How to clean vehicle engine

Don't really know how to clean an engine? Follow these simple steps to make your motor as shiny and clean as it was when it rolled off the assembly line. Follow these simple steps to make your motor as shiny and clean as it was when it rolled off the assembly line.

Why clean your car engine

First, a clean engine is easier to work on. Secondly, a clean engine brings more money when it is resold. But you can't just spray it with engine degreaser and hose it down. We'll show you how to prepare your engine to protect critical electrical connections. We'll also give you some tips for cleaning your car's engine in an environmentally friendly way

Follow these 11 simple steps, and you'll be proud to show off what's under the hood.

Schedule-Prepare to clean the engine

Try to remove any debris from the grill, hood or vents. If you have access to compressed air, the job is quick; without easy access, not so much. However, all you need is a small hand brush to get the job done. After removing the debris, it's time to prepare the engine for getting wet. Cover the sensors, exposed wiring, distributor and spark plug openings. Plastic bags are great for this job, and all you need is a little tape or rubber bands. You're not thinking about making your engine waterproof, you just want to keep most of the water from soaking these items. In fact, your engine is probably waterproof from the factory - the bags are an extra precaution.

Cool-cool the engine

If the car was running, flip the hood up and allow the engine to cool for at least 15 minutes. Hot engine components can not only burn you, but they can also be Hot engine components can not only burn you, but they can also be damaged by rapid contraction if sprayed with cool water.

Remove-Remove any plastic covers under the hood

Remove any plastic covers under the hood. These can be scrubbed separately. Also remove the negative terminal from the battery. You can also remove the battery if you'd prefer, but we've cleaned many an engine You can also remove the battery if you'd prefer, but we've cleaned many an engine bay without doing so.

Cover-Using plastic bags, cover any sensitive electrical components

Using plastic bags, cover any sensitive electrical components, such as the battery, ignition wires, and engine control unit. If there's an exposed engine air intake under the hood, you'll want to cover that as well. However, protecting these electronics will allow you to clean more thoroughly with less risk of damaging anything.

Choosing an engine degreasing product

There are two types of degreasing products: solvent-based and water-based. Both types are suitable for greasy engines. Both require special environmental treatment after application - even if the label says "environmentally safe" or "biodegradable. Because once the degreasing solution begins to dissolve the grease, it is considered a hazardous waste.

We prefer solvent-based degreasers as the best engine cleaners because they work faster and seem to remove a lot of grease buildup better than most water-based engine cleaner products. The downside is their strong solvent odor. If you are sensitive to solvents, choose a concentrated water-based product.

Vehicle Agricultural machinery Engine

Degrease-spray the entire engine compartment

Thoroughly spray the entire engine compartment with degreaser. Any household degreaser will work, whether it's a kitchen cleaner or a purpose-made engine degreaser. We've used Simple Green (we like its eco-friendly formula). Don't hold back-every square inch should be covered.

Make sure you buy water or citrus-based cleaners. Petroleum-based products work fast but are also harsh and will degrade rubber hoses and seals. Apply the degreaser from the bottom up so it doesn't drip down on you when you clean your engine. Also, remember that if you overspray the degreaser, it will remove the wax from the fenders. Cover them or spray very carefully so you don't have to deal with the chore of re-waxing. After applying the degreaser, if the fenders are not protected, hose them down. Other areas that need to be flushed include the hood and grille.

If your car's engine is clean, let the degreaser soak in for about three minutes. Very dirty engines need five minutes for the degreaser to loosen everything. For moderate to light buildup, there is no need to use a hand brush. For heavy deposits, use a parts brush (it has a long handle) so that you can easily reach all parts of the engine. When using the brush, use a small amount of car wash fluid so that the agitation of the brush will help remove the heavy soil before flushing the engine.

Scrub-Depending on how dirty your engine is, you may not need to scrub

Depending on how dirty your engine is, you may not need to scrub. However, some areas, like the valve cover, may have years of caked-on oil and dirt. A small brush with synthetic-not metallic-bristles will go a long way toward working the degreaser in and cleaning away the gunk. Add more degreaser if needed.

Rinse-prevent spraying much water into areas that won't dry easily

If you have a power washer, you can use it on a light setting, but a standard hose will work as well. Or you can use the sprayer at the local DIY carwash. Rinse the entire compartment, working from back to front, washing away all degreaser. Try not to directly spray electrical components, and try to prevent spraying much water into areas that won't dry easily.

Dry-The heat generated by the engine helps it dry quickly.

The heat generated by the engine helps it dry quickly. Do not let your engine air dry as it finds out. Instead, let the engine dry on its own for a few minutes and then wipe it down with a clean microfiber towel.

Tip - After drying the engine, spray it with a name brand engine cleaner. Wipe off any additional protectants and polishes and leave the showroom sparkling.

If you have compressed air available to you, you can blast air in the nooks and crannies to remove excess water. If not, wipe everything you can reach with a This will not only remove water but will also help remove any remaining grime.

Replace-remove the bags covering the electrical components.

Reinstall the negative terminal on the battery and remove the bags covering the electrical components.

Repeat-The key to making this project simple is not letting your engine compartment get too dirty in the first place.

The key to making this project simple is not letting your engine compartment get too dirty in the first place. A quick degreasing every year or two will help keep your engine looking clean with no more than an hour of work. Your ride's engine may never look as sexy as the one above, but a gleaming engine bay is guaranteed to make you feel happy.

Is your car or truck's engine a greasy mess? Really don't know how to clean your engine? Follow these simple steps above to get your motor as shiny and clean as it was when it came off the line.