I want to clean my engine soon....do i need to cover up anything???? so i just use simple green anywhere on any parts or what? I wet then apply simple green then rinse....how long should i leave it on for? Is it safe everywhere??? has anyone experienced problems after cleaning engine with hose or pressure washer??? What kind if any....?

thanks
Chris

 

Cover up the alternator if you can, it will prolong the life of the alternator. Spray simple green at full strength everywhere. You can use a nice sturdy brush to clean the heavy soiled areas. Use a tooth brush for those hard to reach areas. Spray everything down with a fine mist of water until you get all the simple green and grimes off. Avoid spraying water at one spot for too long. Just use back and forth motion. Wipe it down with some towels and start the car with the hood open. Most of the leftover water will evaporate when the engine warms up.

 

what should i use to cover the alternator? Do I completely wrap the whole alternator????

Chris

 

aluminum foil is fine...just make sure to take it off before you start the car.

 

I wash my engine compartment every time I wash my car, and I don't cover anything. I don't use Simple Green; I never liked it; I don't think it cleans very well. Since my engine is not greasy, I just use the same car wash soap that I use for the body. I mix up a bucket full of suds and wash the engine and then the wheels, then I dump that out and mix another batch for the body.

If you really want it to look great, wash the engine and dry it, then spray everyting down with ArmorAll and wait an hour, then wash and dry it again. All of the rubber and plastic parts will look brand new.

 

is that Simple Green stuff safe enough to use in your driveway, or do I need to take my car to a washing bay?

 

That's why they call it simple GREEN. It is very environmentally friendly. I even saw a salesman who squirted some in his mouth. not full strength, but diluted to household strength. No joking, I'm serious. I think it is a good cleaner and very safe.

 

I find it easier to go to the local car wash DIY places. They usually have engine cleaner that you spray on, then GENTLY rinse off w/ the same hose. I don't use the high pressure trigger as it comes out of the nozzle in the right velocity anyway. Same for the rinse. The high pressure might get into the connections. As long as you don't go overboard, you're okay. I've washed my engine many times so far with no problems. If you have a cone intake, you should probably use a plastic bag and cover it and tie it down w/ a rubber band/string.

 

If you do take it to a DYI car wash, wait for the engine to cool off.

cold water + hot aluminum = bad things