frstgen12a

Everytime I work on my car I get annoyed at the grease buildup on the bottom half/sides. has any one been successful in cleaning this off - What product did you use, I was thinking of steaming it off but want more options.

The_7

ive heard simple green works very well but ive never used it myself

Wankelguy

Steam cleaning works the best, but I've gotten good results hosing everything down with Gunk non-foaming engine cleaner, then spraying it off with the high-pressure sprayer down at the local DIY car wash.
I cover the aircleaner inlet with a plastic bag and a rubber band, as well as the distributor.

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

Ah, you're talking about the oil and dust buildup. At first I thought you may have had a little too much enthusiasm during a wheel bearing job.

BIG J MIXALOT

alot of stuff would

BIG J MIXALOT

simple green worked good

pratch

I've used the purple stuff degreaser. It does extremely well, however it is known to be caustic to aluminum if allowed to sit. So use carefully and rinse thoroughly

cheers.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

degraeser and simple green work great! gunk engine brite works pretty good. and as stated above, make sure you cover your vitals.

Rotofire

I sprayed down the nasty area with a generic engine degreaseer and then used a dental water pic to blast most of it off. Man, my mom was p!$$ed

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

I've used the Pyroil engine degreaser and like it because it stinks less than the gunk brand and therefore I can bring the washed parts into my garage and not be overwhelmed with fumes.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

the gunk does smell like viscious oranges filled with gasoline.

ioTus

iTrader: (5)

"Electric Parts & Brake Cleaner" from NAPA works GREAT, so does PB Blaster (which is an anti seize penetrating oil)

Wankelguy

lol, that's the smell of CLEANING POWER!

I tried the simple green stuff and was disappointed. Same with Castrol super clean.
Environmentally friendly=wimpy
Toxic as hell=Cleaning POWER!

ioTus

iTrader: (5)

Yeah i like the stuff that after i'm done cleaning, my hands hurt for days due to the toxic gases and greases soaking into my skin.

You know the engine is clean when you have taken off 5 layers of skin, too.

theweasel

Castrol super clean turns aluminum white. Looks like pooh! I used simple green, topped with carb clean and a pressure washer.

BigJim

If im gonna powerwash the hell outta my engine bay, could covering the air intake, and removing the battery be enough? Water cant cause any electrical damage to circuits or anythign if theres not electricity goin through them can it?

Wankelguy

I'd cover the distributor, too.
And don't spray directly into any electrical connectors or boxes, of course.
I usually drive down to the DIY carwash and then spray the Gunk on while the motor is still warm, not too hot.
Then while the stuff works, I clean my wheels with Eagle1 etching mag wheel cleaner. (I have the stock uncoated SA waffle wheels, this stuff isn't safe for coated wheels) When I'm done with the wheels, I fire up the pressure wash and hose the heck out of the engine bay, then the wheels.
Only time I've had a problem was with my old Courier when a little water got in the distributor. Wiped out the cap and let it dry for a few minutes and it fired up.

Aviator 902S

There's some silicon-based coating that you can spray onto your coils, distributor and wiring prior to degreasing your engine that will protect it from the water as you clean the engine bay. Works better than plastic, which leaves more grime behind since it covers more of it.
$5 per spray can and one can is all you need. Ditto for the can of Gunk degreaser.

Buy both and then once you get to the DIY car wash park the car for an hour while the engine cools to a safe temp. (hang out at Subway or whatever is close to pass the time while this happens).
Then spray your wiring, distributor and coils with the silicon. Wait five minutes for this to dry, then spray the entire can of Gunk onto the engine, making sure tha grimiest portions receive the largest dose.
Let this sit for another five minutes.
Now pull your car into the wash bay and shut it down so that it runs for as little time as possible.
Spray entire engine bay down with water leaving nothing behind.
Viola--- you're done.
I've never had an electrical problem or fire problem with this procedure, but the first time I tried it I skipped the silicon protectant step. Saved $5 but car wouldn't start after--- the water was causing arcing on my coils. Had to wait for it to dry off.
Moral of story: Spring $5 for the silicon protectant.

KehoeAutomotive

Just don't drive the car or run the engine after you have cleaned it so it won't build up again!!!


I do LOVE the water Pick idea!!!! LOL!!!!!