How to clean engine?

"K-Roll-PorscheTamer" (k-roll390)
12/16/2014 at 23:45 • Filed to: None

Need Oppo's with engine detailing experience on this one. How do I do this properly without messing anything up?(mein Gott is she clean!)

When I say messing things up, I mean ruining electronics and such, and there appears to be quite a lot. I've watched the Drive/Clean video on engine cleaning and it provides excellent insight on what to do; but I require more info and advice.

To anyone who's done anything like this or exactly this before, what products would anyone recommend, any particular do's and don'ts? Lend me your knowledge!

Tomorrow is seeming to be the last decent day outside with no rain or snow so I'm gonna take some time after studying to get it done.

DISCUSSION (33)

Bandit > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
12/16/2014 at 23:48

Step one: change timing belt.

Step two: clean engine

Step three: ???

Step four: repeat

EL_ULY > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
12/16/2014 at 23:51

Some paper towels and Windex. Lol j/k :] At the wash bay at work, I just soap down the area (soapy water) then just pressure wash it (never directly putting the gun anywhere near sensitive components). When done, wipe it all down including all the little detail with some white rags and an air gun. Don't forget the bonnet and while you're there, check fluids, hoses, etc. Never apply any "used car dealer shiny engine shine shiiiit!".

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
12/16/2014 at 23:55

Damn man, your engine bay already looks pretty darn clean. I would agree with just about everything EL_ULY said, except I don't have a pressure washer, so I just used a hose.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
12/16/2014 at 23:58

I probably wouldn't use a pressure washer, I think it might be overkill. I think a light spray down would be sufficient.

doodon2whls > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
12/17/2014 at 00:01

Kinja'd!!!

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
12/17/2014 at 00:01

Yeah, it probably would be a bit of overkill. Like I said, I just used a garden hose (or something along those lines), and mine turned out pretty well.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > EL_ULY
12/17/2014 at 00:02

Lol, I'll use my cabinet of headlight fluid while I'm at it to give it the brightest finish possible!

Have you used any of those auto store products(engine degreaser, or any degreaser, GUNK, ect.)? I can't really do the bonnet because of the foam material stuff underneath and the fact that it's very sensitive. I'll check any parts that get wet. :)

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Bandit
12/17/2014 at 00:02

Belt and pump are already done m8. ;)

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > doodon2whls
12/17/2014 at 00:03

It's a German sports car, must be meticulous AF. :p

EL_ULY > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
12/17/2014 at 00:08

if a specific component is covered in greasy grime, using some type of engine degreaser (on that single item) is good. I don't recommend just spraying that stuff everywhere. Soap and water is best generally because it is more just dirt and dust rather than actual oil. So yeah, spots covered in grease, use a cleaning product on it only.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > EL_ULY
12/17/2014 at 00:12

In your opinion, how does my engine look in terms of dirt/grease ect.; just from the pictures?

With soapy water or engine cleaner, do I need to worry about any corrosion or anything? Especially if I haven't got an air gun. Perhaps I'll let the engine runa bit and keep it warm and then maybe it'll evaporate some of the water?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage
12/17/2014 at 00:14

Any pics? I love me some good engine bay pics. Especially Vettes, because the bonnet is just the entire front of the car(except for the C7?).

EL_ULY > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
12/17/2014 at 00:18

i don't see any wet spots in typical location. It almost looks like you can go through it with a moist rag and wipe it down really good. I would soak it in soapy water, wash it down, the just go over everything with some semi moist and dry towels one component at a time. Its ok if things dry with the heat since your towels are moist. Let it cool down a bit then wipe it down good. Don't apply too much pressure around connectors and hoses

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > EL_ULY
12/17/2014 at 00:27

Awesomesauce! Lastly, do you have any experience with engine painting? :)

Bandit > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
12/17/2014 at 00:33

Good man!

EL_ULY > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
12/17/2014 at 00:35

no :( I can fix cars, but anything to do with paint and body I have always struggled. Ask oppo. Im sure someone has done it

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Bandit
12/17/2014 at 00:38

Was done before I even owned it. :D

Verified by the mechanic who did the work.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > EL_ULY
12/17/2014 at 00:42

I ask because I want to paint the cam tower; problem is, that it's the cam tower. :(

AKA, the cam, valves, and lifters all in one package. People have removed it to get it powdercoated and whatnot, but that is something I simply do not have the tools or capability to do at my house. So I was thinking that maybe if I blocked off every single part of the engine bay with plastic bags and wrap, even the fuel lines and rail, maybe I could get away with just spraying it while still on.

Big Bubba Ray > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
12/17/2014 at 00:45

Great question. From what I've read, spray it down with some Simple Green, cover important electronic bits with a bag of some sort and spray it with a hose.

I really need to do this with my Subie cause the engine is soaked with oil. Stupid head gaskets.

El Darto > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
12/17/2014 at 00:47

My grandfather has a really good method... You hose it off with filtered water, spray some ArmorAll product that I can remember, then drive. Then you just rinse. It works really well.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > El Darto
12/17/2014 at 00:56

ArmorAll has always seemed to be a good brand for things, I'll have to see what they've got.

Textured Soy Protein > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
12/17/2014 at 01:09

Simple Green, some water, and a rag.

http://simplegreen.com/pdfs/quick_mix…

El Darto > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
12/17/2014 at 01:14

When it is cold, degrease it with some Gunk.

Then rinse with purified water to prevent water spots

Spray with Armor-All Foaming Tire Cleaner, wait 15 minutes, then drive it.

crowmolly > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
12/17/2014 at 04:13

IMO I'd only paint it if you take it off.

For the time being, maybe wipe down the PORSCHE lettering with mineral spirits and then brush-paint the letters with red engine enamel.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
12/17/2014 at 06:29

Its actually only on the C4 that the bonnet is the entire front. Sadly, I don't have any proper pics after I cleaned it up. I only have this pic when I was rebuilding and cleaning my throttle body.

Kinja'd!!!