What is the easiest way to clean the engine in my car while it is still in the car?

 

Pressure wash.

 

what do i need to do

 

are you NOT running a power steering belt?? thats gotta be tough.

 

Just go to your local car wash that has pressure washers and spray into your engine bay. Just make sure to bag your alternator.
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...=pressure+wash

 

Actually I find that the only hard part of no PS is when im not moving, but a lil strong arming is fine if you want the extra space and engine power. But yes, take the car to the car wash and use the engine cleaner and then the high pressure rinse. Ive done it several times, its best to let the cleaner soak first.

 

My car doesn't have power steering. I like it.

Power steering would be nice when I'm on the phone or eating something... but that's about it. At that point, I just wish I had an autopilot button!

 

how do you guys get the black plastic like the fan shroud and intake to shine?

 

the plastic is easy, a lil armoral makes it shine perfectly.

 

thanks and the power steering pump is done

 

but in the intake hose it more like absorbs it and turns back dingey it doesnt ever shine, or is that just not gonna happen?

 

I've been thinking about cleaning up my engine bay as well, but I was thinking more along the lines of using a steam cleaner.

https://www.rx7club.com/showpost.php...74&postcount=6

https://www.rx7club.com/showpost.php...4&postcount=10

Good / bad idea?

-Twofer

 

You are potentially asking for trouble with a gas powered pressure washer. Even at the widest spray you will be forcing H20 where you do not want it. If you are going to try at least cover the altinator, ignotors, and stuff something in the air intake.

What I have done twice, is bring the car to an auto detailing shop. They first spray with a degreeser and use power washers that have the pressure set below the some 1700+ psi that comes with a home washer and they air blow it dry. Mine have never failed to fire after such a cleaning. I have been more than pleased with the results. It has never cost me more than $25.00. You have eliminated the hassle, getting soaked, the driveway covered with crap and the likehood of water soaked electrical connects.

 

Water hose, car wash soap stuff, spray can of engine cleaner stuff that smells like oranges, mother's mag wheel cleaner, toothbrush, wire brush, other brushes, back to black, elbow grease.... pull parts to get to areas that are hard to reach and go at it.

 

Soak that engine with full strength Grease lightning or Simple green, let it sit for about 5 minutes or so and then hook up a hose to your hot water heater and go at itwith a brush.

 

No! Never!

Pressure washers force water into places it should not go. The FC is an old car, and as such many of the electrical connectors are not water tight. Spraying high pressure water forces moisture into those areas. Also, it is very bad for the bearings in the engine accessories, forces water in between metal seams (rust), causes great stress on rubber parts, can tear off paint, and cause many other problems.

If you want to degrease/clean, you need to put in some effort. Get degreaser (Castrol Super Clean is my favourite, just don't leave it on aluminium too long) and a set of brushes, and go to work. Rinse with a GENTLE STREAM of water from above. Once you get it degreased, you can then wash it from now on with regular car soap.

Putting Armor All on looks good in the short term, but in the long term attracts lots of dust and crud.

 

This is what I did, took an old soft sponge that has almost a rough side (note I said ALMOST) it's enough to get off grim on the car, sprayed Orange Degreaser off by GUNK onto the pad and went to town in parts of the engine bay that I could see, then took my old grease rag that I usually use to change the oil that's been used for the past ten years and wiped off any dirt.

Engine bay looks brand new now!

 

any tips on painting the engine bay? my friend has a vey small spray gun i wanna use. i know the best way is to pull the mototr but, just to paint it, no thanks. i guess the only way is to grab a few roles of tape form the hardware store and start tapeing. man do i need to clean this bay out

 

Short of pulling the motor and removing everything attached in the engine bay and then painting it, I don't think there is another way to do it right. You can try, but it might not come out looking very good.

 

Oooh pretty.

 

You should see the Turbo's bay now, it's even nicer!

 

I'll see it at the Zoo... after I change your oil. (Inside joke... sorry guys. LOL)