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.