How to clean engine???

Who here cleans their engine......because I have not a clue on what to do.....:confused:

get a pressure wash:apuke:

well last week I tried using engine brite...it worked...I used alittle bit of it since I heard Nissans are sensitive on the electonics.....it worked very well...got to watch out for the air filter, distributor, head cover where the plug wires sit and some other electrical stuff....cover them up with a plastic bag before you do it...and make sure you do it when your engine is cold....after your done you have to idle your engine for like 15minutes or so....so the water evaporates or something...I saw my headers smoking but it was because of the water...you will see steam for awhile

Originally posted by G20RIDER
Who here cleans their engine......because I have not a clue on what to do.....:confused:

http://www.se-r.net/car_info/clean/detail_engine.html

another very good tip I learned from another list member is to use compressed air to get the dust and crud out before you use any type of liquid, makes it much easier to get everything clean. If you have an air compressor this is especially easy. Also, if you do this everyonce in a while by itself, it helps keep the dust from building up and turning into crud in your engine bay.

Another method that Mike Kojima uses involves using a paint brush with whatever detergent you prefer, and brushing the surfaces with the detergent to help separate dirt from the surface. He then just sprays it off with a hose.

I've used a garden sprayer (the kind you pump up) filled with water. I also have a sprayer that attaches to my compressor that works well. I've found without the physical contact to free the dirt from the surface, mere pressure washing still leaves dirt.

Is there anything better than just old fashioned elbow grease? I've tried motor cleaners, simple green, car wash, etc... just to try and get the crud off everything. however, everytime I notice the I get the best results by just scrubbing and wiping everything down by hand. Is there anything that is strong enough to break the stuff up, but not too strong as to hurt the electronics or the plastic components? I'm guessing simple green, as i've had the best luck with that so far. thanks

I use simple green, just spray it a few times and give it a scrub.
Don't get the rocker cover full of water like I did.
It takes a while but its the best you can do. I've used a pressure wash before they aren't a good idea, that is how you get water in the elec's.
You could just take out the engine..:bloated:

The only thing I've found that cleans without scrubbing is Berryman's carb cleaner. But you want to be very careful what you use that on.

Otherwise, Simple Green and a brush, followed by clear water seems to work the best for me.

Mike Kojima uses Motul Moto Wash.

You probably don't have access to it, but steam cleaning (high pressure steam) works real well.

we do here in the UK (steam cleaning) tis the best.... there are plenty of garages that do it and the average cost here is between £10-£15....well worth it.....:D

Originally posted by cracker196
You probably don't have access to it, but steam cleaning (high pressure steam) works real well.

Be aware that steam cleaning can make wiring harnesses brittle. Just an FYI.

It does work wonderfully though.