Engine/Engine bay cleaning Tips required

[brens-s80]

Hi all,

I must be rolling to the near end of my 245 project when I have time to think about cleaning the Enginebay and Engine itself ;-O.

I have 2 questions :

1. what would be the best method ( I don't want to use a pressure washer if I can help it ) to clean the bay and engine , I don't mind a bit of labour I just want to minimize any after cleaning problems.

2. What is the best products for removing Engine Dirt/grease


as always thanks in advance

brendan

[tuning_redblock]

hey there, well done on nearing the end, I'm only at the begining.

Anyway, I found that engine cleaning was best done with GUNK branded aerosols sprayed liberally onto the grime, then worked with a nail brush or stiff bristle brush, then sprayed agian, and finally washes off with a hose, (battery removed of course - and ECU removed!) and the same for the engine bay, I found that Mr Muscle oven cleaner worked well on the intake maifold and the aluminium parts as well.

Best of luck and don't forget the pictures

[Alec Dawe]

I would agree with tuning_redblock. I know its a bit of hard work, but GUNK and its clones have always been good, and the brush method to work the stuff into the grime is best, even finishing off with an old/cheap toothbrush for the fiddly corners.
I'd avoid pressure washers in the engine bay like the plague. H.P water gets into places even the designer didn't know were there, and then wreaks havoc with electrics.
Mr muscle is OK, but make sure that you get it right off, otherwise it will start to eat the alloys!

[swedish brick]

I agree totally with the above, I used GUNK on my volvo 244 and capri, both were very dirty/greasy and had 30 odd years of crud on them, on the engine itself and arond the bay. All I did was spray or pour it on then agitate with a stiff brush and wash down with water after, avoiding all elecrical stuff as best you can. Repeat if you need it.
Its amazing what the difference is!
Dont use a power washer though as the water will be blasted into all the electrical connectors etc.

[LankyTim]

In my experience a good steam cleaning, with the engine running and the distributor covered up with a plastic bag is the best way. Gets all the crud dust oil and dirt out of even the most innaccessable places. Does a better job than gunk, and in a fraction of the time.

[Mike_Brace]

Best degreaser is Triple from Autosmart - they have vans going round to trade outlets. This is diluted about 20:1. Sprayed on it rapidly loosens all the crap - you can often see it running off. We ususally use a pressure washer afterwards and repeat as necessary. A garden hose works ok as well. Never had a problem with starting even unless you really over do the dizzy or have knackered electrics! Wear gloves and eye protection with any degreaser for obvious reasons.

Mik

[ivor940]

Hi, I have used a pressure washer, after "plastic bagging" any electric items. Do not spray directly on connectors. Do remember not to do engine bay cleaning on cobblelock drives, as the resultant oily mess will make you very unpopular with other household members.

ivor940

[brens-s80]

Hi,

thanks for all the tips and advise. Just found out this week that my drivers tie-rod and both ball joints will need to be replaced. maybe I'am not as finished as I thought I was ;-).

regards

brendan

[Alec Dawe]

Originally Posted by ivor940

Do remember not to do engine bay cleaning on cobblelock drives, as the resultant oily mess will make you very unpopular with other household members.

ivor940

COR! Not half. One way trip to the dog house that is! Do it in the street, and bu88er up their paving and drains!

[penninepullman]

I have used AutoGlym products to clean engine bays (as well as rest of car). Their website has some useful tips on how to clean car, and which products to use.
http://www.autoglym.co.uk/frame2.html