I am a new member of this site and i would like to know if anyone has suggestiions on how to clean my engine compartment on my 1987 T Type. I just purchased the car three weeks ago. It has 77,000 original miles and is completely stock. I dont think the motor has ever been cleaned though. I am not sure weather to use a garden hose with some type of degreaser because i dont want to get any of the electrical stuff in the motor wet. If anyone has any tips please let me know. Thanks, Brittken
I need advice on how to clean my 87 ttype motor
- Thread starter brittken
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Just cover your alternator with aluminum foil as best you can first.
I have had great results by using Simple Green all purpose cleaner, either 50/50 mix with water or full strength for tougher stains/build-up. Use and old clean windex bottle or equivalent to spray down the entire engine compartment if you want, it won't hurt anything, let is sit for a few minutes, then rinse with a hose. I don't use a nozzle, just let the water run out of the hose.
I do try to avoid direct contact with the ignition module directly behind the intake, wipe it down by hand, but a little overspray won't hurt it.
For the heavy build-up areas, spray again and use an old wash cloth to loosen the dirt, then rinse. Remember to remove the foil, start the car and let the engine warm up to dry itslef while you wipe down the rest of the compartment with old towels. This will prevent water spots on the fender wells etc.
I have had great results by using Simple Green all purpose cleaner, either 50/50 mix with water or full strength for tougher stains/build-up. Use and old clean windex bottle or equivalent to spray down the entire engine compartment if you want, it won't hurt anything, let is sit for a few minutes, then rinse with a hose. I don't use a nozzle, just let the water run out of the hose.
I do try to avoid direct contact with the ignition module directly behind the intake, wipe it down by hand, but a little overspray won't hurt it.
For the heavy build-up areas, spray again and use an old wash cloth to loosen the dirt, then rinse. Remember to remove the foil, start the car and let the engine warm up to dry itslef while you wipe down the rest of the compartment with old towels. This will prevent water spots on the fender wells etc.
Personally, I warm the car a few minutes, shut her off, and spray everything with degreaser. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and pressure wash (car wash) it off. Just dont get too carried away with the coil pack and alternator. So long as your wires are good I'm sure you'll be o.k. This may not be the "recommended" method, but I even do this to customer cars with no damage...yet!
tim87tr
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I clean my engine like that also. To add to that I use hot water also as it seems to get more grime off. I just hook up my hose to the washing machine hot water connection
. Also beware of strong cleaners like the Purple stuff as they will stain the aluminum parts and dull the black parts. After the engine is clean, a couple hours detail cleaning really helps. I have even used thinner on a paper towel to remove some of the grime areas.Once the engine is mostly clean, powdercoating a few key parts really makes a difference. The valve covers and turbo shield are good ones to start with, and then the inlet pipe, TB/Plenum, and solid MAF pipe if you have that.
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