Everyday engine cleaner?

You do not want to use anything too harsh on your engine components, especially the rubber gaskets and hoses. I usually use P21S all purpose cleaner. The engine will always get dusty no matter how you drive, it is a fact of life. Here is how I usually clean engines...

-Cover the electronics and other critical areas with plastic bags and do a quick rinse of the engine.
-Then go over it with P21S and a sponge or toothbrush.
-Rinse again and then dry immediatley (pull off platic bags after drying).
-Run the engine for 5-10 minutes
-The go over the engine with some sort of cleaner or protectant of your choosing

Hope this helps.

 

you can also try a product called Formula 88. Its very inexpensive; less than $5 per gallon and can also be used for other cleaning purposes. great also for cleaning brake dust on the wheels. it is not a harsh chemical. you can find it at Discount Auto Parts and Home Depot.

 

Gunk should not hurt the engine components no matter how much you use it. But really, I only use gunk to get oil and stuff off the engine. If it is just dust and dirt I would just hit it with an all-purpose cleaner or car wash.

 

Since most all of Ferrari engines are painted, you do not need to use anything that is too strong. I just use car wash soap and water on mine every time I wash the car and it seems to work fine.

 

Boxer12:

By cleaner I meant a specific plastic/rubber dressing you like to use. Coat the plastic and rubber parts with it, then buff off. You can also use a spray wax on parts you want to shine a but better. Hope this helps.

 

A trick from my detailer ... use regular tire cleaner (the foaming type) ... spray it everywhere (literally) ... after it dissipates, wipe/buff everything. The rubber will look great (of course), and all the metal will shine. This works, of course, on engines that are generally clean, and well cared for.

 

Try Griots Garage engine cleaner. Worked on my 308 and it's safe on rubber etc.

 

Foamy engine brite is just fine. All the stuff you buy is close in formulation; i.e., usually has propane, isobutane, 2-butoxyethanol and various "petrolleum distillates," and that's irrespective of who's name is on the label. I use the foamy engine brite stuff 1. b/c it doesn't nearly stink as badly --and for as long-- as the reg engine brite, and 2. it's non-flammable (or purported to be such), which is usually a good thing around heat, engines and ignition sources. I've been using it on my car for the last 5 yrs, and haven't notice any appreicable deterioration of any coolant hose, ac lines or plastic pieces nor gaskets.
hth's,
hubert.

 

I use Simple Green on a hot engine. Spray on, hose off.

 

Spray on tire foam and blow off extra with shop-vac. No need to wipe. Very easy and works very well.