The engine in my car hasn't been cleaned since it was bought in 96 so its really dirty and i wanna clean it. What should i use to clean it? Any tips or warnings? Thanks

 

Well, don't spray it with a hose. I'm sure people will give you some good products to use, but the last time I cleaned my engine bay I just used a box of q-tips, a roll of paper towels, and a bottle of all-purpose cleaning spray. And some Armor All to shine up the plastic cover. It came out looking damn good too. As with most things, time and attention to detail will make the biggest difference between a good job and a half assed job.

 

well ive heard it was okay to hose the engine down as long as it is cooled down. also cover up any electrical stuff like alternator fuse box etc.....

 

I meant a direct spray. It's kind of pointless to do it anyway...the hose won't do very much to get rid of dirt.

 

I wouldn't risk using a pressure washer...too much chance you could get the engine wet. Maybe for the sides of the engine bay (where it's painted), but be careful there too.

I'd rather take a half day and use simple supplies than bring out the f'ing pressure washers and ish :fawk:

 

Yuo can spray down the engine bay but for precautionary purposes, put plastic bags or covers over your alternator, fuse box or any electrical units that might be sensitive to water under the hood. Don't worry about using a pressure washer, just make sure water will not seep into electrical parts.

 

I always have gotten some engine degreaser from AutoZone, any brand,doesn't matter. The directions on the can says to run the car until the engine is warm, let sit for a few minutes, then spray off w/high pressure washer. I wouldn't recommend that though cause spraying cold water on a warm/hot engine block could lead to warping the head, if not cracking it. I have always done it while the engine is cool, alleviating the chance of damaging the head. I always cover up the distributor cap, altenator, fuse box and the spark plug wires, just to be safe, that would suck to get water down there. If you're using a high pressure washer, look for one that has engine degreaser, it'll say on the box that has wash,rinse,wax, all that crap. When you have selected engine degreaser, the pressure is significantly decreased, almost to the pressure of a automotive paint gun. You will get most of the stuff off your engine and engine bay like this, but if you aren't satisfied, then bust out the q-tips, paper towels and have at it. Good luck.

 

well i covered up my fuse box and air filter then hosed the whole thing out, then i took home some titan degreaser from my work and sprayed my whole block with it then hosed it off really really good, then did that step over again, then use soapy water and a rag, hosed it off again. then dryed it all off. used lots of towels and everything. it came out pretty good, but now its dirty again.

 

:rofl: :rofl:

Sorry h:

 

yeah, that was a redundant statement huh?