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Engine cleaning
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 4:06 pm
by GP1
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
Re: Engine cleaning
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 4:18 pm
by tut
When I feel the urge, I start her up and use the power washer.
tut
Re: Engine cleaning
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 5:55 pm
by Mikie711
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
Re: Engine cleaning
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 6:09 pm
by Rich H
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.
Re: Engine cleaning
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:23 pm
by tuscan_thunder
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!
Re: Engine cleaning
Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 10:31 am
by GP1
Thanks guys. I will give it a go. "I mean how hard can it be?"
Re: Engine cleaning
Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 11:32 am
by tuscan_thunder
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.