont use armor all because it will eat the rubber hoses try 303