Degreasing an engine...
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 1
From: Newport News
Degreasing an engine...
Hey Guys,
I just got a 1985 Ford Ranger that my brother-in-law gave me. The engine on this thing is completely covered in grease, oil, and God knows what else. What's the best way of gettin' this thing cleaned up so I can start getting in there and see what's up with this engine. Is there something I can spray on and spray off?
Thanks,
Terry
I just got a 1985 Ford Ranger that my brother-in-law gave me. The engine on this thing is completely covered in grease, oil, and God knows what else. What's the best way of gettin' this thing cleaned up so I can start getting in there and see what's up with this engine. Is there something I can spray on and spray off?
Thanks,
Terry
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,577
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From: Southern MD
I like to use the non-foaming spray on Gunk®
I just warm the engine a bit, spray the stuff on and let sit for 14-20 minutes, then hose off.
If real dirty, you may have to do it a couple times. Make sure engine is dry on second application.
I just warm the engine a bit, spray the stuff on and let sit for 14-20 minutes, then hose off.
If real dirty, you may have to do it a couple times. Make sure engine is dry on second application.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
On the note of engine degreasing, does anyone have any tips on detailing my engine compartment. I have a 1970 F-250, the engine compartment is all original and stock, but its not as clean as I would like. I have a show on thursday and would like to show off my nicely detailed engine compartment. Does anyone have any tips or tricks on detailing? I have started with a couple applications of Gunk which has worked pretty well. The paint is not in as good condition as i would like it, but it is original and dont want to repaint. I would just like to make my compartment presentable for a show audience. Any help ideas or tips would be greatly appreciated.
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 836
Likes: 2
From: Shreveport, LA
For detailing the engine compartments on my Eclipse and little Kia (dont even mention not polishing turds, please..I LIKE 'em) I picked some stuff called "Awesome cleaner"..some sort of as seen on TV stuff.
Spray it on EVERYTHING and let it sit for a few min then hose off. Once it's all good and dry, mist everything well with tire foam. All the metal becomes clean and shiney and the rubber is nice and gloss black. Cleans all the wires, looms, batteries, fuse boxes, and whatever pretty well too.
Spray it on EVERYTHING and let it sit for a few min then hose off. Once it's all good and dry, mist everything well with tire foam. All the metal becomes clean and shiney and the rubber is nice and gloss black. Cleans all the wires, looms, batteries, fuse boxes, and whatever pretty well too.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 33
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Thanks for the help guys. The problem that i'm encountering with sray on, hose off pproducts is that i have to collect all the runoff underneath the truck or it will run off onto my grass. I think i will just work with some metal or stiff bristled brushes to get all the crud off. Afterall, im not really looking for a museum quality detailing job, i just want show go-ers how original and clean the compartment is.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,577
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From: Southern MD
Originally Posted by MrHorsepower868
Thanks for the help guys. The problem that i'm encountering with sray on, hose off pproducts is that i have to collect all the runoff underneath the truck or it will run off onto my grass. I think i will just work with some metal or stiff bristled brushes to get all the crud off. Afterall, im not really looking for a museum quality detailing job, i just want show go-ers how original and clean the compartment is.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 5
From: Trussville, Alabama
I have found that keeping the engine clean from the very start is the best option. Clearly, you were not given that opportunity.
As most have mentioned, the spray on engine cleaners do a decent job.
I have found that applying spray silicone after cleaning the engine and allowing everything to dry, really makes things look a lot better and it seems to do a good job of keeping stuff from sticking to everything in the future.
I buy a can (about $2) and spray away; hoses, wires, valve covers, etc., all exposed surfaces. When I look under the hood the next day, and all the carrier has evaporated, I have a nice "clean looking" engine compartment.
I have done this for a year or two and seen no ill side effects. Perhaps there are some potential downfalls, but I have yet to hear of any.
Give it a try. It is worth $2 just to see if it helps you out.
As most have mentioned, the spray on engine cleaners do a decent job.
I have found that applying spray silicone after cleaning the engine and allowing everything to dry, really makes things look a lot better and it seems to do a good job of keeping stuff from sticking to everything in the future.
I buy a can (about $2) and spray away; hoses, wires, valve covers, etc., all exposed surfaces. When I look under the hood the next day, and all the carrier has evaporated, I have a nice "clean looking" engine compartment.
I have done this for a year or two and seen no ill side effects. Perhaps there are some potential downfalls, but I have yet to hear of any.
Give it a try. It is worth $2 just to see if it helps you out.
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 836
Likes: 2
From: Shreveport, LA
I havent had a problem with the awesome cleaner killing grass. Other stuff like Simple Green shouldnt harm anything, diluted.
And the oil chunks shouldnt kill things..'cause they wont be coating it. And the lawn mower will suck 'em up and get rid of the chunks when you mow it...
And the oil chunks shouldnt kill things..'cause they wont be coating it. And the lawn mower will suck 'em up and get rid of the chunks when you mow it...
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Thanks everyone, i'll give the Gunk another shot now that i dont have to worry about it killing the grass. I'll just have to cover over the distributor cap and such. I'll post a picture of the finished compartment when or if it gets done.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: eastern Ma
Degreasing
The new citrus products work well without harmng your greans. I would be careful of some of the electric sensors, and ignition module. They don't care for water. I learned the hard way about that. I was glad I had AAA.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 544
Likes: 8
From: BC, Canada
It's amazing, I see a lot of vehicles with nice exteriors and interiors, but with a dirty engine compartment. My co-worker has a low mileage Volvo, he fusses over every detail of it, but the engine compartment looks like a 20 year old dump truck! I just don't get it.
Years ago, my sister-in-law washed one of my vehicles. She didn't wash the tires. When I asked her why, she said it didn't make sense to her to wash them because they were going to get dirty anyway!? ...Terry
Years ago, my sister-in-law washed one of my vehicles. She didn't wash the tires. When I asked her why, she said it didn't make sense to her to wash them because they were going to get dirty anyway!? ...Terry