Cleaning a Lanos Engine

[ChrisHarding]

Hi Guys

My Lanos engine is pretty grimy and I would like to get rid of some of the oil/dirt mixture on the block .... any hints and tips??? Can I use a high pressure washer on the motor ..I don't really want to soak electrics to the point that my car is disabled for days until it dries out!! I also figured with a clean sparkling engine I just might be able to find where this coolant is leaking too!!!!

Thanks for any advice

Chris

[mrwoo105]

If you pressure washed it, an its in running condition. It prolly wouldn't be when you get through. That would basicaly be like drowning it in a pond. I suggest brake parts cleaner in a spray can. It will blast away the crud and then evaporate. Just do it in small sessions allowing it to dry a bit so you can see where else you need to spray. Good luck. Jacob

[MMamdouh]

you can use engine degreaser products on the dirty spots... or you can pour kerosene on the oily spots then wash the engine with water and soap (no high pressure) then let it dry out

MMamdouh

[ChrisHarding]

Thanks Guys

On other older cars I used to paint on degreaser (in fact diesel fuel works well too) and then carefully wash it off....Just bought a new HP washer so I figured it would be awesome but it will also disable most of the electrics too at that pressure.... I'll do it the old fashioned way and be happy!!!

Chris

[Puddle31]

Mine is a mess too..... will that brakes part spray do anything bad to wires or gaskets?

[benzino]

brake cleaner is the best
better than any degreaser, just powers through everething

[kidashley25]

You will probably have to use some rags and elbow grease to get off all of the gunk. Dispose of the refuse in a legal manner and once your motor is completely dry, take off the cover on your alternator and reconnect your battery.


_________________________________
MR GASKET TRI-BAR AIR CLEANER NUT,
CHROME PLATED -- Features chrome plated
construction for long lasting look and service life

[Fltofancy]

You guys......seriously. I pressure wash my engine all the time, just did it this past weekend right before a timing belt change. Go drive the car get the engine up to operating temp, lift the hood and spray away. It works quite well, just like a steam cleaner. Just dont spray the electrical boxes directly, but you can spray the coil pack the valve and timing belt covers, the exhaust and intake manifolds no problem. I take mine to the local DIY car wash and spray the dog mess out of it. Be careful with brake cleaners and the like, they will take your paint off, but are usefull for hard baked on oil deposits.

Fltofancy

[MMamdouh]

i don't think engine in normal operating temp + water is a good idea at all

MMamdouh

[OutlawWolf]

I totally agree with Fltofancy I used to work for a car wholesaler and we power washed 40 engines a week. Now I buy and sell a lot of cars and each and everyone of them have engines so clean you could eat off of them. I just go to the local car wash with about $10.00 in quarters and blast away in that engine compartment and under the car as well with the engine degreaser then finish it off with a high powered rinse. Try to keep this air filter dry cause when wet the cars may not start but other than that it works great. When I am done I spray them down with tire shine and then wipe off the excess with paper towels it makes all the black stuff like plastic and hoses and rubber parts look like brand new.