engine cleaning

[82KnightRider]

My engine is covered in all the crud my leaky power steering unit has left behind.I was wondering if anybody has good advice for the best way to clean an engine and what precautions I should take?

[CreepingDeath94]

Is it carburated? You can use that engine degreaser like Gunk brand or something initially. Just make sure when you rinse it off, you cover the distributor and carb and anything that will be harmed by direct water spray on/in it. Also be carefull not to spray the engine degreaser on any sensors or electronics that may be harmed. After that, just wipe by hand whats left...if you want showroom clean engine compartment that is...otheriwse the degreaser and rinse will be enough.

[82KnightRider]

my car is carbed and I have used gunk before but my friend told me to spray it on and then rinse off with the hose.I was to scared to use the hose so I did not attempt it.So the trick is patience and a shit load of rags.

[CreepingDeath94]

The hose is ok, just be carefull what you spray.

[Philo]

Originally Posted by 82KnightRider

My engine is covered in all the crud my leaky power steering unit has left behind.I was wondering if anybody has good advice for the best way to clean an engine and what precautions I should take?

You should also make sure the engine is warm (but not hot - let it sit 10 minutes or so before starting to clean), and use warm water if you can. With a warm engine, if you do happen to get water into something, it will probably dry out from the heat.

[82KnightRider]

I do want it show room clean,but wut happens if water gets in the area where the spark plugs go in?Do I need to cover that area? thanks

[82KnightRider]

Also,when I use the hose do I need to hold my thumb in front of it to give more power OR will little water flow with no thumb work fine?

[hotrod_chevyz]

be careful using gunk.I used it and my headlights havent gone up and down since.either the high pressure spray,or the chemicals messed them up.they worked perfectly,till i cleaned the engine compartment....(yells "them bastards")

[hotrod_chevyz]

i had just put a shining new engine in it,and had it detailed.Then i noticed to meself"dang this engine compartment looks like crap next to the new motor.So i gunked it three or four times...and sprayed it with a high pressure sprayer at work that can literally peel paint on the right setting....(yells "them bastards")

[hotrod_chevyz]

use your thumb and make sure to get all the chemicals off....but stay away from the headlights man,do yourself a favor...

[82KnightRider]

Im going to cover the distributor,battery,alt,headlights, and spray away.Is their anything else important that needs to be covered that I dont know about?

[hotrod_chevyz]

i would cover the windshield wiper motor,and cruise control system,and keep the water off places that dont need it.take your battery out of the car before you startthe project(for safety),You should find a relay hiding behind the battery,mounted to the back side of the radiator support.Protect that relay from the cleaners and the moisture.clean on and around where the battery goes.put some cardboard in your floorboard,and spray down the firewall good.after your done check the cardboard for waterspots.Let the engine cool before you put the cleaner on.let the cleaner sit twice as long as it says.Be sure to get all the cleaner removed.thats about all i got

[82KnightRider]

If I spray the cleaner and let it do its thing even chunks of crud will disinigrate and wash away with the hose?

[hotrod_chevyz]

not really.wipe it all down and get off the heavy buildup off first.

[82KnightRider]

once I get the heavy build up with gunk and by hand,Ill spray all the light build up remaining on the engine with gunk and after I let it sit awhile the light build up will wash away with the hose?