Best way to wash/clean engine?

[Guest Tammy]

I've read back posts on best way to clean up the engine. Seems it was divided for high pressure washing. Is there a good cleaner to spray on and soak and then hose off? Or should I keep water out?!

[Guest EDBSO]

Tammy this is the easiest question to answer that you have asked.

In my opinion you have to get some Simple Green It is a cleaner and a degreaser and is also environmentally friendly ... the perfect cleaner and even better it works!

I try and buy it by the gallon.

Next you need a paintbrush. 1.5 inches in width is about right. Spray a cool, not necessarily cold engine with Simple Green, brush it in and then with a light trickle of water rinse it off. You will have excellent results.

You can do the whole engine bay and wheel wells with Simple Green.

[Roadster90]

EDBSO's suggestion very worthwhile Sis......

Next will be the skin/paint. I clay and use the Klasse twins...you could go to www.autopia.com or consult EDBSO ..... has the edge here on products......

EDBSO has also aquired a classic Mercedes <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Vincent Vega]

That is what I do. Simple green 50/50. Paintbrush. I buy the 59 cent ones at Menards. Start at the back. Use a low stream of water to minimize splashing. For some cars I remove stuff for easier access. On the Reatta I remove the corrugated Air Cleaner hose, battery and intake cover. Also removing the cowl cover will make it easier to clean the top of the heater box. I use compressed air to blow the water off most areas. I dress the engine with Stoners Trim Shine when done. It has a great sheen to it. Not too shiney. Be careful around any lettering. The simple green may remove it. Such as the white lettering on the oil filler cap and red lettering on the intake manifold cover(3800, Fuel Injection) If you are concerned about water going where it doesn't belong, use heavy duty aluminum foil to cover stuff up. It conforms to the shapes very easy.

[Guest Tammy]

great information, when I buy some 303 I'll buy some Simply Green. Have lots of paint brushes and aluminum foil. Its either the shop vac or my Kirby to blow off water.

And yes the exterior paint was my next question, but I haven't read any back posts on that yet. Not sure I understand you Nic? My concern is..I'm thinking I have "Foundry Ash" on it. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />You can feel little tiny bumps, almost like extra fine sandpaper. From a distance you don't see it, but I can feel it. This car was kept in storage, but he worked a few blocks from Grede Foundries and the parking lot was wide open with no trees.

[Guest F14CRAZY]

a Mothers clay bar kit would do well for your "foundy ash", I think.

[Guest EDBSO]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">great information, when I buy some 303[color:"green"] Fantastic product I have "Foundry Ash" on it. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />You can feel little tiny bumps, almost like extra fine sandpaper. From a distance you don't see it, but I can feel it. </div></div>

Easy fix here, just hand clay the paint ...perience there)

The Klasse twins. A bit hard to use but well worth the effort.

Save a few hours to roam around here.

Wash, clay, wash again, Klasse AIO, Klasse AIO again, Klasse SG 7 to 10 coats for depth, top with P21s and your finish will look wet. You then maintain once month or so with P21S.

303

Have fun, buy sunglasses!

Thanks for the acknowledgement Nic.

[Guest imported_Flash]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've read back posts on best way to clean up the engine. Seems it was divided for high pressure washing. Is there a good cleaner to spray on and soak and then hose off? Or should I keep water out?! </div></div>

I personally would shy away from the high pressure route. The above mentioned products seem to have generated a following. My product of choice is ArmorAll. I use it in the enguine bay and wheel wells. 303 on the interior and weather stripping.

Car care products:

Eagle One car wash soap

Armorall - engine bay and wheelwells

303 - interior and weatherstripping

The Treatment cleaner - road tar, metal polish, and paint cleaner

Meguires Crystal Polish (step 2)- tail light lens and paint polish

The Treatment carnuba wax (10 oz. tube) - paint wax (McGuires Gold will work in a pinch, but The Treatment is better, the best in my opinion).

White vinegar and water - windows

Clean cotton lintless towels (diapers if available)

Those who have seen my vehicles remark on their "cleanliness". There are many products used by many detailers that work for them. These are mine.

The Treatment I use the 10 oz tube. Have for many years. Buy it by the case. A tube will last me a couple of years. This site is for a Canadian distributor. The prices are in $can.

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