what is the best method to clean an engine

[fredsegal]

compartment. I have always heard steam cleaning is not so good for the rubber and electrical parts.

[BoomInTheTrunk]

get like 3 cans of cheap engine degreaser and go to a car wash that has the pressure hose. spray the cleaner on the engine let the engine just be warm to the touch so it may take a while to cool. then spray the cleaner on then let sit, then shoot with the water. after that go home and do the fine details. believe it or not but wooden furniture polish like pledge works great on plastics and because it keeps the dust off the wood it does the came for all the plastics. stay away from all electrical with the water stream if possible.

[Dee8go]

You haven't had any problem with the degreaser deteriorating your rubber parts? I used to use it, but it seemed to cause the rubber to dry out and crack.

[karburn]

Before you head for the coin-op wash: http://autopia.org/forum/guide-detai...detailing.html

[JMURiz]

Great link, thanks!
I have have to give these techniques a try my self this spring.

[BenzGang]

make sure its okay with the car wash place too, the owners get PISSED when they seeing you degrease youur car.

[karburn]

I was spared the degreasing chore when I took my newly purchased 87 560SL in for service. The previous owner had not been that attentive, and the guys at my dealership actually scolded me for letting it get dirty and did the clean up for me!

[speace]

I have always used "Gunk" to degrease my engines, but the "Original" product leaves the car smelling like kerosene for several days. I have switched to Gunk's "Improved" foamy product that contains citrus. The citrus scent goes away very quickly and it seems to work well.

For small spots I use Autozone brand "Brake Parts Cleaner." That stuff will take out almost anything including insects.

Yes, I use it on insects in the house because it leaves no residue. It smells pretty strong for about 5 minutes but dissipates very well and is cheaper than Raid...

[Dee8go]

Originally Posted by speace

I have always used "Gunk" to degrease my engines, but the "Original" product leaves the car smelling like kerosene for several days. I have switched to Gunk's "Improved" foamy product that contains citrus. The citrus scent goes away very quickly and it seems to work well.

For small spots I use Autozone brand "Brake Parts Cleaner." That stuff will take out almost anything including insects.

Yes, I use it on insects in the house because it leaves no residue. It smells pretty strong for about 5 minutes but dissipates very well and is cheaper than Raid...

No problems with deteriorating rubber parts?

[speace]

Originally Posted by Dee8go

No problems with deteriorating rubber parts?

I don't clean my engines on a regular basis, but I haven't noticed any unusual deterioration. After all, two of my cars are over 15 years old, and some deterioration would be normal, no?

[Dee8go]

Sure, but I asked because I have used engine degreaser in the past that rapidly deteriorated rubber parts, some of which were almost new. I don't know too much about the citrus-based stuff. I know they make paint stripper that is also citrus-based.

[pop & blow]

What I use is simple Green it disolves grease on the engines very well ,I use it wis a preasure washer not steam you can buy simple green in the gallon jug and it is a consentrate will not harm anything and it is not poisonious, and will not eat away your rubber parts, I use it in my parts cleaner too, works great.

[junqueyardjim]

I puled the engine out of one of my cars this fall and I heard that oven cleaner works well. Turns that grease into a degradeable go that I blew with the hose into the grass. I was quite pleased with the results. I think about 3 or 4 sprays cans will really do the job. Spray it on, let it sit in the hot sun for a an hour and wash it off. Works good!

[Dee8go]

Seems like I've heard of other people using oven cleaner, too, now that you mention it.

[aublutiger]

I ran across this on the net last year...i've been doing it ever since...it is crazy how easy it is after you get the first cleaning done....every couple of months I spend 15 minutes and it looks brand new... the web link is http://www.1017.org/nsx/Enginetrick/EngineTrick.htm

I did almost exactly per that site, but used simple green starting out, then the foaming tire spray that was on sale that week at the local autozone.....just make sure you cover everything up that you do not want water coming in contact with...but was so easy, esp now that it is just maintaining it....