Engine Cleaning

[sparkie]

I had a few people PM me about how I clean engines. Here it is real simple. This is how I do it, and I'm not saying this is the right way, just the way I do it. If you have a different way post it, I'm always into to learning new tricks....
Have your tools ready.
Brush, powder-puff, APC, soapy water, small sponge, tooth brush and pressure washer with the wide tip.
Spray your engine down with your favorite APC. Use your brushes and soapy water as needed.
Start engine.
Be sure you keep the pressure washer tip about 2-5 feet back. You don't want to screw up any electronics components.
After rinsing everything off, leave the engine running and blow it down with a leaf blower.
When dried cut engine off. Spray your engine down with your favorite silicone spray.
Have fun...Im the MAN

Before

after

 

[nitro78]

well said. most people are just intimidated by it because they have never done it. familiarity breeds confidence.

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

well said. most people are just intimidated by it because they have never done it. familiarity breeds confidence.

Very very true. I've cleaned up and detailed engines on everything from $1500 beaters to $50,000+ luxury and sport automobiles, and by now there's very little that scares me away from doing it.

That's not to say I'm not more nervous with some vehicles than others, but once you learn what to stay away from as much as possible with water on a given engine, it's no big deal.

I also have a tendency to remove any plastic engine covers and the like in order to facilitate more thorough cleaning and dressing without worry of what is around or under them.

 

[akimel]

Thanks for the write-up! Your engine bay looks terrific. :xyxthumbs:

Karl Schultz recently shared his engine detailing method over at the S2K forum. I found his article particularly helpful: S2KI - S2000 Forums -> Karl's take on engine bay detailing.

 

[rohnramirez]

Thank you, very informative! Do you rinse it while the engine is on? doesn't it die cause you've covered the intake?

You don't use a degreaser, just the APC? What's a silicone spray? Sorry about bombarding you with so many questions. I just wanna learn other people's techniques too.

 

[2003 GMC Denali]

Do you also worry about Belt-slippage, because the Silicone-Spray gets on to the Belt-pulleys?

Or is this a non-issue?

 

[detaildave]

Nice work!!!

 

[TroyScherer]

Sparkie,
I have open intake like the K&N in your pic. I know I need to cover th intake up but do you cover or wrap anyhting else like the alternator or spark plug wells? The engine bay is the one area I have yet to tackle with a pressure washer or hose. I have always done parts by hand but never got it to look nearly as nice.

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

Do you also worry about Belt-slippage, because the Silicone-Spray gets on to the Belt-pulleys?

Or is this a non-issue?

I don't know about anyone else but I just keep a can of belt dressing around and give the belts a shot of it with the engine running after I'm done, and before I put the dressing on the rest of the engine.

I usually use CD2 Engine Detailer spray as the dressing.... which is supposed to be pretty much safe regardless.

Also keep in mind that APC is safer than degreaser -- a lot of degreasers can etch paint and even damage some types of metal. I'd stay away from degreasers unless APC won't cut through the crud on something specific you're working with.

 

[Jossy92]

Beautiful!

 

[sparkie]

well said. most people are just intimidated by it because they have never done it. familiarity breeds confidence.

:iagree:

Very very true. I've cleaned up and detailed engines on everything from $1500 beaters to $50,000+ luxury and sport automobiles, and by now there's very little that scares me away from doing it.
That's not to say I'm not more nervous with some vehicles than others, but once you learn what to stay away from as much as possible with water on a given engine, it's no big deal.
I also have a tendency to remove any plastic engine covers and the like in order to facilitate more thorough cleaning and dressing without worry of what is around or under them.

I also agree with that..

Thanks for the write-up! Your engine bay looks terrific. :xyxthumbs:
Karl Schultz recently shared his engine detailing method over at the S2K forum. I found his article particularly helpful: S2KI - S2000 Forums -> Karl's take on engine bay detailing.

Thanks for the link..Nice write up he had...

Thank you, very informative! Do you rinse it while the engine is on? doesn't it die cause you've covered the intake?
You don't use a degreaser, just the APC? What's a silicone spray? Sorry about bombarding you with so many questions. I just wanna learn other people's techniques too.

No problem buddy...Yes I do rinse while the engine is on. Most newer engine are water sealed. I have used purple power 4:1 to clean oilyand bad dirty ones. Duragloss #265 (silicone spray) is made for engines and helps rubber and plastic to last longer.
Duragloss Ultimate Detail Spray (DS) #265

Do you also worry about Belt-slippage, because the Silicone-Spray gets on to the Belt-pulleys?
Or is this a non-issue?

I've never had a problem using DG#265'

Nice work!!!

Thank you bro..

Sparkie,
I have open intake like the K&N in your pic. I know I need to cover th intake up but do you cover or wrap anyhting else like the alternator or spark plug wells? The engine bay is the one area I have yet to tackle with a pressure washer or hose. I have always done parts by hand but never got it to look nearly as nice.

I have never had a problem, if I cover anything up I use aluminum foil to cover up parts I don't want to get wet.

I don't know about anyone else but I just keep a can of belt dressing around and give the belts a shot of it with the engine running after I'm done, and before I put the dressing on the rest of the engine.
I usually use CD2 Engine Detailer spray as the dressing.... which is supposed to be pretty much safe regardless.
Also keep in mind that APC is safer than degreaser -- a lot of degreasers can etch paint and even damage some types of metal. I'd stay away from degreasers unless APC won't cut through the crud on something specific you're working with.

Well said...:iagree:

Beautiful!

Thank you friend...

 

[sparkie]

Duragloss Ultimate Detail Spray #265 is a blend of synthetic silicones in a convenient aerosol spray. It gives a wet look appearance with one easy application. Ultimate Detail Spray works great on tires (black or whitewall), bumpers, moldings, door jams, and AC vents. DS #265 is also a great lubricant that eliminates squeaks, loosens rusted bolts and keeps all rubber parts flexible. DS #265 also restores the new look to engine compartments (hoses, wires, etc.)

Duragloss Ultimate Detail Spray is an instant detailer for exterior trim and moldings. It instantly adds gloss to the most weather-beaten areas of your vehicle with a high gloss synthetic silicone formula. These synthetic silicones bond to the surface of the rubber for a long-lasting, wet-look shine.

Packaged in a convenient aerosol can, Duragloss Ultimate Detail Spray is designed for busy detailers to put a finishing touch on a just-detailed vehicle. Just spray and walk away. The spray requires no buffing or wiping to get a perfect shine on exterior rubber tires and trim.

Regular use of Duragloss Ultimate Detail Spray keeps rubber flexible. Prevent door jambs from drying out and maintain the flexibility of rubber hoses underneath the hood - Duragloss Ultimate Detail Spray does it all.

Duragloss Ultimate Detail Spray doubles as a lubricant so you can finally eliminate that squeaky car door!

Use Duragloss Ultimate Detail Spray #265 for the perfect finishing touch on exterior rubber tires, moldings, bumpers, and trim.

 

[akimel]

Though I have not tried it on my engine bay yet (and probably never will, as I'm stocked up pretty well with CD-2), I have heard good things about Stoner Trim Shine applied to engine bay hoses. Ditto for 303 Protectant. AG carries both products.

 

[rohnramirez]

No problem buddy...Yes I do rinse while the engine is on. Most newer engine are water sealed. I have used purple power 4:1 to clean oilyand bad dirty ones. Duragloss #265 (silicone spray) is made for engines and helps rubber and plastic to last longer.

Thank you for taking time to answer my question. I learned a lot from this thread and will surely try it out soon. Good day.

 

[Carguy09]

Looks Great! It doesn't hurt to spray a product like WD-40 around electrical connections- this helps keep out water. Also - if possible try and use a non silicone treatment since silicone can cause problems with electronicl sensors and wiring.You may also try and wrap the alternator in a plastic bag before cleaning. Just do not forget to remove it once you have sprayed the engine. I keep a small low pressure electric pressure washer for use in engine bays- less chance of blowing wires loose or forcing water where you do not want it penetrating.

 

[jernal024]

:iagree:


I also agree with that..

Thanks for the link..Nice write up he had...

No problem buddy...Yes I do rinse while the engine is on. Most newer engine are water sealed. I have used purple power 4:1 to clean oilyand bad dirty ones. Duragloss #265 (silicone spray) is made for engines and helps rubber and plastic to last longer.
Duragloss Ultimate Detail Spray (DS) #265

I've never had a problem using DG#265'

Thank you bro..

I have never had a problem, if I cover anything up I use aluminum foil to cover up parts I don't want to get wet.

Well said...:iagree:

Thank you friend...

Sparkie, I know this is a lot to ask, but do you think you can make a video of your engine cleaning technique?

or

do you know of a good video that's can help me out?

 

[ph16]

Sparkie, I know this is a lot to ask, but do you think you can make a video of your engine cleaning technique?

or

do you know of a good video that's can help me out?

That's an excellent idea. And great topic Sparkie:dblthumb2:. I don't think I've ever detailed the engine before but now I think I'll try it.

 

[sparkie]

Sparkie, I know this is a lot to ask, but do you think you can make a video of your engine cleaning technique?

or

do you know of a good video that's can help me out?

Maybe something I need to do. I just don't know how to load a video up to youtube.

 

[ph16]

Maybe something I need to do. I just don't know how to load a video up to youtube.

Believe it or not, there are actaully youtube videos about uploading youtube videos.

 

[Spitz_Shine]

Detailing engines is a delicate process as I am sure many of you already know. The last thing any of us wants is to detail an engine for a client and as a result the engine idles erratic or doesn't start at all. I would be happy to share how I detail engines.

1. I always detail engines when they are hot, makes the dirt and grease removal process easier.
2. When in doubt cover it. Alternator, battery, intake, any and all breather filters, spark plug well if there are any.
3. I use Gumout Steam Premium, it has always performed well for me in the past. I apply the degreaser liberally only over the areas that need it. Then with the engine still hot, close the hood and let it sit for about 30 mins, the combination of the heat and degreaser does a great job at breaking down the filth.
4. 30 mins later, pop the hood and ONLY light mist the engine with water, NEVER direct water pressure. There is always going to be some elbow grease involved.
5. When customers request the engine detailing I always inform them it will take extra time. There is no in between with engines, they are either clean or they are not.
If anyone is interested in seeing before and after please go to SPITZSHINE MOBILE AUTO DETAILING - 2 Locations: Killeen, Texas and Bluffton, South Carolina and click on the photo gallery....thanks and happy detailing.