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- 02.5 mp5
best way to clean the engine good
- Thread starter wagonwhatmp5
- Start date
I highly suggest polishing the heat shield (please don't paint it...) and putting it back on 
AbsoluteSwed
Member
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- Protege 5
either that or a OBX which will also help in the power department as well as looks. the cast iron showing doesnt cut it
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- 02.5 mp5
well lets see if al goes well b4 xmas the engine bat will have a few added goodies such as a custom turbo manifold witha big 16g turbo and custom hardpipes with 2 extra injector and ........the new lines for my nx kit lol no more all show and no go bs
Mr Detailer
Member
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- 99 Protege LX 5spd
I just clean engines by hand. I use ordinary car soap and warm water. Take a cheap microfiber towel, wipe everything down, then take a clean microfiber towel and dry everything. Polish metal parts with Mothers Mag/Aluminum Polish. Dress all plastic/rubber with any protectant. I've used 303, NXT Tech Protectant, Poorboy's Natural Look, and several others.
Works for me...
My engine before/after:
Friend's engine before/after:
Dad's van engine before/after
Works for me...
My engine before/after:
Friend's engine before/after:
Dad's van engine before/after
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I thought I was good, but Mr Detailer you are the buffmaster. Those engines look great. All by hand too. Well worth the effort.
I usually just rinse it off and use Meguiar's car wash on my engine. Some Barkeepers Friend on a sponge will shine the aluminum and get rid of any stains. Dry the engine off right away. WD-40 works good on the underhood rubber hoses and lubricates any moving parts. Wipe away any excess or overspray.
I usually just rinse it off and use Meguiar's car wash on my engine. Some Barkeepers Friend on a sponge will shine the aluminum and get rid of any stains. Dry the engine off right away. WD-40 works good on the underhood rubber hoses and lubricates any moving parts. Wipe away any excess or overspray.
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1. Cover any electrical wires that are exposed and anything you think water shouldn't get into it.
2. Warm up the car but not HOT. Warm enough so your hand can touch it..
3. Get Autoglym Engine and Machine Cleaner (I've found out it worked the best over any other products, very abrasive) and spray them on the engine bay.
4. Let it sit for about a minute and scrub with a toothbrush or any brush kind
5. Rinse it with water hose but with light water and not strong water.
6. Repeat the above steps if necessary.
Drying:
1. Get a can of air blower (The one you use to blow dust for computer) and blow any excess water out of crevices.
3. Wipe it clean with a towel.
4. Dress it with any polish or protectants. Although, I'm not a big fan of polish/protectant since I never pop my hood to/for anybody.
In terms of cleaners, there are other products such as P21S and 303, but I found Autoglym works nicely.
Here's an idea of what should be covered. I'm using stock engine as an exmaple because I don't know what kind of mods people have on their car, but the idea is the same.
2. Warm up the car but not HOT. Warm enough so your hand can touch it..
3. Get Autoglym Engine and Machine Cleaner (I've found out it worked the best over any other products, very abrasive) and spray them on the engine bay.
4. Let it sit for about a minute and scrub with a toothbrush or any brush kind
5. Rinse it with water hose but with light water and not strong water.
6. Repeat the above steps if necessary.
Drying:
1. Get a can of air blower (The one you use to blow dust for computer) and blow any excess water out of crevices.
3. Wipe it clean with a towel.
4. Dress it with any polish or protectants. Although, I'm not a big fan of polish/protectant since I never pop my hood to/for anybody.
In terms of cleaners, there are other products such as P21S and 303, but I found Autoglym works nicely.
Here's an idea of what should be covered. I'm using stock engine as an exmaple because I don't know what kind of mods people have on their car, but the idea is the same.
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I personally use a degreaser first, let it soak for 5 min or so (i only spray the degreaser on the sides and around components, not on the engine itself). Then I use my trusty pail with hot water and car soap, a soft rag and the main tool of attack - a baby's toothbrush (which is very small to get into nooks and hard to reach areas + the bristles are incredibly soft so they won't scratch).
edit: oh and of course once i dry everything off, i have to break out a little chrome polish
I clean my engine once every month or so and it's pretty clean
edit: oh and of course once i dry everything off, i have to break out a little chrome polish
I clean my engine once every month or so and it's pretty clean
Mr Detailer
Member
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- 99 Protege LX 5spd
Looks great Woofer! A perfect example that with regular maintenance, an engine can stay looking great forever. People are often afraid to take the time to clean it good the first time, but the longer they wait, the harder it will be to get it looking good.
