engine cleaning...

[mike561]

Ok so i had my drive axle replaced a few months ago because it was leaking grease and making the car smell real bad whenever it would burn off from the engine, but when that was like that it sprayed all over the engine and under the front of the car too. i was just wondering if its even possible to have the engine cleaned like that and how much it would cost, i know of a place near me that could do it but i wanted to know in advance what i would be dealing with. this is definetly a job i would not want to do myself because i wouldnt want to get water or whatever they use on something that shouldnt have.

[richtazz]

IF you can get to where the grease is, buy some spray degreaser like Gunk Engine Brite and go to a car wash that offers an underbody spray. Spray the greasy areas just prior to going through the car wash (you may have to be sneaky, because they may not appreciate you pre-treating the car in their parking lot) and you may not have to go to a detail place. Many places offer a steam cleaning service, but I have no idea what they charge. Whatever you do, don't use a spray bay high pressure wand, as they can cut wires, dislodge injectors, etc... and cause more problems.

[mike561]

oh ok, so basicly a good car wash/detail place can do that then? i could get the degreaser spray at an auto parts store im sure too then?

[richtazz]

yes, a good detail shop would offer a underhood steam cleaning/detailing service. The spray degreaser is available at any auto parts store, and is only a couple bucks per can.

[jimmyv-21]

i agree with rich- just use a good degreaser. i have done my motor twice with no problems. if you want to make it real pretty, you can use the "engine detailer" which is right next to the degreaser at AZ. it is like armor all for under the hood and makes it look beautiful. especially with todays motors having so much plastic and rubber under the hood- i have gotten compliments that my motor looks brand new.

[mike561]

yeah ill look around town for a good place then, i have seen people with their under hood all shiney, when i bought this car it actually had that on the engine and it looked pretty good.

[richtazz]

Be careful with underhood shine products, as they are mostly silicone based and can get into delicate electrical components and make the belt slip too. Use them sparingly and you won't have a problem, don't make it look like you set off a Shiny grenade, slammed the hood and ran,

[rbsteve]

Howdy,

Its been a lil while...

On the same note, its winter up here in Montreal and recently ive noticed alot of salt build up inside my engine compartment. All the spray from the road gets in there and coats everything. What is the best way to give my engine a regular clean, without worrying about degreasing anything. Ive seen some garages just take a pressure washer to it, which seems like a terrible idea. There is alot of stuff under the hood i dont really want to get wet, but i think its worse to leave a layer of salt on there.

Thanks for the help

Steve