engine cleaning

[99blackclipse]

i want to clean my engine because it looks horrible with all the dust and stuff. So id like to know what i should do, cover, buy any kind of cleaning stuff?, i dont know its my first time cleaning it.

thanks

[Thunderstruck]

cover the distributer wiring...and anything that has exposed wires...leave motor COOL...do not let it get warm...there is engine degreaser that u can buy, but make sure that if you have any hand painted parts that u have done, do not use it on them or it will strip the paint...

let it sit after applying for about 15 minutes depending on how nasty the motor is...but hose the motor off 1st and look and see how bad it really is...is its just dust and not really grease...u might be able to get away with cleaning it by another way...

what i have done is with just a dusty motor, is just use touchless tire cleaner...what it does is not only cleans, but also shines up the motor...avoid spraying degreaser, or tire shine ont he belts also, cause that will cause them to either crack quicker or cause them to squeal like a mofo......thats about it...

[steph]

simple green works well. my gm cars allow me to just spray everything/anything with high pressure water, you should cover the distributor with plastic bag, like suggested. and be careful around connectors and stuff. if you have a K&N or oiled filter be careful or cover it also.

[99blackclipse]

thanks!

but, already cleaned it friday

[Thunderstruck]

how did you do it?...any of my suggestions help ya out?

[erics95se]

i'd recommend only use simple green as it's not going to harm the environment, won't harm painted/coated surfaces, and is just as tough as anything else out there. then i top everything off with a mist over everything of regular tire shine, wiping off painted surfaces (ie strutbar, shock towers, battery)

when you're doing the car under the hood, it's a good idea to leave the motor running as it is going to keep components such as your alternator dry

you don't need to really bag anything with plastic unless you've got something like an exposed filter.

i've got a stock air ductwork assembly, so it won't hurt getting a little water in as it drains before it goes through the intake tube.

don't spray at any electrical components directly

[MonkeyKarma]

I usually just go to the Car wash and spray it with the engine cleaner setting. It does a great job if it is caked on for just show cleaning well then I think the rest of the tips are good.

[kartl]

hmmm cover all electrical thingy like distributor, spark plug, fuse box, starter and alternator then after that it would be safe.