4.5 engine cleaning - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

450sl4me · #1 09-13-2003, 12:30 AM

I'd really like to get my engine and engine compartment looking better. It seams that some engines/engine components are more tolerant of water than others. I was thinking of stema cleaning the engine. Is this a good idea to do w/ my 1980 450 sl,or bad, or are there jsut some precautions that I need to take?

Thanks for the advice,

ericdee · #2 09-13-2003, 01:02 AM

I do it, a couple of times each year, turns out great!

ESVIC · #3 09-13-2003, 02:13 AM

What is your procedure for cleaning your engine compartment.. Simple Green...DeGreaser...

:rolleyes Do you use a power washer....garden hose....

450sl4me · #4 09-13-2003, 12:33 PM

Eric,

That looks awesome. What is your technique? Do youjust go down to the local coin-op car wash and let it rip, or something else?

Thanks for the info,

doodah · #5 09-14-2003, 05:35 PM

WOW

That is the cleanest engine compartment I have ever seen! You have to let us know how you do it. If you aren't the original owner was the engine pretty clean when you go the car or did it need a lot of cleaning. IMPRESSIVE!

ericdee · #6 09-14-2003, 05:43 PM

Chris,

Yes that's pretty much what I do. You what to use a motor cleaner the first time to knock it down. Then stay on top of it, hit it with the high presure spray gun at the coin wash a couple of times a year.

Oh and that's not my motor, I just love showing that picture when this topic comes up.

450sl4me · #7 09-14-2003, 11:27 PM

Are there any parts of the engine that you try and avoid getting too wet?

ericdee · #8 09-15-2003, 03:37 PM

Well, I wouldn't make a point at getting too much water on the coil or in the intake. You should be okay, I never seem to have a problem doing this.

DanielG · #9 09-15-2003, 04:42 PM

A buddy of mine keeps the engine running during the spray portion of the cleaning process.

Gregy · #10 09-22-2003, 08:38 AM

Does it some times with a mix of engine degreaser and thinner. Spray it on the engine parts and let it work for 15 min. Then steam all of with a steamer machine. I don't use a high pressure, as older cars weren't engineered to stand the water pressure of these machines. Engine parts are water resistant, but not water proof!!
Photo quality is not best...celphone camera.

yeldogt · #11 09-23-2003, 03:05 PM

I too clean all my cars under the hood -- I use one of the spray products -- they do not smell as bad as they once did and do not try it on a clean driveway.

If it is really dirty you may need to let it sit and or need to do it twice.

I do not need to use them each time -- I let the product do the work then I hose it off W/O a spray on the hose. I then just mix a bucket of regular car wash with wax in it and pour it all over.

I loved the detail products that you could buy up until a few years ago -- they came in a can -- you would put them on after the engine was cleaned and dry.

Does anyone know why these went away!!!

I think most people have trouble when they use too much pressure -- I also think it is best to stay away from the Alternator all the belts and the A/C cluch.

Peyton300TD · #12 10-02-2003, 11:38 PM

I'll try to attach a picture of our engine bay on our SL.

This is what i have found to be the best procedure and easiest.

Go to a coin wash. Spray the engine down with Simple Green. Let it sit for a few minutes. Don't spray on paint!!! Then blast it off with the power washer. Go home, let dry. Once dry spray components down with engine dressing or tire shine.

On the block get Mother's Aluminum polish and use elbow grease. You can get the block looking like chrome if you do it right.

Good luck!

Eric

450sl4me · #13 10-04-2003, 09:11 AM

Eric,

I'd love to see what your engine looks like! Sounds awesome!

I tried going to your website, but no luck. Any ideas.