Clean that engine!

[timothydog]

I have years of caked up oil on the front of my engine (I'm hoping it was from my leaky/bad seals on my old turbo). Now that I have replaced my turbo, I want to clean up the mess and observe for new leaks.

I was just going to grab some engine cleaning foam and take my car to the car wash. Are there any problems with doing this? Anything I should avoid getting wet?

 

[peterkin]

to be honest with you, when i clean mine i manage to get everything wet. i leave the engine running though and i usually drive for a while before i shut it off too. i haven't had any problems as of yet.

 

[Two Lane]

The foaming cleaners work really well...I usually spray it on at home, drive to car wash, spray on 2nd coat, let it sit for 2-3 min., hit it with the car wash soap , then rinse everything well.

I do not cut the motor from the time I leave home until I get back.
Never any probs. Then, a last "rub-down", & it's done!

HTH

 

[timothydog]

Thanks a million!

 

[BLACK6PACK]

I use Simple Green. I mist the motor with water, covering up the coil and alternator, then spray on the Simple Green. I let it set for a couple of minutes then hose off. It made my 200,000 mile engine bay look respectable. I do not start the car, and usually let it set for a day. Water and electronics make me nervous.

 

[ross87t]

Originally posted by Two Lane
The foaming cleaners work really well...I usually spray it on at home, drive to car wash, spray on 2nd coat, let it sit for 2-3 min., hit it with the car wash soap , then rinse everything well.

I do not cut the motor from the time I leave home until I get back.
Never any probs. Then, a last "rub-down", & it's done!

HTH

This sounds close to what I do, except, I just rinse the cleaner off @ home w/ the water hose.

After I have rinsed it off, I'll dry my chrome underhood pieces w/ a rag, and let the engine heat dry the rest of the engine compartment.

Last, I'll spray everything(except chrome pieces) down with Black Magic, and wipe the excess away.

Ross

 

[Louie L.]

I dont like foam cleaners from a can cause they always have that solvent like smell. I prefer simple green or Castrol degreaser, not the purple stuff but the plain degreaser. A small brush , preferably a detailing brush for scrubbing.

I once got water in the crank sensor plug and the car wouldnt start , so cover that one up.