Engine Cleaning
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Middletown NJ
Engine Cleaning
When cleaning an engine from a modern truck, no carburetor or anything like that, what types of cleaner must be used? I know there is special stuff for throttle bodies, but lets say you completely tear down the engine, would I be able to just power wash every part I take off?
As you can tell by the above question, I am in no way a mechanic and my engine is probably going to run as well as this guy right here ---->
As you can tell by the above question, I am in no way a mechanic and my engine is probably going to run as well as this guy right here ---->
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 286
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From: hesperia calif.
Hi, Good Thread 
here are a few Dos and Donts
#1 NEVER EVER STEAM CLEAN A COMPUTER CONTROLED ENG, GAS OR DIESEL, to detail it ,if its still in the vehicle, the water will get into the sensors and possible short out your Computer, Big Big Bucks for repairs.
#2 if your tearing down your engine for repair, and want to get the parts cleaned, Good Old, GUNK works great, diesel fuel works great too, to clean parts with, its a great solvent , but you did not hear that from me LOL
#3 Brake clean or WD 40 on a rag will help to keep your eng clean under the hood, Dont use Water based cleaning products,
here are a few Dos and Donts#1 NEVER EVER STEAM CLEAN A COMPUTER CONTROLED ENG, GAS OR DIESEL, to detail it ,if its still in the vehicle, the water will get into the sensors and possible short out your Computer, Big Big Bucks for repairs.
#2 if your tearing down your engine for repair, and want to get the parts cleaned, Good Old, GUNK works great, diesel fuel works great too, to clean parts with, its a great solvent , but you did not hear that from me
LOL#3 Brake clean or WD 40 on a rag will help to keep your eng clean under the hood, Dont use Water based cleaning products,
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,385
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From: Mercer County, OH
I use a 50/50 mix of Purple Power and water in a small spray bottle. Spray it on everything under the hood, let it work for about five minutes or so then rinse it off with a gentle shower of water from the hose.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
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From: So Cal
What do you mean tear down?
If you mean disassemble the engine down to it's component parts, like pistons, rods, crank etc, then the best method is to hot tank the engine at a machine shop.
Hot tanking is a chemical dip that dissolves grease, paint, bearings(if left in the block) etc. It does a good cleaning but is not something for someone who doesn't plan to rebuild his engine.
Absolute best cleaning I ever got was from a company called Redistrip in Rosemead. But that was 30+ years ago and they are no longer listed in the yellow pages. It used a cyanide based chemical bath. THe engine came out squeeky clean and looked like aluminum. Beautiful, but expensive.
As far as cleaning the engine in the car, like the other guys said... no high pressure and there are many good detergents. You can do some steam cleaning IF you wrap any electronics in plastic.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
If you mean disassemble the engine down to it's component parts, like pistons, rods, crank etc, then the best method is to hot tank the engine at a machine shop.
Hot tanking is a chemical dip that dissolves grease, paint, bearings(if left in the block) etc. It does a good cleaning but is not something for someone who doesn't plan to rebuild his engine.
Absolute best cleaning I ever got was from a company called Redistrip in Rosemead. But that was 30+ years ago and they are no longer listed in the yellow pages. It used a cyanide based chemical bath. THe engine came out squeeky clean and looked like aluminum. Beautiful, but expensive.
As far as cleaning the engine in the car, like the other guys said... no high pressure and there are many good detergents. You can do some steam cleaning IF you wrap any electronics in plastic.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
I have never had any issues with sensors and steam cleaning. I have an old Jenny 760c diesel fired steam cleaner, and usually first spray the engine down with Simple Green, then steam it until all traces of soap and grease are gone.
The main issue people have with cleaning engines is that they clean, then start it right back up. I let the car sit for 12-16hrs after cleaning, plus the steam cleaner heats it up quite a bit during the cleaning, so all the water is gone before it's started again.
The main issue people have with cleaning engines is that they clean, then start it right back up. I let the car sit for 12-16hrs after cleaning, plus the steam cleaner heats it up quite a bit during the cleaning, so all the water is gone before it's started again.
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
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From: So Cal
So hot tank it is. Be sure to remove all plugs(freeze, gallery)etc. Remove the cam bearings since they will get eaten up a bit. You need to replace them anyway for a decent rebuild.
When you get the block back, be sure to wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Spray all passages, like oil passages etc. Use flexible brushes to get into nooks and crannies and galleries. Gun cleaning brushes and aquarium brushes(the ones on a springy rod/handle) work well.
Try to blast out any water with compressed air. Sitting in the hot sun helps dry it out. Spray with a protective oil after you are done.
Good Luck, building an engine is fun and personally rewarding.
Jim Henderson
When you get the block back, be sure to wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Spray all passages, like oil passages etc. Use flexible brushes to get into nooks and crannies and galleries. Gun cleaning brushes and aquarium brushes(the ones on a springy rod/handle) work well.
Try to blast out any water with compressed air. Sitting in the hot sun helps dry it out. Spray with a protective oil after you are done.
Good Luck, building an engine is fun and personally rewarding.
Jim Henderson
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Post Fiend
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From: springfield il
deisel fuel a great solvent ??????????? never !!! just 'cause it unstuck my stuck flatty in my 53 doesn't mean it works !!!!!!!!!!!! LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i if it's still in the vehicle , just clean 'em by hand with an old tried and true , oven cleaner , and then some armor all to make the plastic { most of the engines parts nowadays !!!!!!! } bits shine and look purty . this is of course when one has time to actually do this ...............
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