Engine cleaner

I've never owned a car that I actually wanted to have the engine block look nice so sorry for what probably sounds like an odd question. What is the best way to clean my Mondial's engine? Looking at the posts in this forum there are some sharp looking engines and while mine isn't terrible it could do with a good cleaning. I wasn't sure if good old fashioned soap and water was the way to go, or if there was something else that would help the process.

 

a cold engine and simple green(indust..)+water,then use a air hose from a compressor to blow any water out of harms way(like electrical)

 

I second that. Use a mild soap solution, a soft plastic brush for corners....pour the solution or sbottle spray it.... Don't use high pressure hoses. let it soak for 5 min..then use the brush to remove dirty spots...air blow the liquids, and then let it dry and finally use a clean cloth to soak up remainning spots. I use a small amount of Silicone spray on the black rubber surfaces, and some metal polish at certain areas.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Timely topic...detailing 308 engine compartment has been on my mind.

 

Nice looking engine there! I think I will try that out on one of my cars this weekend.

BT

 

To finish the job, try this is an amazing product. Google it, you'll find many other tech forum rants on how good it is. It is a rubber preservative that you work into the rubber by hand. Not slimy or messy, but it reconditions the rubber seals to like-new. From what I understand, it was originally only offered through BMW dealerships, but now you can find it online for about $8.

That and 'back-to-black' on the plastic bits and the engine will look great. I use it on all of the seals as well. (PS-I have no affiliation except the desire for the perfect detail!

Happy motoring!!

 

Back to black and Aerospace protectant work very good. I have both and like the results. If you care to order online go to www.Autogeek.com or www.autopia.com
Hope this helps, Denis

 

Not to get off the subject entirely, but this product is also great for "restoring" the U.S. spec rubber bumpers if they get faded and crazed looking. It took about three applications, but it got my front bumper looking like new again, and it doesnt look greasy like with and Armour All type product.

 

Hows about the cotton wrapped hoses? How do you clean them?

 

I've used Gunk for many years as I like it's foaming action. Not tried it on the 308, however, as it wasn't needed.

 

Our engines don't like water etc. The F1, old CART & now Indy all use break dust cleaner that you can buy at any parts store like Kragen etc. This is all I use and it evaporates.

 

Same here. Simple green or the stuff I've used (citrus-bright) are mild de-greasers and work well. Let it soak and then I use a hand pump sprayer with clean water to wash it off. For the metal polish I used Mothers Mag Aluminum polish with a clean rag, for the more stuborn spots I use brass wool with the polish.
For the cloth jacketed hoses, the best thing to do is replace them. I takes some work initially but is easy to keep clean, and the results are great. Good luck.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

No experience with simple green, but sounds like a good product. Avoid the pressurized can products if possible, they squirt out too vigorously, splashing unwanted parts like vinyls/electricals, etc. and you must have can right side up.....under spots are impossible to reach as inverting aeresol can will just loose the aeresol propellant.

As far as "mild soaps", its too wimpy, you can forget about it working loose heavier grimes/oils/grease, as it just wont cut it. You need LAUNDRY detergent grade, dissolved in hand held pump sprayer, a good way cuz one can control pressure, AND get under spots/areas too.

 

Amazing engine, Doug. Too much!

 

If all else fails, good old diesel fuel on a rag works great, it's one of the best de-greasers around, only problem is you have to wipe/clean off that little "film" afterwards. In the past whenever I was going to do any major engine work, waterpump, starter, trany, ect. I would go to the gas station and get a gallon of diesel fuel to clean everything off before starting the work. Cut throught the really thick crap.

 

I hear you. Since your on that idea where one puts his hand action/rubbing to use, ever try mineral spirits? Smells less, but costs more. Good for the flatter/bulk surfaces, but not for tiny crevices, unless you use the aid of a toothbrush, etc. Just kinda keep it off the rubber, you know. It rots it over time.

 

Nice thing about living aboard a boat and having the Ferrari around...plenty of diesel available!