cleaning engine
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Killeen TX
cleaning engine
Hello,Vet. freinds Not been on in awhile so i will get to the point. Someone please tell me a good cleaner to use on my 99 vet engine. I know some cleaners will mess with the sensors. So what is the best stuff. My engine is not real dirty but still needs cleaning.Help me if you can. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Smiley
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If it won't just wipe off, use some Simple Green and then just let the water flow over the engine where you need to wash it off. Try and avoid any heavy spray action as it may get into some sensitive electronic parts.
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
SIMPLE GREEN will work well as described, used in diluted strength not full strength. If you have some really greasy areas, use aerosol brake cleaner to break up the grease, followed by the SIMPLE GREEN. The brake cleaner will leave no residue behind. Denatured alcohol on multiple shop rags/old tooth brush works well, also. Be careful, it'll freeze your hands!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Hattiesburg MS
And once you finish it the first time, all you have to do is wipe it down each time you wash the car. It won't take long for the follow up cleanings. Mine is over 100k as of this week and you could eat out of the engine bay.
Like others have said, use simple green on any stubborn issues with a rag.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Foresters Falls(near Ottawa) Ont
And once you finish it the first time, all you have to do is wipe it down each time you wash the car. It won't take long for the follow up cleanings. Mine is over 100k as of this week and you could eat out of the engine bay.
Like others have said, use simple green on any stubborn issues with a rag.
Once clean, if you give it a quick wipe now and then with something like Armoral, it keeps things looking pretty spiffy!
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Le Mans Master
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From: Midland TX
Specifically what "sensors" and "electrical parts" should be avoided? I have been spraying engine cleaner all over the engine compartment and using a hose to rinse it off (followed by a hand dry)about twice a year for the last 6 years without a realized problem yet. Have I just been lucky or have I probably messed something up that just has not presented itself yet?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Waldorf MD
Specifically what "sensors" and "electrical parts" should be avoided? I have been spraying engine cleaner all over the engine compartment and using a hose to rinse it off (followed by a hand dry)about twice a year for the last 6 years without a realized problem yet. Have I just been lucky or have I probably messed something up that just has not presented itself yet?
I would not do this. There is a known problem with water getting into the knock sensors under the intake manifold. The Technical Bulletin has you make a "dam" out of RTV (?) to resolve. Also too many other sensors.