Engine cleaning

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GP1
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Engine cleaning

Post by GP1 » Wed Jul 13, 2011 4:06 pm

I know cleaning engines isn't always a clever idea, but I want to clean up the engine and bay of my old mini. There is not much in the way of electrics and it is just about to go for a tune up so I'm not too worried about the usual problems.
Does anyone know a mobile person who could come to my house and do this?
Thanks a lot.
Graham
"Now that's how you supposed to drive! From now on, that's how you drive!"

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tut
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Re: Engine cleaning

Post by tut » Wed Jul 13, 2011 4:18 pm

When I feel the urge, I start her up and use the power washer.

tut

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Mikie711
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Re: Engine cleaning

Post by Mikie711 » Wed Jul 13, 2011 5:55 pm

tut wrote:When I feel the urge, I start her up and use the power washer.

tut
Didn't know they had power washers in the 60s which would be about the last time you cleaned any car :wink:
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Rich H
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Re: Engine cleaning

Post by Rich H » Wed Jul 13, 2011 6:09 pm

Kitchen degreaser (It's cheaper) and a cheap scrubby brush and get to it.

Pressure washer might blow water past seals and so on.
Keep away from ignition parts if possible and don't fill the alternator with water.

A hose down after.
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tuscan_thunder
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Re: Engine cleaning

Post by tuscan_thunder » Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:23 pm

It's quite straightforward even on an old engine.

Always work on a cold engine.

Avoid air intakes - cover them with a plastic bag if need be.

Exposed electricals - cover them with tin foil; it's easier to bend/mould round connectors.

Use a pressure washer rather than a hose - it uses less water. Use the pressure washer for the shortest length of time possible.

Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner (diluted 4:1) will be ideal - you can then use it at 10:1 for cleaning interior stuff etc and 4:1 for wheels etc.

Use a soft brush - a pastry-style brush is ideal - we stock the Raceglaze Detail Brush set; it'd be the best option.

Spray on, agitiate with a brush leave it for a few minutes, rinse for the shortest time possible again with the PW. Fire up the engine a) to make sure it runs and b) to dry everything off.

We've used this method on most cars - F40 and Enzo included.

Main thing - use common sense!
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GP1
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Re: Engine cleaning

Post by GP1 » Thu Jul 14, 2011 10:31 am

Thanks guys. I will give it a go. "I mean how hard can it be?"
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tuscan_thunder
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Re: Engine cleaning

Post by tuscan_thunder » Thu Jul 14, 2011 11:32 am

Just work methodically.

If you've any doubt, PM me.

Our guide to engine cleaning is here: http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog ... gines.html

It needs updated as we now recommend using a pressure washer for rinsing - as long as you're sensible.
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