How do you clean a car engine?

Question

I've heard not to spray the distributor or the alternator. What are they? Is it ok to spray the battery? Do you leave the car running while you wash the engine?

Answer 1

Take your car to any wand self car-wash. Open the hood and set the spray on hot soap.

You will hear otherwise but I've been cleaning car and truck engines for 46 years and you'll have absolutely no trouble doing this.

Spray everything under the hood but the insulation noise barrier directly under the hood. Leave the engine off and spray everything else till your hearts content. Don't worry about the battery, ignition wires, spark-plugs or any electronic connections.



I'd ordinarily say good luck but you won't need it. It'll do a fantastic job. Resist other suggestions concerning buying some crazy spray on degreasers. If you try this your motor will stink of kerosene. The directions on these cans say to rinse off the foaming solution with a garden hose in your driveway and oh what a stinking puddle it will leave. You certainly don't need the agrivation. Go For It!!

Answer 2

Go to your nearest auto parts supplier and buy 2 cans of Gunk(1 regular and 1 foamy) which comes in a spray can. Follow the directions on the can. Do not spray the distributor. That is the part where the spark plug wires go into. Also do not spray the carburetor. No you do not leave the car running while doing this. It helps to have a long handled bristle brush for those real greasy areas.Good luck.

Answer 3

there are many products out there specifically designed to clean a car's engine, like Gunk Engine Bright, and on the can it says to warm the engine, turn off the vehicle, spray on the product, allow to soak and then wash off. I have used other products like Simple Green (environmentally friendlier) and I just make sure all the electrical connections are not directly sprayed with the chemical or the water, always ensure your electrical connections are lubricated with a grease designed for the use, and allow the vehicle to dry thoroughly.



And yes, do not spray the alternator or distributor. Moisture of excess in those will be very detrimental.



The alternator is always belt-driven off the front of the engine, even on transverse-engine, front-wheel-drive vehicles.



The alternator has electrical wires running to it.



Most alternators are made of aluminum.



Most alternators have a small, built-in fan visible behind the belt pulley.





Check the owner's manual for more information. In many cases, you'll find a diagram of the engine compartment with the alternator and distributor identified.

Answer 4

You are correct, spraying the inside of a hot engine can damage numerous parts. In addition, using a high pressure sprayer can force dirt and grim into areas that will cause problems in the future.



Solution: there is engine degreaser that you can purchase at the store (wal-mart, auto zone, etc...) that requires that you warm up the engine than spray on. After 5-10 minutes you wash it off and repeat if required.

Answer 5

You can buy an engine degreaser (it cost about ($2-3). I spray it all over the battery, engine. It cleans very well. Just don't keep your car running.



There is an instruction (on how to use the degreaser) on a spray.

Answer 6

ask your self female, continually element out your automobile make, type and 12 months because it facilitates to diagnose topics. Your guy chum maximum probably uncovered a topic such as your ignition device even as he were given it moist. Unplug the electric powered connection to the air conditioner compressor and spray WD-40 on it and plug it again in. If I knew precisely what type type and 12 months the motorized vehicle is lets play round with the ignition device and get you going again. do not complication about taking the motorized vehicle to a wand form automobile wash to sparkling the motor one bit. i have been doing it for 40 5 yrs. and in no way once had a topic putting out or a motor operating excellent. automobiles and automobiles are designed to face up to moisture and water. automobiles in the present day don't have vendors. The ignition wires are extra useful than ever in case you opt for the great things. field keep ignition wires are especially a lot junk. e-mail with the 12 months make and type of the motorized vehicle and that i will attempt to lead you around the device to straighten it out. some thing tells me you've a distributor or ignition wire situation.

Answer 7

Country Boy is spot on. Soap and water sprayed on is way better. That GUNK stinks for a long time when you spray it on your engine. Besides your electrical was designed to get wet.



I usually don't type in an agreement, but he truely has the best answer

Answer 8

I like variations of some of these answers. I prefer the wd-40 and rag method. WD 40 will not harm anything, especially electrical parts. Spray it on, wipe it off. It leaves a finish, rust won't be attracted so easy.

Answer 9

Just get a bunch of rags and wipe it down. If you try the wash bit you will be back here asking how to get it running again.

Answer 10

pressure wash it with it off..you just pressure wash the oil stuff..not the battery.

Answer 11

Take it to someone who knows how to do it instead of ruining your engine.