Hey guys, I'm looking for a fairly simple way to clean up my engine compartment (without having to remove the engine!). What products/techniques are most effective without requiring days upon days of work?

 

Just some engine degreaser and a power wash,it works wonders
Are you gonna paint it also?

 

Nope, not gonna paint it...what do I need to do in terms of safeguarding things from the water?

 

Well; not to contradict the advice of using a power washer...I would not use any high pressure water.
Reason being; any slight oil leak will let water past the gaskets.
Old seals or grommets leak water.
High pressur can destroy already weak rubber and force water to areas you definatly dont want it.

Unless you have a very water tight car...as in almost every bit of rubber, seal, grommets, seam-sealer, ect...new

So; what to do?


The old fashoined way is pretty safe if you have leak threats.....elbow grease....
Use an old toothbrush, paint brushes, scrub brushes, rags and strong soap...or even as simple as Dawn....if you are on a budget.


If you can spare a $20.00...buy degreaser and most parts houses sell "parts cleaning brushes"....spray degreaser...scrub...let sit....spray more degreaser...scrub more....let sit more....spray more degreaser....rinse....let dry thoroughly.

Cover/seal the carb...use a water hose.


Be very careful if you do decide to use a pressure washer or a pressure wand at a car wash.

Have DW40 handy, starting fluid and contact cleaner...even regular ole alcohol will displace water, and allow for faster drying on wettened components.

Not to mention; high pressure will splat gunk and debris all over the car...on the ground to get on your shoes, then on your carpet inside the car, truck, house...then a fight with the wife ensues because of grease on the floor/carpet....then you go to jail...you bond out for $500.00...lost your mad money...wasted a weekend....wife changed the locks on the door....you cant get in so you crawl thru a window...she calls the cops again...you get picked up within an hour ofter being released on bond...


...all for why?




Because you used too much pressure to clean your engine....


lol...ok...you get the idea, seriously; parts houses sell all kinds of degreasers to be used with a water hose and a carb that is covered...if done right, its easy to keep clean there after!





Jim