PolishedWorks: Ford F-150 Engine Detail

Kris R

Kris R

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Heres a few shots of an engine I detailed. It wasnt nessisarily that dirty, but definately benefited from a good cleaning.
Amazing Roll off and a scrub brush was used to to clean the grime, rinsed with a high pressure low volume sprayer, dried with a towel and an air compressor, and dressed with Meguiars Hyper dressing. Leaves a nice sheen without the greasy feel.


Before:

After:
Before:
Engine After:
 
Very nice! :xyxthumbs:

How long did it take you? What parts did you cover up when rinsing?
 
Wow! What a difference! The engine in my wife's 2002 suburban needs a good cleaning (as in it's never been cleaned). Is there a "how-to" thread for engine cleaning? I know electrical parts need to be protected, but I'm leary of spraying water in there and damaging something. I actually bought some engine cleaner from Autozone about two months ago, but haven't gotten up the nerve to try it yet. Also, are there any environmental issues I need to be concerned about?
 
Only took about an hour really. This particular engine did not have an easily accessable alternator. That's usually the one part I'll wipe with a rag instead of spray. Most modern vehicles have pretty well insulated and protected wires and boots and unless you are spraying tons of water you're not going to hurt anything. There are always worry worts out there that will be more meticulous and cautious than needed but have you ever had a car shut down after driving through a puddle? Exactly. Water splashes up all over your engine all the time. Even mud.

My advice is let the cleaner soak for a minute or three. Scrub everything you can reach. Then use quick high pressure bursts of the water. MAke sure it's rinsed well. Dry with a cloth then air compressor. I'd let the rest air dry while you do the rest of the car because while washing the water will get in the cracks of the hood and grill anyway.

I've detailed tons of engines over the years. Never had a problem. Use common sense. If in doubt, cover it up with lastic bags.
 
When you say "high pressure bursts of water", are you talking a solid stream from a garden hose, or are you talking pressure washer?
 
If available I'd use a pressure washer. Don't get the nozzel too close to the engine because you could force water into areas you don't want. Instead hold it back about two feet or more so
just the air and the mist is removing the cleaner. Not a lot of water there. Or I'd get a rotary hand nozzel that has all those different settings: shower, mist, stream, fan, etc. I'd use the fan setting. It has a higher psi but low gpm. (pounds of pressure per square inch and gallons per minute. )
 
Thanks Kris. I've got a 3000 psi/2.7 gpm pressure washer. I think I'll start off at least a few feet away and get closer if needed.

Craig
 
clm65 said:
Thanks Kris. I've got a 3000 psi/2.7 gpm pressure washer. I think I'll start off at least a few feet away and get closer if needed.

Craig
Click to expand...

No problem. Just remember to use your fan tip. Let your cleaner and your brush do most of the work. You dont want to use a concentrated stream on the engine.
Cover up anything you may have concerns about, usually the alternator. And try to use just enough water to rinse the cleaner. Its a LOT easier to do with a pressure washer than a garden hose/nozzle combo.

Have fun and post pics!

Oh i forgot to mention...one of my first cars was an 87 lincoln continental and while spraying I got some water in the distributor cap...caused hessitation until I wiped the inside of the cap dry.
 
Nice job there...:dblthumb2:
OK I need to go do mine now...
 
Sparkie, if my memory serves me wasnt it you a few months ago that posted some engine pics and suggested ARO? I could swear it was you. If so thanks!

Its definately a keeper product!
 
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