Keeping Your Engine Clean
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 262
Likes: 4
From: Hollidaysburg Pennsylvania
Keeping Your Engine Clean
I have no problem blasting dirt off of the engines of my two Hondas in the car wash bay. The modern electronics resist water problems.
However, I'd like to clean off some oil and road dirt from my '58's 270 Duntov, especially around the intake manifold. The old girl does leak a bit here and there. I can't imagine putting the power washer to that engine, though, even with the ignition shielding in place.
How do you guys keep your engines clean? Degrease and then wipe off with rags? Thanks.
Dave
However, I'd like to clean off some oil and road dirt from my '58's 270 Duntov, especially around the intake manifold. The old girl does leak a bit here and there. I can't imagine putting the power washer to that engine, though, even with the ignition shielding in place.
How do you guys keep your engines clean? Degrease and then wipe off with rags? Thanks.
Dave
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
i use a pump up bug sprayer filled with kerosene every spring....i just finished this easy chore last week.
once you drench everything, painted surfaces and all, move the stuff around with a paint brush or cleaning brush and then just hose it off with no nozzle on the hose, just gentle water. be sure to cover the alt and carb air horn, then you can dry it off with a leaf blower or use rags....works like a charm and the kerosene gives you plenty of working time......
once you drench everything, painted surfaces and all, move the stuff around with a paint brush or cleaning brush and then just hose it off with no nozzle on the hose, just gentle water. be sure to cover the alt and carb air horn, then you can dry it off with a leaf blower or use rags....works like a charm and the kerosene gives you plenty of working time......
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,063
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
I have no problem blasting dirt off of the engines of my two Hondas in the car wash bay. The modern electronics resist water problems.
However, I'd like to clean off some oil and road dirt from my '58's 270 Duntov, especially around the intake manifold. The old girl does leak a bit here and there. I can't imagine putting the power washer to that engine, though, even with the ignition shielding in place.
How do you guys keep your engines clean? Degrease and then wipe off with rags? Thanks.
Dave
However, I'd like to clean off some oil and road dirt from my '58's 270 Duntov, especially around the intake manifold. The old girl does leak a bit here and there. I can't imagine putting the power washer to that engine, though, even with the ignition shielding in place.
How do you guys keep your engines clean? Degrease and then wipe off with rags? Thanks.
Dave
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,353
Likes: 2,726
From: Close to DC
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
I have use Simple Green on the warm engine of my '67. It's very safe for the environment. Let it sit and or work it with a plyable/soft brush. Then spray it all off with lowered water pressure hose. Don't forget to cover the carb and generator. Dennis
Dennis
Last edited by Bluestripe67; Apr 25, 2012 at 03:56 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 262
Likes: 4
From: Hollidaysburg Pennsylvania
Excellent ideas, guys. Thanks.
I have a concrete driveway with no access to grass or gravel areas. The Simple Green approach may be the best answer for being able to clean my engine and not staining the concrete when I rinse everything down.
Dave.
I have a concrete driveway with no access to grass or gravel areas. The Simple Green approach may be the best answer for being able to clean my engine and not staining the concrete when I rinse everything down.
Dave.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,146
Army
All of the above will work and should be done first....for any stubborn remaining fuel stains, etc.. I've found a cotton ball soaked in brake cleaner is fantastic...wipe it on and let it sit briefly then wipe it off with a damp sponge or rag.
My '61 270HP dual quad engine stays extremely nice and gawkers can't believe I drive it 3-5 times a week and it stays so clean.
I have an extra set of correct, aluminum valve covers that I keep prepped and painted and when the ones on the car get too awful (maybe 14-18 months of driving) I just swap on the spare set in 10 minutes when I'm adjusting the lifters then take the dirty set and prep and paint them for next time.
My '61 270HP dual quad engine stays extremely nice and gawkers can't believe I drive it 3-5 times a week and it stays so clean.
I have an extra set of correct, aluminum valve covers that I keep prepped and painted and when the ones on the car get too awful (maybe 14-18 months of driving) I just swap on the spare set in 10 minutes when I'm adjusting the lifters then take the dirty set and prep and paint them for next time.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Apr 25, 2012 at 07:34 PM.
