ThrillRide
Member
- :
- Truck
Posted this for my local buddies and thought you all might like it:
I don't do many engines since there is a large amount of liability involved. I will do them if people sign a waiver. But I'll share my ideas if you want them
My process:
1. Begin with a slightly warm engine so all gunk is loose
2. Use compressed air to remove any loose dirt or junk.
3. Put baggies over all electrical, distributor, sparks etc. Aluminum foil works great too because you can mold it around anything you don't want to get wet
4. I use P21s total auto wash. I really don't think you can find a better/safer degreaser on the market (it is also safe for the environment
). You can buy the S100 version for bikes at any Harley store. Will save you much cash and it is the same product under a different label. There are a lot of products out there, but this one is safe and has many uses. Spray down the areas you want clean and let it sit for a few minutes.
5. Scrub all areas with a soft brush. I use a horse hair brush. Tooth brush works great too for tight spots.
6. Hose it down with a hard stream.
7. Towel dry areas that need it. Use compressed air or the blow function on your shop vac to remove all water. Remove the baggies or foil and start your engine to help aid in the drying process. Continue to blow dry if needed.
8. If you feel like more cleaning is needed use a detail spray and spray and wipe as needed. Once it is dry and cool treat all rubber and plastic with a protectant. I use 303 aerospace protectant. It is awesome, but use whatever you like. I just don't recommend the cheap over the counter greasy products (don't use anything that is a petroleum base product either). There are also some products out there that are spray on and walk away products for cleaing and protecting your engine bay. Google if you are interested.
9. Make sure you didn't get any degreasor or protectant on your paint. If so clean it off ASAP.
10. Enjoy!
Seriously you need to be carefull when cleaning your engine bay. You can really hurt your car if not carefull. So use my process if you want but remember its just the way I do it and only suggestions. Use at your own risk. Sorry have to throw that in
.
I don't do many engines since there is a large amount of liability involved. I will do them if people sign a waiver. But I'll share my ideas if you want them
My process:
1. Begin with a slightly warm engine so all gunk is loose
2. Use compressed air to remove any loose dirt or junk.
3. Put baggies over all electrical, distributor, sparks etc. Aluminum foil works great too because you can mold it around anything you don't want to get wet
4. I use P21s total auto wash. I really don't think you can find a better/safer degreaser on the market (it is also safe for the environment

5. Scrub all areas with a soft brush. I use a horse hair brush. Tooth brush works great too for tight spots.
6. Hose it down with a hard stream.
7. Towel dry areas that need it. Use compressed air or the blow function on your shop vac to remove all water. Remove the baggies or foil and start your engine to help aid in the drying process. Continue to blow dry if needed.
8. If you feel like more cleaning is needed use a detail spray and spray and wipe as needed. Once it is dry and cool treat all rubber and plastic with a protectant. I use 303 aerospace protectant. It is awesome, but use whatever you like. I just don't recommend the cheap over the counter greasy products (don't use anything that is a petroleum base product either). There are also some products out there that are spray on and walk away products for cleaing and protecting your engine bay. Google if you are interested.
9. Make sure you didn't get any degreasor or protectant on your paint. If so clean it off ASAP.
10. Enjoy!
Seriously you need to be carefull when cleaning your engine bay. You can really hurt your car if not carefull. So use my process if you want but remember its just the way I do it and only suggestions. Use at your own risk. Sorry have to throw that in

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