Engine Degreasing
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,308
Likes: 104
From: Orange County California
Engine Degreasing
I'd never steam clean the engine compartment (would I?), but what is recommended to clean out some small areas where I have with some greasy-looking black dust? I was thinking about spraying small amounts of simple green or Castrol degreaser, and just rinsing with a water pistol to keep it limited. What areas do I steer clear of with the water....or should I just use a hundred or so Q-tips and get in there inch-by-inch?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
a good APC, a soft tooth brush, some water, and a couple ok towels. Spray, agitate, wash down, and wipe clean. Cover with a good AIO like Klasse or XMT360 as possible.
water should never go under the engine covers (coils) and near the air-intake. Tread lightly a spray bottle is a better choice over running water.
water should never go under the engine covers (coils) and near the air-intake. Tread lightly a spray bottle is a better choice over running water.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,034
Likes: 11
From: Lewes DE
Start the engine, keep it running.
spray dirty areas with simple green.
use various brushes to get into tight areas (the EZ Detail brush is excellent for this).
scrub
then rinse with hose on very light mist.
I just avoid the battery, avoid the alternator (thing with a belt on it, on the driver's side, near the front of the car).
I use a very light mist - just enough to wash away the simple green. If the engine starts to sputter or stall -- that's a good indication that you're getting water somewhere that it shouldn't be.
spray dirty areas with simple green.
use various brushes to get into tight areas (the EZ Detail brush is excellent for this).
scrub
then rinse with hose on very light mist.
I just avoid the battery, avoid the alternator (thing with a belt on it, on the driver's side, near the front of the car).
I use a very light mist - just enough to wash away the simple green. If the engine starts to sputter or stall -- that's a good indication that you're getting water somewhere that it shouldn't be.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 685
Likes: 2
From: Orange CA
I like to cover my alternator with a big zip lock baggie to keep the water out. Some people like to cover it with aluminum foil. I mix a 50/50 solution of Simple Green to water and spray it on the area to be cleaned. After it sits for about 3 min. I do a little cleaning with a brush and soft sponge. I mist the engine to rinse of the solution and complete the job with a finishing product to make the engine look clean and shiny.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,308
Likes: 104
From: Orange County California
I like to cover my alternator with a big zip lock baggie to keep the water out. Some people like to cover it with aluminum foil. I mix a 50/50 solution of Simple Green to water and spray it on the area to be cleaned. After it sits for about 3 min. I do a little cleaning with a brush and soft sponge. I mist the engine to rinse of the solution and complete the job with a finishing product to make the engine look clean and shiny.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 685
Likes: 2
From: Orange CA
Adams site has some pretty good tips on engine cleaning at:
http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-Videos_DVD5_5.aspx
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
I know what you mean, that's why I clean and then run my engine before I begin rinsing and why I don't get too crazy with flooding the compartment. I try avoid the battery area, alternator and "mist" off the cleaning solution.
Adams site has some pretty good tips on engine cleaning at:
http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-Videos_DVD5_5.aspx
Adams site has some pretty good tips on engine cleaning at:
http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-Videos_DVD5_5.aspx
!!!
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From: Maryland
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Sun Devil Country
Last edited by Bandit1; Jul 10, 2007 at 01:59 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 0
From: Peoria Arizona
Start the engine, keep it running.
spray dirty areas with simple green.
use various brushes to get into tight areas (the EZ Detail brush is excellent for this).
scrub
then rinse with hose on very light mist.
I just avoid the battery, avoid the alternator (thing with a belt on it, on the driver's side, near the front of the car).
I use a very light mist - just enough to wash away the simple green. If the engine starts to sputter or stall -- that's a good indication that you're getting water somewhere that it shouldn't be.
spray dirty areas with simple green.
use various brushes to get into tight areas (the EZ Detail brush is excellent for this).
scrub
then rinse with hose on very light mist.
I just avoid the battery, avoid the alternator (thing with a belt on it, on the driver's side, near the front of the car).
I use a very light mist - just enough to wash away the simple green. If the engine starts to sputter or stall -- that's a good indication that you're getting water somewhere that it shouldn't be.
This has always worked for me.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,308
Likes: 104
From: Orange County California
....a little help?
Thanks.
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
It's on the throttle body on the passenger side with a two wire connector going to it. It is opposite the motor that sits on the drivers side of the TB.
It has two small screws that attach it to the TB.
It has two small screws that attach it to the TB.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,461
Likes: 161
From: Las Vegas Nevada
St. Jude Donor '08
New way to rinse?
I’m new to this section, but a friend of mine uses very diluted simple green and some brushes and rags. To rinse, he uses one of those plastic pump tanks one would use to spay bug killer or weed killer. Works great and the water (distilled) only goes where he wants it to.
Thanks,
Clayton from Las Vegas
Thanks,
Clayton from Las Vegas
