Engine Cleaning
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Engine Cleaning
I would like to clean the engine in my 80. This is in a vehicle I drive often, i.e., I will NOT be removing parts, hand cleaning, replacing, etc.
Would like to use a steam cleaner/power washer. Have had problems in the past with messed up alternators, starters, etc.from cleaning.
What is the proper way to clean an engine that will not be removed ? Special cleaners ? Hints ? Secrets ?
Bob
Lookin' 4ward to the day when y'all have edukated me enuff to help others !
Would like to use a steam cleaner/power washer. Have had problems in the past with messed up alternators, starters, etc.from cleaning.
What is the proper way to clean an engine that will not be removed ? Special cleaners ? Hints ? Secrets ?
Bob
Lookin' 4ward to the day when y'all have edukated me enuff to help others !
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 528
Likes: 9
From: Grand Rapids Michigan
The general rule of thumb is to make sure and cover all your electronics before introdcing water under pressure into the engine compatment. Use thick plastic baggies to cover your distributor, alternator and any other relays/open wiring you can find.
I prefer to use a lot of degreaser and less water vs. the other way around. Soak the dirty bits in a degreasing solvent and use a regular hose so the pressure is less likely to break any weak vacuum connections you may have, or cause any other general mayhem. Cover the carb as well. Better safe than sorry on that one.
Good luck.
-Bill
I prefer to use a lot of degreaser and less water vs. the other way around. Soak the dirty bits in a degreasing solvent and use a regular hose so the pressure is less likely to break any weak vacuum connections you may have, or cause any other general mayhem. Cover the carb as well. Better safe than sorry on that one.
Good luck.
-Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
I wouldn't worry a lot about water getting in anything. Just spray all the oily dirty areas with simple green or purple power, let it sit for a bit and use the power washer on it. Don't get crazy about spraying into the alternator or the distributor. Remove the air cleaner and cover the inlet of the carb with a rag. If a little water goes in there the car will not explode. They have a special grease at the parts store for light sockets, I use that also on electrical connectors. Once its in the connector you really have to squirt it pretty good to get water in there, its good stuff. If you do get directly on the alternator, dist etc, just use the air hose, leaf blower of the shop vac to dry it off a bit. No problem
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14,062
Likes: 602
From: Henderson Nv-Rohnert Park/Sonoma C o. ca/born in NY Rockaway Beach.
When i did my motor, i used simple green, some gunk and i took it to the car wash and used that power hose to was it down. Didnt really cover everything but the dist and carb. In the winter i will be taking a few things off (alt,a/c,p/s,) to try and repaint the motor.
Good luck to you will be watching..
Maybe some before and after pics =)
Good luck to you will be watching..
Maybe some before and after pics =)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
Likes: 1
From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
pull the air cleaner
stuff a rag in the top of the carb
cover the carb (and usually the distributor) with a couple of layers of tin foil and squeeze it on
take a can of engine cleaner and spray the shet out of every thing
use power washer and wash everything - be a little careful around the barb
take the foil and stuff off the engine and start it.
think about it. when you drive in a heavy rain, there is water everywhere and it's getting blown around by the fan and wind. water all over your engine is not something new.
just my .02
stuff a rag in the top of the carb
cover the carb (and usually the distributor) with a couple of layers of tin foil and squeeze it on
take a can of engine cleaner and spray the shet out of every thing
use power washer and wash everything - be a little careful around the barb
take the foil and stuff off the engine and start it.
think about it. when you drive in a heavy rain, there is water everywhere and it's getting blown around by the fan and wind. water all over your engine is not something new.
just my .02
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 27
From: Florida
Needless damage.
Years ago, I was pressure cleaning an engine, had the ragged and bagged carb and dist bagged.
Blew it off with compressed air when finished as best I could, started it and Bamm.
Heard this loud ticking noise that went with engine speed, ended up finding out I had bent #8 rod enough that that the piston skirt was hitting the crank every stoke. Pain in the butt to replace 1 rod when it was a stupid mistake. Still don't know how the water got in there.
So since then after power washing, I disconnect the juice to the distributor and slowly bump the engine over many times with the starter until I'm sure it has made at least 1 complete revolution, just to make sure there is no water in there. Can't be too carefull
Years ago, I was pressure cleaning an engine, had the ragged and bagged carb and dist bagged.
Blew it off with compressed air when finished as best I could, started it and Bamm.
Heard this loud ticking noise that went with engine speed, ended up finding out I had bent #8 rod enough that that the piston skirt was hitting the crank every stoke. Pain in the butt to replace 1 rod when it was a stupid mistake. Still don't know how the water got in there.
So since then after power washing, I disconnect the juice to the distributor and slowly bump the engine over many times with the starter until I'm sure it has made at least 1 complete revolution, just to make sure there is no water in there. Can't be too carefull
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
This is what I do. Plastic bag wrap whatever concerns you, carb, alternator, etc.
I always wash mine outside and let it airdry overnight before firing it up. Never had an electrical problem.
Almost always run engine first to warm up the block and soften crud, then used engine degreaser, spray nine (careful acid base!), or vehicle soap,(depends on the extent of cleaning necessary)
Always rinse longer than I think is necessary!! Leave hood open, walk away!!
I always wash mine outside and let it airdry overnight before firing it up. Never had an electrical problem.
Almost always run engine first to warm up the block and soften crud, then used engine degreaser, spray nine (careful acid base!), or vehicle soap,(depends on the extent of cleaning necessary)
Always rinse longer than I think is necessary!! Leave hood open, walk away!!
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 22
From: Norwalk CT and Boynton Beach FL
I make sure engine is warn to the touch. I take air cleaner off and cover carb and distributor with small plastic garbage bags secured by a rubber band. i use Mr Clean and spray it over everything. then I take an old paint brush to work the Mr Clean into the dirtyer areas. Let sit for ten minutes and give it the garden hose full blast. Then I give it the Mr Clean treatment once again and use the paint brush where necessary. After the second treatment, I towel dry where I can, take off the garbage bags and start the car up. The engine not only looks clean, but smells clean. One thing I have found, is after a through cleaning like this, sometimes the fan belts will start making noise (too dry/clean now). If this happens, I put a dab of white grease on the underside of each fan belt and the sqeeking goes away and all is well with the world.
