Anyone have any ideas on how to clean my intake without removing it from the car?
Engine detailing
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
It's a labor of love, but the engine compartment is definitely an area you can do yourself. I had no real plan with mine. I'd just look it over looking for the easiest thing to replace, shine, paint or reroute. Over time, I got it looking pretty good. Best part is that YOU will have the satisfaction of doing. First time somebody looks at it and says "WOW", you'll get instant rewards. . . good luck and post some progress pics from time to time.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
try this needle scaler for cleaning an intake, after you degress everything.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=96997
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=96997
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 551
Likes: 3
From: Spokane Washington
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 1
From: North Bellmore Ny
St. Jude Donor '09
try this needle scaler for cleaning an intake, after you degress everything.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=96997
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=96997
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 4
what would you guys say for those of us that cant take the motor out? degrease, tape and spray? spray over the old paint or wire brush it off?
this is how it sits right now, obviously something has to be done.
this is how it sits right now, obviously something has to be done.
Last edited by another-user; Dec 16, 2008 at 08:38 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
start with a good power Engine cleaning, then monitor for leaks, and fix any leaks.
then decide how much stuff you are willing to remove, use aluminum foil to mask parts off, and start spraying.
then decide how much stuff you are willing to remove, use aluminum foil to mask parts off, and start spraying.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
Here is what I did
I cleaned, and degreased everything as best I could, I then took off everything down to the block and heads.
I stripped off old paint with a wire brush.
I repainted everything that I took off, and repainted the front of the block, and heads - I didn't try to paint anything that wasn't easily accessible.
I think it came out pretty good - not perfect, but MUCH better than it was - and it was easy to do.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
From: So. Cal. CA
Costa Mesa detailer
DOCTOR DETAIL
2011 Placentia Ave Costa Mesa,CA 92627
(949) 650-0204
I don't know their prices for engine compartment detailing, but for steam cleaning the compartment the "Basic" level was $85 a year and a half ago.
I went with their "Restoration" level steam cleaning, which included the undercarriage for $135 and was happy with the results -- of the cleaning. I didn't factor that the covers/seals/whatever they're called in the engine compartment were in bad shape, and got torn out. So, that part didn't look so good. Nor did the condition of everything that was covered in oil, grease, dirt, etc. But, I guess that showed how good the cleaning was . . .
Mike
2011 Placentia Ave Costa Mesa,CA 92627
(949) 650-0204
I don't know their prices for engine compartment detailing, but for steam cleaning the compartment the "Basic" level was $85 a year and a half ago.
I went with their "Restoration" level steam cleaning, which included the undercarriage for $135 and was happy with the results -- of the cleaning. I didn't factor that the covers/seals/whatever they're called in the engine compartment were in bad shape, and got torn out. So, that part didn't look so good. Nor did the condition of everything that was covered in oil, grease, dirt, etc. But, I guess that showed how good the cleaning was . . .
Mike
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 893
Likes: 7
From: Hazerswoude-Rijndijk Zuid Holland
Starting point.
After to coats of paint stripper, lots of engine cleaner and a good wipe down with thinner.
Epoxy primer
The new color is slightly lighter then the body, I hope it will be beter with a second coating.
Second layer is coming closer to the body color
After to coats of paint stripper, lots of engine cleaner and a good wipe down with thinner.
Epoxy primer
The new color is slightly lighter then the body, I hope it will be beter with a second coating.
Second layer is coming closer to the body color
Last edited by cajos; Dec 21, 2008 at 06:28 AM.
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 567
Likes: 115
From: Long Island NY/ Cape Coral FL
I like to use Brak-leen and the Scott rags in the box. the brakleen isn't corrosive to the aliminumn or rubber parts and dries quiclky make sure you have good ventilation. The Brak-leen comes with a tube so you can direct it where you want it. Sometimes both products are found in Cosco.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
Before and after on mine. 
I did mine also without taking out the engine. It took most of the winter of 06, and I spend about 1K on parts. Obviously the cleaning and painting part cost next to nothing, execept for lots of nights laying on my back with a tootbrush picking at every little spot. Like others said, I took the engine down to bascially the block and heads. First I painted the engine itself, then masked that off and painted the compartment. Aluminum foil is your friend for covering up wires and hoses.
I did mine also without taking out the engine. It took most of the winter of 06, and I spend about 1K on parts. Obviously the cleaning and painting part cost next to nothing, execept for lots of nights laying on my back with a tootbrush picking at every little spot. Like others said, I took the engine down to bascially the block and heads. First I painted the engine itself, then masked that off and painted the compartment. Aluminum foil is your friend for covering up wires and hoses.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,303
Likes: 4,392
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Another User,
You can do a very thorough job with the engine still in the car.
These pictures show things pretty well apart but the engine is still in. It all depends how far you want to go.
It was shortly after these pictures were taken that I decided the body was coming off. That decision led to the REAL CRAZINESS.
Merry Christmas!
Regards,
Alan
You can do a very thorough job with the engine still in the car.
These pictures show things pretty well apart but the engine is still in. It all depends how far you want to go.
It was shortly after these pictures were taken that I decided the body was coming off. That decision led to the REAL CRAZINESS.
Merry Christmas!
Regards,
Alan
