Cleaning undercarriage
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Cleaning undercarriage
I've got a blown rear main seal and who knows what else leaking. Nearly everything underneath is coated in oil. I'd like to clean it up to see what other problems I have.
I'm thinking put her up on jackstands, coat it with foamy engine cleaner, then powerwash it off.
Other ideas?
I'm thinking put her up on jackstands, coat it with foamy engine cleaner, then powerwash it off.
Other ideas?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
lots of solvents will clean up the goo....concentrated engine degreaser mixed with kerosene; lacquer thinner; mineral spirits/turpentine; wax/tar remover (Prep Sol); denatured alcohol just to name a few...don't use gasoline...
Think if you use the power washer, you may be sorry you did, may create a worse mess than you bargained for...it will be all over you...
Think if you use the power washer, you may be sorry you did, may create a worse mess than you bargained for...it will be all over you...
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
Steam. I had my 68 Steam cleaned when I first got it, engine compartment and underbody, with little deterioration of paint, sealers, etc. It made it easy to find and correct leaks afterwards, and it was easier to work on everything since it was not covered in grease or oil.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,353
From: Santa Ana CA
Originally Posted by rihwoods
I've done it with Simple Green and a power washer...but wear monogoggles and use a short sprayer....I just got wet somewhat...had it up on ramps...
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Durham NC
Originally Posted by toddalin
Agreed. I used Simple Green right out of the bottle and a putty knife to do mine. It's best if you can do it on a lift. Be sure and put down a drop cloth or you wil make a real mess of the floor.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 4
From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!
Originally Posted by GDaina
lots of solvents will clean up the goo....concentrated engine degreaser mixed with kerosene; lacquer thinner; mineral spirits/turpentine; wax/tar remover (Prep Sol); denatured alcohol just to name a few...don't use gasoline...
Think if you use the power washer, you may be sorry you did, may create a worse mess than you bargained for...it will be all over you...
Think if you use the power washer, you may be sorry you did, may create a worse mess than you bargained for...it will be all over you...
When I was done, the underside was spic and span and I was black as a coal miner. I effectively transferred all of the grease and crap from the underside of the car onto me.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
I had mine steam cleaned and it made a big difference and I ordered some of the POR-15 but I have not tried it yet, but I heard you want a drop cloth and gloves because once its on anything it stays on including your skin till the oils in your skin lift it 
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
Originally Posted by 4fifty4
Awesome. Ill get started this Sunday. Ill try to post before and after pics.
I'm currently in the process of a frame off, It will be a weekend driver, but I want to do it once and be happy with it. Sorry for kinda hijacking this thread. Sometimes my passion for these great cars gets in the way of what little common sense I have left. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 86
From: Putnam county NY
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Make sure you don't take all the paint off, or repaint it after or else it's going to look just as ugly with all the surface rust in a hurry.
The one good thing about that grease layer ( so to speak) is that it actually protects the undercarriage from rust.
The one good thing about that grease layer ( so to speak) is that it actually protects the undercarriage from rust.
