Is it bad to wash/degrease a L-48 engine???
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 64
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From: Chatham NJ
Is it bad to wash/degrease a L-48 engine???
I have heard mixed reviews. Just picked up a real original, and filthy '80. Tons of dirt, grime and grease. Would like to clean it up a bit.
I know this was a no-no with many of the C4's, but I was thinking maybe I could just cover up the distributor, altenator, and carb, and wash it cafefully.
I heard it is ok to do, but also that you shouldnt.
What do you guys think? Curious.
Dont want to regret doing it.....
I know this was a no-no with many of the C4's, but I was thinking maybe I could just cover up the distributor, altenator, and carb, and wash it cafefully.
I heard it is ok to do, but also that you shouldnt.
What do you guys think? Curious.
Dont want to regret doing it.....
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 7
From: Toronto Ontario
i covered exactly , those 3 things (with a plastic bag) that you mentioned...
did the spray thing with a can of degresser...then sprayed it down with a garden hose...then a quick blast down a country backroad
no more smell from engine & it looks better all clean
Pete
did the spray thing with a can of degresser...then sprayed it down with a garden hose...then a quick blast down a country backroad
no more smell from engine & it looks better all clean
Pete
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 307
Likes: 2
From: McCordsville Indiana
Engine cleaning
I owned an 80 and degreased the engine and under hood area with no problems,of course cover the carb and distributor and do not apply too high a pressure on any wiring or components, I have found in the past that degreasing motors or trannys have led to fluid leaks as the built up grease/dirt can actually stop a leak but then again we like to have a clean under hood area for show and to work on. Also cover your alternator,just my 2 cents worth! 
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
If you just want the engine/compartment done, the degreaser and $5 worth of quarters at the local car wash will get the job done. (Psst... If you go on a rainy day, no one will care that you're 'hangin' out' in there too dang long.) 
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,831
Likes: 36
From: Cedar,BC
After the first major cleaning,it will be a breeze to keep it clean in the future.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,148
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From: South Dakota
I just pull the wires off the plugs, spray them (plugs and wires) down with WD-40 and then blow them dry with compressed air. Same with a distributor cap.
Also, keep in mind that the engine degreaser can ruin the engine compartment paint.
Also, keep in mind that the engine degreaser can ruin the engine compartment paint.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Where ever I go... there I am!
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
You can also use straight Dawn dish washing soap and a few brushes to do most of the clean up and not have to use a car wash pressure system - just a garden house.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Camp Verde AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
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Yup, L-48s will melt. They are designed to be greasy, unlike an L-82 or L-46 or L-79, etc.
if it was an L-46, i would just get some Gunk Engine degreaser (not the foamy engine brite stuff),and spray liberally, and wash off with a high pressure hose. Done it over a hundered times, with care to keep the dizzy dry, or at least bring enough dry rags to dry out the inside of the cap.
But never an L-48.
Doug
if it was an L-46, i would just get some Gunk Engine degreaser (not the foamy engine brite stuff),and spray liberally, and wash off with a high pressure hose. Done it over a hundered times, with care to keep the dizzy dry, or at least bring enough dry rags to dry out the inside of the cap.
But never an L-48.
Doug
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 528
Likes: 9
From: Grand Rapids Michigan
Yup, L-48s will melt. They are designed to be greasy, unlike an L-82 or L-46 or L-79, etc.
if it was an L-46, i would just get some Gunk Engine degreaser (not the foamy engine brite stuff),and spray liberally, and wash off with a high pressure hose. Done it over a hundered times, with care to keep the dizzy dry, or at least bring enough dry rags to dry out the inside of the cap.
But never an L-48.
Doug
if it was an L-46, i would just get some Gunk Engine degreaser (not the foamy engine brite stuff),and spray liberally, and wash off with a high pressure hose. Done it over a hundered times, with care to keep the dizzy dry, or at least bring enough dry rags to dry out the inside of the cap.
But never an L-48.
Doug
Seriously, though... I think some of the grease and gunk is holding things together in there. She'll get cleaned during the frame-off. In 20 years.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 799
Likes: 26
From: Lexington Park Maryland
If you really want to eliminate all the grease and dis-bond the dirt attached with it. Use the white gas used on the camping stove, put it in a spray bottle and spray afterwards just use compress air to blow away and dirt. the white gas will breake down any petrolium base produce and will dry instantly leaving you with clean dry surface. If the dirt is thick the grease or oil keeping it together will breake down and can be remove with air.
