cleaning engine question

[rosenfe]

first time i opened engine compartment this weekend to look around.engine is dirty with grime.how best to clean it.is useing pressure washer at self car wash a no no?

[cameronzero]

i would say no, because of where it is (inside the cabin area), what you need to cover (alternator and any plugs), and if anything happens (hopefully not) you'll need to be able to diagnose it on the spot, which isn't that fun at a car wash (from experience).

though, if you're adapt at power washing MRWD engines, go for it.

[san rensho]

Just use a strrong solution of Dawn dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle, wet everything out except for the obvious electronics, brush the really dirty areas and then use a garden hose to rinse.

[AKnowles]

I used Simple Green at full strength and a hose with a "gentle shower" to clean it off. Worked great. Fired right up afterwards.

[Bryan topping]

Originally Posted by san rensho

Just use a strrong solution of Dawn dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle, wet everything out except for the obvious electronics, brush the really dirty areas and then use a garden hose to rinse.

I used this method. 1/2 Dawn & 1/2 water in a spray bottle, let it soak a few minutes then rinse with the garden hose. Everything came really clean. Start the engine & let id idle a few minutes to dry.

[BruceH]

I used Orange Cleaner. Spray, let sit, rinse, repeat! I worked the stubborn areas with more cleaner and a rag. I used very gentle water from the open end of the hose, no spray attachment.

Before:



After:

[rp17]

Was there a muddy swamp under the car when you were finish? I took a dry rag and cleaned it because i couldn't leave it like that. Will get back in there with the hose. That looks nice and clean now Bruce.. Thanks for posting the pics.

[BruceH]

Yes, there was a bit of dirt on the driveway when I was done but a quick shot of the hose and it was gone!

[kiyakubuke]

same deal with me. I was checking the air filter, first time in the engine compartment since I bought the car. very dirty. looks mostly to be dust, so that is good. going to clean it tomorrow.
Plan is simple green and hose in the driveway. doesn't need to be spotless, but I would like to give it a rinse.

I have heard people freaking out about the prospect of cleaning an engine. back in the day I would cover the distributor with some plastic and a rubber band, but other cars I just hose them down while at the car wash. never had an issue. the only problem is, of course the proximity of the open interior. I'll do this one at home and tape and plastic off the areas around the engine compartment.

[rdass623]

sounds like a project for tomorrow, also while the engine cover is out, I may as well paint the carpet. my carpet is looking a bit faded.

[kiyakubuke]

Originally Posted by rdass623

sounds like a project for tomorrow, also while the engine cover is out, I may as well paint the carpet. my carpet is looking a bit faded.

what are you using to paint the carpet? how does it effect the feel of the carpet?

[kiyakubuke]

[saintdrug]

how do u open the engine lid?

[Mark_T]

Originally Posted by saintdrug

how do u open the engine lid?

search is your friend

[kiyakubuke]

Originally Posted by saintdrug

how do u open the engine lid?

here's a good video on it.

Porsche Boxster S - 986 Remove Engine Cover - Replace Air Filter RiversidePCA How To - YouTube

[linderpat]

those results look great. On my list.

[Pdwight]

Originally Posted by kiyakubuke

what are you using to paint the carpet? how does it effect the feel of the carpet?

I need to re dye my carpet