Hi guys, I went through a couple posts regarding engine care, specifically keeping it clean. Now, ever since i've had the car, i've never cleaned out the engine and basically...



It's probably the dirtiest engine on the ORG lol. Anywho, I know Simple Green is what most ppl use on the ORG to clean under the hood but before i go out and buy it, I have a brand new bottle of Orange Clean. Would that do the same trick? Has anyone tried it? I read the bottle and it says you can use it for cleaning out auto-parts and such. From what i read, i can just spray the stuff on, let it sit for a while, then lightly rinse it off? As i was reading it, I kinda got confused because I thought it's bad to use water underneath the engine. What kind of techniques do you guys recommend?

As you can see in the picture, my cone filter is horribly filthy. If i touch it, i get this black slime residue on my fingers... k&N filter cleaner is the best way to go I'm assuming... just gotta find an auto store that carries it.

Looking at the picture, do you guys think Orange Clean and the filter cleaner is enough? I want to bring the engine back to how it looked when it was bought new. Another thing crossed my mind... since that filter is so dirty, I think i definately have to clean out my throttle body... never did that before. Thanks in advance for any input.

 

if its really bad pay a detailer to steam clean it then maintain it after that

 

shame on you, it's looks like poo

 

how long have you owned your car? that's pretty damn dirty...i assume if you've ever been to a meet, you didn't open your hood for anyone cuz you would have gotten flamed bigtime. clean it up nice and polish some stuff.

 

I considered that option... the thing holding me back is the cost and also I've heard that after getting an engine that's pretty old (although i don't think the engine is THAT old) leaks may spring up.



Nick- I know I've disgraced my maxima. I wanted to clean it all up before I install my midpipe that's suppose to come in soon.

 

Hey, looks like my engine! Never cleaned it either...

 

The thing is... I haven't been to a meet before lol. California Bay area members don't hold many I guess. I've owned the car for months now, I guess the original owner (my cousin) didn't take care of it either. You see, one of the hydraulic shock that keeps the engine hood open leaked all the oil or whatever is in it so it doesn't work so I kinda avoid gettin under the hood unless I have to. Now i have a hood-keeper-opener rod/stick in there temporarily.

 

The orange cleaner will work fine. Plus it will smell great!

Anyway, let the engine warm up alittle. Then cover your cone filter with a plastic bag and secure it with a rubber band. Then just soak the entire engine bay with the cleaner. Let it sit for about 5 minutes and rinse it with light pressure hose water.

If you do this every time you wash the outside of the car, it will stay fairly clean.

 

Cool, thanks for the directions. That's the method I'm gonna use then later this week.

quick quesiton: spraying water on my engine won't hurt it right? Just curious to know if there was any unique method to spray the water in there.

 

and I thought mine was dirty.

 

I cleaned up my engine bay and throttle body last weekend. What a difference it makes!

I'm not a Pro but here's what I've done with all my cars. Always does a good job.

Looks like most of that is dry dust and dirt.

First step would be to get a good leaf blower. Park the car in an open area and start blowing away. I'd probably get some tape and garbage bags to cover up the front fenders since you have so much dirt in there.

Then you'll need some small brushes (steel, brass, and plastic) to clean the intake and valve covers. Use them to loosen up any dirt that didn't move with the blower. Then use the blower again.

Then go to autozone or pepboys and get a can of throttle body cleaner and engine degreaser. Go to www.motorvate.ca and read up on cleaning the throttle body. While you have the intake off, clean up the outside of the intake with whatever cleaner you have and an old toothbrush. Put the intake back on before going to next step.

If you need to use the degreaser, disconnect the battery and cover the electrical parts first. Rinse gently w water.

I'm gonna try some Flitz metal polish on the metal parts next weekend.

Have fun.

JP