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Spring comes early in Florida because we don’t have winter.
I want to clean/detail the engine compartment of my ‘67. It’s not awful but has that dusty-looking, dull look that comes from driving the car:
I bought this stuff which has good reviews. But instructions say to use a power washer. I’m hesitant to do that. I know I can bag the carb, alternator, distributor, a/c compressor? but I’m reluctant to hit the engine with a heavy power washer assault:
I’m interested in what you guys think. BTW, the aluminum intake manifold has a lot of fuel stains.
I have always been hesitant to use a power washer in the engine compartment with not only the components you summerized but also all of the electrical conections. Additionally, decals and paint can be removed if the pressure is high. My $.02. Others may not have these concerns.
I use slightly diluted Simple Green. I use a stiff bristle parts cleaning brush. It enables you to get into tight places yet have control. Rinse from a spray bottle with water. Maybe try your product on a small area and brush it in.
Steve,
I used S100 frequently on my Harley. Just used a garden hose to rinse it off, worked excellent. Used a cleaning brush to improve action on heavily soiled areas.
I also would be hesitant to use a pressure washer in the engine compartment.
Steve, If you hose it down you'll spend a while getting the water out of all the pockets around the intake. Unless you use a leaf blower.
If you get water under the distributor cap the moisture will cause a misfire, BTDT.
I'd spray small areas on a warm engine and clean them up with paper towel/rag pieces using forceps.
Spring comes early in Florida because we don’t have winter.
I want to clean/detail the engine compartment of my ‘67. It’s not awful but has that dusty-looking, dull look that comes from driving the car:
I bought this stuff which has good reviews. But instructions say to use a power washer. I’m hesitant to do that. I know I can bag the carb, alternator, distributor, a/c compressor? but I’m reluctant to hit the engine with a heavy power washer assault:
I’m interested in what you guys think. BTW, the aluminum intake manifold has a lot of fuel stains.
Thanks to all!
Steve
Steve,
I purchased and used this product with great success on my L71 Engine and bay after many months (15) in a body shop... That included body shop dust gas stains and the like. I used very low pressure hose rinse on the valve covers, intake exhaust and inner fenders. I plan to hit it again under the nose this spring...
My '65's engine compartment gets a cleaning annually, but, with it being 35 years since it was restored, it still does show its age. I use a 50/50 mix of simple green and hot water, paint brushes, micro fiber towels, paper towels and a greasy part cleaning brush (kind of a round stiff bristle brush with a long handle). To rinse off but control the water you can use a garden pump up sprayer that has the long tube, setting the nozzle on wide pattern spray. Again, I like to use hot water. For aluminum manifolds stains I just dab the stain with a microfiber cloth that has been dipped in a cleaning agent. And yes, if you have a steady hand and patience, you can paint the exhaust manifolds with a fine brush (like a painter uses) without removing them. I like Eastwoods exhaust manifold paint. Glass cleaner works pretty well on quick clean ups. Have fun!
My '65's engine compartment gets a cleaning annually, but, with it being 35 years since it was restored, it still does show its age. I use a 50/50 mix of simple green and hot water, paint brushes, micro fiber towels, paper towels and a greasy part cleaning brush (kind of a round stiff bristle brush with a long handle). To rinse off but control the water you can use a garden pump up sprayer that has the long tube, setting the nozzle on wide pattern spray. Again, I like to use hot water. For aluminum manifolds stains I just dab the stain with a microfiber cloth that has been dipped in a cleaning agent. And yes, if you have a steady hand and patience, you can paint the exhaust manifolds with a fine brush (like a painter uses) without removing them. I like Eastwoods exhaust manifold paint. Glass cleaner works pretty well on quick clean ups. Have fun!
Spring cleaning
