subject: How-to Clean, Detail & Protect your Automobile's Engine [print this page] How-to Clean, Detail & Protect your Automobile's Engine
It's believed that cleaning your car's engine compartment will help retain its resale value. Most automotive experts believe that car owners that make the effort to detail and maintain the motor compartment take better care of their vehicle. Auto mechanics also understand that a clean engine belongs to a driver that cares for their automobile, and they are more willing to perform their services with care.
Many car enthusiasts feel that detailing their vehicle's engine is just the start of a long road toward vehicle perfection. Other embellishments include polishing aluminum parts, painting key parts with bright colors, and adding chrome. Whatever you choose to do, make it your style, and have fun.
Engine detailing -- like other car detailing duties -- is little more than scrubbing to remove dirt, oil and grease and applying protection to restore the beauty and prevent corrosion and deterioration. It's a simple process that will take you about 45 minutes to an hour twice a year.
There are four basic steps to the job:
- Remove loose debris
- Protect electrical components
- Degrease and clean
- Protect and beautify
Remove Loose Debri
The first step is to take away the loose debris that becomes lodged in the nooks and crannies, including the hood, grille and vents. If you live in an area with all seasons, you're already familiar with the tree leaf debris problem. If you have compressed air available, an air nozzle is an easy way to get rid of trapped leafs. If you don't, a soft hand brush will suffice.
To loosen the grease accumulated on your engine and the engine compartment, start your engine and allow it to warm for several minutes. The best temperature for cleaning your motor is warm to the touch, but not hot.
Protect Electrical Components
Next, prepare your engine for getting wet. Cover all sensors, the distributor, spark plug openings and any electrical devices that have the potential for water accumulation. Use plastic baggies or plastic wrap to cover these items. Use tape or rubber bands to hold the plastic in place. You're only trying to prevent the majority of the water from getting in; it does not need to be watertight. The engine environment should already be waterproof.
Degrease and Clean
After warming the engine and protecting sensitive areas, you're ready to apply your engine degreaser. Although they are quick and easy, I warn people against the use of harsh petroleum-based cleaners in the engine compartment. They quickly dissolve grease and grime, but they also degrade your rubber and vinyl components.
When applying your motor cleaner to degrease your engine, it's easiest to start on the lower areas and work your way up. This prevents the cleaner from dripping on you as you work on the underside. One critical thing to remember: the engine cleaner will remove car wax protection. If you get cleaner over-spray on your car's fenders, plan to re-wax.
Allow the cleaner to soak on the motor for three to five minutes, but do not allow it to dry. For light to mild levels of grease, you will not need to use a brush on the engine and other surfaces. For heavy soil, you can use a long-handled brush and car wash solution to provide additional cleaning action prior to rinsing away the cleaners.
When you are ready to remove the degreaser, hose down the entire engine compartment and surrounding surfaces with plenty of water. If you're using a high-pressure nozzle, be careful that you don't get the nozzle too close to the covered electrical connectors. Allow your engine to air dry for several minutes before using a towel to wipe down all accessible parts. Remove the plastic bags. The heat from the engine will assist in the drying process; however, do not allow the engine to air dry, as this will result in water spots. When dry, start your engine and allow it to run for a few minutes.
Protect and Beautify
When your engine compartment is cool and dry you should apply a coating of engine protectant. If you don't have an engine protectant, use your favorite rubber and vinyl protectant. Apply a liberal coating to your hoses, wires and plastic shields. To add a quick shine and protection to the painted surfaces in the engine compartment, use a detailing spray and wipe off the excess with a clean towel.
