Detailing Oppos, I need to clean an engine

"for Michigan" (formichigan) 01/26/2018 at 14:37 • Filed to: help, detailing, car wash, mazda, miata, mx-5

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The Miata seems to have an oil leak, but the thing is so gunked up that I can’t tell where it’s coming from. I want to clean it off to diagnose the source, but I’ve not cleaned an engine before. What should I use and how should I use it?

Urambo Tauro > for Michigan 01/26/2018 at 14:51

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I use a spray can (sometimes two) of engine degreaser, a stiff-bristle brush, and a garden hose. Pressure washing is ok, just don’t go shooting things at close range, or you might inject water where you don’t want it.

Most engine bay items are water-resistant, so you shouldn’t have to protect much aside from the alternator. Be gentle with rinsing, and if you have an air compressor or leaf blower, use that to help dry it all off.

for Michigan > Urambo Tauro 01/26/2018 at 14:52

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I do have a leaf blower, hadn’t thought of using it. Thanks!

TheRealBicycleBuck > for Michigan 01/26/2018 at 14:53

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Don’t do it yourself. Call the professionals.

for Michigan > TheRealBicycleBuck 01/26/2018 at 14:54

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This is one of a few scenarios I’m attempting to avoid...

Urambo Tauro > TheRealBicycleBuck 01/26/2018 at 14:58

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Something something water something something grease fire...

Svend > for Michigan 01/26/2018 at 15:00

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I use Autobrite Jaffa Clean which I’m not sure is available in the U.S.

A good all purpose degreaser cleaner, a few brushes and plenty of microfibres (if your okay with water in your engine bay, use an open ended hose, maybe pinch the end of the hose if more pressure is needed).

diplodicus > for Michigan 01/26/2018 at 15:03

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Use the engine degreaser outside. That shit will get you a very not fun high.

His Stigness > for Michigan 01/26/2018 at 15:30

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First off, don’t use a pressure washer, only a garden hose. A pressure washer can very easily put water where you don’t want it and ruin your day. Just use a generous amount of degreaser, and maybe a brush for stubborn bits.

You don’t really need to cover the alternator because it’s water resistant like everything else the engine bay.

Try and avoid spraying the belt(s) as they may cause it slip. You may also want to keep the engine running while you clean it.

vicali > for Michigan 01/26/2018 at 15:31

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Drive it around the block to warm it up, then spray it down with engine degreaser. Use simple green and a toothbrush for the tough spots. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Once that’s up I like washing with hose, not a pressure washer.

Repeat if necessary.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > His Stigness 01/26/2018 at 15:57

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whats the purpose of keeping it running? if hes trying to diagnose an oil leak you wouldnt want more oil leaking while cleaning right?

His Stigness > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/26/2018 at 16:42

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I like to keep it running so that the engine/components will get warm and keep water from pooling up. And I guess it’s also a superstition/stupid idea that if the engine is running and then dies while I’m washing it I know why it died (water intrusion somewhere).

If it’s leaking so much oil, though, that it’s coming out while he’s cleaning it, he would need to clean it. When you need to clean the engine to find an oil leak it’s usually very small, which is why you need a clean slate. So, he should be fine keeping it running while cleaning it.

Captain of the Enterprise > for Michigan 01/26/2018 at 17:06

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Whatever you do make sure you cover the alternator and the battery. Mine hasn’t been that bad so I just wipe it down with a damp cloth.