Cleaning the Engine - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bigfredb · #1 06-03-2008, 12:06 PM

After the oil cooler line went bad in my 83 300SD, I have oil EVERYWHERE in the engine compartment. I want to clean the oil off everything, but I have never done that before. I checked into steam cleaning, but the places want an arm and a leg to do it.

So just a couple of questions as to how I would DIY:

- What is the best cleaner to use?
- Any 'gotchas' that I need to know about?
- Any tips/directions/etc?

babymog · #2 06-03-2008, 12:10 PM

Simple Green Max. Available at Autozone et al.

vstech · #3 06-03-2008, 12:18 PM

ok, here is what I did...

take the air cleaner off.

put tape around the motor mounts... unless of course they are the reason for the bad cooler lines... then don't worry about it.

put tape over the turbo inlet.

put a plastic bag over the brake MC and the electrical doo dads on the drivers fender...
now spray liberally the entire engine bay with foaming engine degreaser, or use simple green if you wanna be eco friendly, but it will take longer.
let it soak in, brush on the heavy areas with a wheel brush, next get a pressure washer and clear it all away.

franklynb · #4 06-03-2008, 12:29 PM

I like/have had good results with the purple "industrial degreasing soap" sold in five gallon pails at home depot.

HD also carries a $15 "pressure wand" used with air pressure. It has a siphon spigot for soap. A pressure washer is best used to remove the sludge.

I find it easier to clean critical tight spots without having them hammered by water pressure, like gasket edges and wiring.
The air pressure/soap pressure wand is just easier to modulate, enabling short blasts of soapy foam as a scrubbing agent.

I've used the citrus stuff, more eco-friendly; but the real eco issue is WHERE you dispose of the sludge, not which de-greaser you use.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigfredb

So just a couple of questions as to how I would DIY:

- What is the best cleaner to use?
- Any 'gotchas' that I need to know about?
- Any tips/directions/etc?

JimmyL · #5 06-03-2008, 12:31 PM

I go to the carwash and use the "engine cleaner" setting. Works really well...
No way I could do it at the house with all that gunk going all over the driveway or rocked parking area.

H-townbenzoboy · #6 06-03-2008, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

I go to the carwash and use the "engine cleaner" setting. Works really well...

Same here. I just make sure not to hit the IP directly with a stream of water. The carwash is about 2 mi away from me, so it's not completely warmed up by the time I get there anyway.

compu_85 · #7 06-03-2008, 12:44 PM

Be careful, simple green attacks aluminum.

-Jason

jt20 · #8 06-03-2008, 01:00 PM

^^ and steel after prolonged exposure

VegStew · #9 06-03-2008, 02:18 PM

With that much oil, you should have it professionally done. All that oil is gonna go down the drain...Literally. Bad for the water.

Think of the fishes man...

vstech · #10 06-03-2008, 02:34 PM

actually, the carwash uses recyclers to settle out the oil and they reuse both the water and the soap... nothing goes down the drain.

bigfredb · #11 06-03-2008, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

I go to the carwash and use the "engine cleaner" setting. Works really well...
No way I could do it at the house with all that gunk going all over the driveway or rocked parking area.

Unfortunately, they took away that setting when they 'remodeled' our local DIY wash place.

bigfredb · #12 06-03-2008, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VegStew

With that much oil, you should have it professionally done. All that oil is gonna go down the drain...Literally. Bad for the water.

Think of the fishes man...

Absolutely, I am all for the fishes!!

MBeige · #13 06-03-2008, 07:23 PM

If you have open vacuum lines, plug them first. Make sure the dipstick is all the way in, and the brake reservoir cap is tightened down. Otherwise, and after following the advice above, hose it down (gently).

And if your hood pad is deteriorating, now would be a good time to hose it down too. Just be careful that the power from the pressure washer doesn't force the hood into the windshield if done in the upright position.

Have fun (and post pics)

Jeremy5848 · #14 06-03-2008, 07:56 PM

If you have (or need an excuse to buy) a power washer, run it if possible on hot water, it will clean better. Don't get the spray nozzle too close to gaskets or seals. I have heard that high-pressure water can penetrate into the engine. Another option would simply be a garden hose connected to the hot water supply.

However . . .

The fish comments are valid. Consider using the car wash, where the oil and crud are captured and the water is reused.

Jeremy