I think I have cleaning the inside of the engine handled - Chem Dip for the rotors, carb cleaner for the intakes (amazing how well it works - 16 years of baked on junk just washes away), etc.

For the outside of the engine, what's the best way to clean it? I have a wire wheel, but it looks like it'll leave long "brush marks" on the parts. What's the best way to get all the crud off?

Also, while things are apart, what are some other things that can be done to make the engine bay look better? I'm removing the emissions stuff, and was debating painting the engine (Rotary Resurrection style) & accessories (6th port actuators, etc). I'm planning to get a stainless steel clutch line, at some point.

Suggestions?

-=Russ=-

 

i seen very good results from simple green looked brand new and i mean new ill search for the thread ill post it if i can find it

 

A good thing I accomplished when my engine was out was to unwrap, inspect, and rewrap most of the harness runs I could get to. I removed maybe two pounds of useless, optional equipment wiring, cleaned up all the connectors & grounds, & used blue colored electrical tape to rewrap everything (matches the car now )...Also sanded & painted all the little rust spots down on the frame rail...I just used Windex to clean everything up, & acetone for the really heavy grime (don't let it sit on the paint too long!)

 

found it https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...d+simple+green

 

Last time I was cleaning under the hood I used this Greased Lightning automotive degreaser (not the same stuff you buy at a supermarket) and it did wonders, the crap just came right off with just a wipe of a rag. If you really want the bling though, you'll need something to polish and shine the stuff though. I don't care bout that though.

I've also had some pretty good results using Armor All tire shine on the rubber parts too. Oddly, I hate using that on the actual tires, but it works pretty well on the hoses, just be careful not to spray too much on or it will bake and turn this weird color. If this happens, use the greased lightning and it'll come off too.

And...don't spray the alternator.

Just remember, the more warnings that the cleaner has about eating away your flesh, the better it will clean your engine bay! You might wear some gloves, I found that out the hard way.

 

I'm also removing most of the emissions stuff (since I live in Iowa, I don't drive a lot, and that's a lot of complexity). ACV, cats, EGR, OMP.

If that stuff is all gone, can I really remove the rat's nest? Another thread said it wasn't needed after the emissions stuff was removed on the NAs.

Oh, and a side question, if I premix & drive once or twice a week, will that cause any problems? I'd think it would take longer for the oil to settle out.

-=Russ=-

 

does anyone know where i can get that castrol super clean stuff???, i need to do my rims hardcore.. and someone in the other post that was linked in here said it cleaned up their rims very well

 

yeah, same here.. o'reilies? is it cheap?

 

You can probably find it at any automotive parts shop. I got a gallon of Castrol super clean at kragen for $8. that stuff is strong and cleans well but be careful when using it on aluminum or painted surfaces. Personally I use Castrol super clean only if simple green cant get the job done.

I should add that castrol super clean is great for cleaning baked on brake dust off rims.