Washing the engine

[urban_legend]

Anyone have any tips or a link for cleaning the Boxster engine. I have taken the top off and all the carpeting is out so i wanted to clean the engine. One look and i am sure with 90k miles it has never been done.

Better to just clean with a rag or let'er rip with pressure from the local diy car wash?

[clb0099]

how did u take all the carpet it out that must have been some find... mind sending some pictures and some steps to removing it. i am very curious

[Jaxonalden]

You have a garden hose and a squirter? Just try not to squirt directly on any electrical components. Don't fret if you do, they're moister and sand sealed. Most of crud you see is nothing more than dust anyway.

[Cloudsurfer]

I would absolutely stay away from anything that involves high pressure. You can clean the engine and engine compartment with various engine cleaning solutions, though you'd be very wise to find a way to keep the chemicals and the released dirt and grime off the rest of the car. Cover the alternator. Use a brush and use as little chemical as possible. Then rinse with low pressure water and do not direct the water at anything electrical.

[urban_legend]

No harm in starting light - and yes from what I could is looked like mostly dust and a little grime. I think a little household cleaner, a rag and a light rinse might do it.

Originally Posted by urban_legend

Anyone have any tips or a link for cleaning the Boxster engine. I have taken the top off and all the carpeting is out so i wanted to clean the engine. One look and i am sure with 90k miles it has never been done.

Better to just clean with a rag or let'er rip with pressure from the local diy car wash?

whatever you do, do not steam clean it. your electrical connections are sealed, but condensation from heat can cause water to form in your sealed connections.

[Motobob]

This thread I posted on a sister board may be useful:

http://tinyurl.com/co3yoy

"It talks about me seeing the engine for the first time and cleaning it with pics"


Bob

[Keith Newby]

I clean my engine using S100 spray and washing it off with a hose. I use the S100 (bought at motorcycle shops) on my bikes to remove the grime and it works great on the car.

[urban_legend]

A little spritz - a little rubbing - and a quick spray from the hose.
In and out in about 15-20 minutes. 90k miles and basically just dust...I put some cardboard under the car but didn't need it. No more of a mess than brake dust.

Also finally found the drain holes - leaves and all kinds of junk down there. I used the vac in there and will hit them with compressed air - once I borrow my neigbors equipment.

[Norminhouston]

Why do you want to clean the engine? Do you think that will make it run better? My advice: leave it alone.

[Lil bastard]

Originally Posted by Norminhouston

Why do you want to clean the engine? Do you think that will make it run better? My advice: leave it alone.

++1... it's not like it's a Ferrari under Glass or anything... It is in fact, the cheapest Porsche you can buy !

[Motobob]

When I washed my engine, I definitely noticed about a 10 HP boost...I do it every 6 months to get it running strong... Bob



http://tinyurl.com/co3yoy

[urban_legend]

Because it is there.

[pbanders]

I learned a well-known trick for cleaning an engine compartment a year or so ago. Just get a big spray bottle of Armorall, and on a cool engine, spray everything in the engine compartment with it (metal, plastic, rubber, paint), then take a cloth towel and wipe it clean. The results are amazing, it takes only about 15 minutes, you don't get any water into sensitive areas, and it stays clean for a long time.

[Dragonwind]

I think one of the previous owners washed my engine, thus causing rust on bolts and the fuel rails. I finally got around to cleaning some of the surface rust on it the using Por15 treatment and paint to prevent any further rusting.
Chris

[S3adrag0n]

Had to wash my engine. While replacing the air filter, I noticed that the previous owner had put some rat poison all over the engine. Other items that was there is dog food (serious rat problem!). It also has some oil dripped from the air/oil separator. I used a plastic table clothe and taped the bottom (large trash bag would work well) and pressure wash it without any problem. Sure looks nice afterward!!!

[Gougoushu]

Spray with Simple Green, lightly hose off, then wipe down with armor all. Here's mine, probably never cleaned in its 90k miles, before and after.

Later on, I wirebrushed and painted black the rusty engine cover anchor clips around the edge.

Cleaning makes it easier to work on, to locate mounting screws, to notice problems, etc. Also it's a cool looking engine and deserves it.

[KevinH1990]

I think the owner's manual states that washing the engine may remove some coatings that inhibit rust. It recommends that you reapply them after washing.