Engine Cleaning

[zach.rowe1]

I have a 1971 dodge dart coming up in a week and i was wondering what kinda of precautions should i take when cleaning the engine? What are the steps i should take?

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[Romans5.8]

For starters, make sure to cover the distributor cap and carb. If it were me I would take the air cleaner assembly off, clean it seperately, and wrap the carb in plastic. Again, be real careful of that distributor cap. Some of those are real finnicky and that thing won't start if it's even a little wet.

 

[dcjredline]

Yeah compared to newer direct ignition cars where you don't have to worry too much, the older cars distributors are very sensitive. The distributor cap is the place all the spark plug wires come from (looks like a spider or Octopus) If the car wont start after youll have to let it sit or if you know what youre doing with one spray some WD40 on the cap or may even have to take it apart and dry it out.

 

[Romans5.8]

Yeah compared to newer direct ignition cars where you don't have to worry too much, the older cars distributors are very sensitive. The distributor cap is the place all the spark plug wires come from (looks like a spider or Octopus) If the car wont start after youll have to let it sit or if you know what youre doing with one spray some WD40 on the cap or may even have to take it apart and dry it out.

The old trick was always WD-40 but WD-40 has a nasty habit of attracting dirt and dust. Then gumming up the distributor, causing missing and other nasty stuff. I always just dabbed some alcohol on the contacts after blowing with air or drying with a towel. At least, I always felt like that was a better way. Accomplish the same goal (eliminate the water) while cleaning it, instead of making it dirtier.

My $0.02.

 

[damaged442]

I cover the cap and carb well. Plastic grocery bags work pretty good for that. You can also cover the alternator, that won't hurt. Be careful when you spray anything, don't use too much pressure. Now post up some pics of that Dart!!