My engine is pretty filthy. It's still got dirt on it from when I pulled the car out of the barn. To be honest, making things pretty has been on the bottom of the list since I have always been focused on making it perform better and be a more reliable and safe car (eg: suspension rebuild). I've only really cleaned things up and repainted them if I had to take them off and rebuild them. So, what is the correct way to wash the motor? Plastic bag over carb and alternator, then soak it in degreaser and pressure wash it off?
I do like you said and spray Spray9 all over it and hose it off. Pressure washing just pushes water into places you don't want. Just my 2 cents.
Simple Green - non-toxic - works good on mildly dirty motors. A trick to dry the dist cap, if you need to, is to use a propane torch. Don't burn it - just get the hot air inside the cap, of course, but its portable and works fast. - Bill
here is a link that may help...I hear she is a pro.:laugh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaLBO3H-YIs
For more precision washing, just use simple brake cleaner. I use it all the time and it works great. But if you have painted it, there's a good chance it will take the paint off too.
I use at my shop a product from Zep. Spray on a warm engine & wash off with a strong stream of water. Won't take off paint unless it's loose already. Won't dis-color or stain aluminum or turn it "White". This is for professional use only & you may have to purchase it from another shop. Don't forget about "Gunk" also. Same principal but not as good.
