I was wondering if anyone here has a good product or routine for cleaning the engine? I've read that blasting it with hot water is a big no no, quite the opposite of my diesel trucks so I suppose I have to do it by hand. Ideally with a product that won't melt rubber etc?

 

To get my engine clean, I used brake cleaner and carb cleaner. Also a paint bush collection and some tooth brushes (don't use family member ones though! ).

 

Actually, electric toothbrushes are very good at detailing.
You can buy bigger ones with changeable heads, battery powered, that are ideal for the job.

 

You can also take it to someone who does dry ice (CO2) blasting. No liquid left over and the results are immaculate!

 

I have never heard of that, learn something new all the time on here.

As for me, I have used both battery toothbrushes, and regular ones along with various scrub brushes bought from a dollar store. Initially I had to use Greased Lightning due to the thick, thick build up on the engine and compartment. I also used one of the pump up spray containers, again from a Dollar store, fill with water to rinse off the cleaner

 

This is the cleaning method I'll use in future...

 

Thanks for sharing Daim, I will have to find out if there is a place here in the states near me, looks like it does a fantastic job

 

I see that it really cleans, but...where does the dirt and oil go?

 

It basically evaporates with the CO2... Basically shock frosted, then blows off and then is gone. The engine is smear-free and dry to the tough afterwards.

It is also a certified and very eco-friendly method, otherwise it would never be allowed to be used here... Ypäou can't even wash your own car on your own property here. Just to show how strict laws are...

 

Almost too good to be true. Is the CO2 machine available to consumers?

 

All you need is a sand blaster (air compressor with a jet for coarse material) and CO2 pellets. But otherwise you can buy the units.

 

This is why I love the forum. Brilliant solution it wouldn't of occured to me that this would actually work.

 

 

Does the CO2 affect wiring, plastic parts or electronics if they are accidently sprayed?

 

 

If the wires are brittle, it will freeze the insulation off. It won't cause any issues with shorts or so, as CO2 returns to gas as soon as it hits the surface which is why the dirt just disappears. Plastics look like new again as well. I want my ABS brake fluid reservoir done. Then it will look like new again... Instead of beigy yellowy plastic...

 

 

Interesting thread as engine bay cleaning can be nerve-wracking due to electronics. I found this and it seems logical enough though need to be careful around wiring... especially with jaguars. Instead of a spray rinsing I think i'd use a watering can to more gently rinse the engine itself as I do when washing my motorcycle.

 

For all plastics, your res or rear lights etc buy a bottle of Goof Off professional strength and have at it! Its better then store brand headlight lens cleaners and cheaper. Plus youll have extra fluid left over for many uses.

 

CO2 blasting is media blasting just like glass beads or aluminum oxide. The biggest difference is the CO2 evaporates away. It is often used on large airplanes to remove paint instead of chemicals. The low temperature does help in removing the paint. I'm not so sure about grease and oil residue. The point is, I would be careful about blasting the old wiring.