Engine Cleaning

[Aredubjay]

I'd like to get my engine looking "squeaky clean" before the Autofest showing. Since I've had the leaking valve cover gasket replaced and replaced the o-ring and all the seals . . . . that cause those kinds of things, I want to get her looking pretty.

Now, I know that this isn't the "old school" motor. In the Carb/Distributor/Points 'n' Plugs engines, you just didn't douse it with water. You took time to "baggie" everything that might possibly cause trouble when wet.

Now, I've met many SVXers. Some have said, they merely spray on a cleaner and hose it off. Others, make preparations. Obviously, I'm going to get varied opinions on this, but, I want to hear them so I can make a more informed decision.

Which is a MORE "right" way to do it. And, if there are parts that need protecting, which ones? Thanks.

[mohrds]

<<Which is a MORE "right" way to do it>>

Actually, its spelled MOHR, but good try.

Remember in Reading when we were at the car wash and I powerwashed my engine? No ill effects to this day. In fact I did it again about 2 weeks ago after spraying some degreaser and taking a stiff bristle brush to the nasty spots. No more burnt tranny smell from that busted hose.

I've washed my engine several times in the 7 or so years I've been with her and I've never covered anything up during the process.

As long as you clean and grease (dielectric) the electrical connectors every few years, I can't see a problem just hosing down everything.

Doug

[1994SubaruSVX]

if you covered the alternator and battery just to be on the safeside. i have replaced my alternator three times. if it goes again i doing some upgrading. higher gauge wires, more powerful alternator, and the optema battery. i think that is how you spell it.

[svxcess]

I used a gel type alumimum cleaner (something like Naval Jelly) I think its made by Duro. I picked it up at the hardware store. It is an acid-type cleaner. I just brushed it on the intake manifold with a paint brush (the gel doesn't run) I used a brass bristled "toothbrush" to scrub in the crevices (the brass is non-marking). After a few minutes I wiped it with a wet sponge, which neutralized the acid and then dried it off.

I repeated it a second time and this time gently hosed off the manifold. It did an amazing job! Not only did it take off the dirt, but also the oxidation on the aluminum. It is now a very light color, much like it would have been originally.

[Aredubjay]

Okay, thanks guys. I'm sure it's just my "old school paranoia" that's preventing me from turning a hose on my motor.

Amazing, Doug, how you'll spray your engine down but you won't WAX your car!

John, would you mind checking on the name of the "Duro" product. I have the typical "black mottleing" on my intake. I'd love to get that stuff off. Meanwhile, remember that tube of Sil-Glide I gave you. It must be the last one in existance. AutoZone no longer carries it. Neither does Advance, Pep-Boys, Wal-Mart, or K-Mart. When I did a on it, there were no wholesale or retail outlets listed, just a bunch of posts on how great the stuff was, from people on boards like this one. There was however one glimmer of hope. One of the people posting mentioned getting it at NAPA. It'll be my next stop.

Good Idea on alternator cover-up, Leo. I probably won't cover the battery, it needs washing also. (And, it's "optima" but, who's really noticing )

[mohrds]

<<Amazing, Doug, how you'll spray your engine down but you won't WAX your car! >>

I was going to wax this past weekend. I washed and thoroughly dried. I went into the house and could not find any wax!!! I couldn't believe it. Apparently in the two years since we moved here, I never noticed I didn't pack up the wax...

Go ahead, laugh all you want.

Besides, cleaning the engine is a 20 minute job. Waxing is a 4 hour job once I get into it. Plus if you smelled the results from that burst tranny hose, you would have cleaned the engine too.


Doug

[nvrmore100]

I agree...I personally would at least cover up the alternator. A safeway bag will do fine. One product I really like is called "Steam" it comes in a black can (about $2.99) at Pepboys. Works very well...and sprays a pretty straight stream to get in the nasty little spots you can't get at very well.

Ryan

[Aredubjay]

<<Go ahead, laugh all you want. >>

Doug, you've gotten to know me way too well in just the couple of times we've met.

<<A safeway bag will do fine.>>

Damn! I'm gonna have to drive for over an hour! Our nearest Safeway is in Indiana! I sure as heck hope I don't see any "Watch for Ice on Bridge" signs on my way there. I came across one of those last August. Stood there for darned near the whole day before deciding they could give me a ticket if they wanted to, but I wasn't watching any longer.

BTW nvrmore -- I checked the "big" version of your avatar. It frightened me. You wouldn't happen to be a Poe fan, would you.

[nvrmore100]

So what do you have then? Albertson's?? There meat is lousy...Safeway meat is the best!

Frightened you huh....boo!

As far as Poe goes...I really only like the Raven...I'm more of a Shakespeare fan if I really want to get into it..