engine shampoo
 

I need one! How is it properly done? I wish to avoid electrical problems; destroying sensors; and hurting the computer!

It's funny that you should post this ! Today I was installing a new MAF sensor and I couldn't help but think how dirty my engine compartment is to the rest of the vehicle. One could literally use the exterior or interior of my vehicle for an operating room, but the engine bay looks like sh#t in comparison .

OK... Who is going to wash their engine first??

....my storage compartment and engine carpet are off already....... but!

I have no experience washing Boxster motors but lessons learned from my other vehicles, stay away from the alternator.

I've washed both of mine. I open up the top cover and the cover behind the seats at home. Then take the cars to a quarter car wash nearby. I took a heavy duty moving blanket and a plastic painting drop cloth to protect the interior.

Open the top and set up the blanket and drop cloth, then squirted Gunk all over, waited 5 minutes and then used the high pressuse hot water and then the low pressure DI water. Hit it from the top, bottom, and through the front cover for a really good cleaning.

YES - STAY AWAY FROM THE ALTERNATOR. Go lightly around the air filter.

Cars started right up a ran just fine. ( I was a little apprehensive about that when I did the first one. )

I washed my engine compartment soon after buying my 986 using S100 cleaner. Spray on, rinse off. No herculean effort to avoid any sensitive parts...it's an engine compartment after all. Came out great.

I wash mine once a year since 2003 without any problems to date.

Washing the engine may make you feel better but it does nothing for the engine.

All of this discussion begs the question, which brand of shampoo should one use ? I was thinking of either Vidal Sassoon or Albert VO5 .

With all due respect to Vidal and Alberto V05, I had forgotten about S100. I used it all the time on my motorcycle many years ago.....seemed to work like magic with no ill---ill-effects or split ends

It's not all that difficult, but I'd refrain from using the pressure washer. Hot water from a hose is helpful, but high pressure isn't the best idea. Use whatever combination of blankets and plastic you need to keep the interior dry. I've used S100, Super Clean, and the foamy Gunk engine cleaner all with good success. Stay away from the alternator, and when I'm done, I grab my blow gun and blow off as much as possible before starting the engine.

+ 1

Don't use high pressure water, specially around the connectors on the harness and sensors, use engine de-greaser let it soak for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly with low pressure water.. you will like the results

Despite some comments, I believe that a clean engine runs cooler

.

Funny, I just had my engine cover off today doing some work and noticed, though not filthy, it could be tidied up. I don't think you need to go crazy here with lots of water and degreaser...mine was mostly dusty that was removed with old rags and biodegradable cleaner. Put some Vinylex on to top it off and looks great.

Engine Bay
 

Just spray with simple green and use a soft cloth in spots as needed. Don't pressure wash. Rinse lightly with running water from hose.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/i...r/IMG_3824.jpg

A great way to get rid of the cheap armor all
 

or other vinyl/rubber cleaner in the garage. I found it faster to just wipe it down and skip the water...or just use it sparingly from the hose.

I'm getting ready to clean the MAF and shampoo the engine and noticed
sweating or oil build up just after the throttle body - is this normal ?

Thanks,
Nick

Great work. Your engine is beautiful.

Your aos is slowly going out. That is why you have the oil misting all over the top and right motor.

Thanks for the AOS suggestion , I was thinking it might be that. So this morning
I started the car and opened the oil filler - little if any vacuum. Also I've put about
a thousand miles on the car since purchase mid March and it doesn't seem to be using any oil nor does it blow white smoke.

So I went ahead and shampoo'd the engine , then drove into town to get a T20
for the MAF. I had the engine cover off - boy is that ever noisey.

Anyway I'll keep an eye on the top of the engine and see if more oil builds up
again. ( it could have been from an old leak the po fixed and didn't clean up )

Thanks,
Nick