Clean
Clean
(famousS&S @ Jan. 19 2007,15:31)QUOTEQuestion on how everyones car i see under the engine is so clean. I have heard that you can take it somehwere to powerwash it out but im just kind of curious.
Here is the engine washing procedure recommended by BMW:
Bring the engine to operating temperature, and switch the engine Off.
Cover or shield any component--such as the ignition distributor, multi-connectors, etc.--in the area to be cleaned with plastic sheeting.
Apply engine degreaser or general engine cleaning solvent to the dirty area, allowing it to soak for at least five minutes.
Spray warm water on the area to be cleaned, flushing the solvent and the contaminants.
Do not aim the water spray directly at components. Do not use the water spray any longer than necessary. Do not wash the entire engine compartment when only one area requires degreasing, such as the front crankshaft radial seal, M20 oil filter replacement, etc.
Blow the cleaned area dry immediately with moderate-pressure compressed air.
Start the engine immediately and road test the vehicle to confirm satisfactory operation.
I like to use a scrubbing brush & stiff toothbrush after the degreaser soaks in to get the dirt out of crevices.
Instead of plastic sheeting, I use old plastic grocery bags to cover up the water-sensitive areas.
Also, try as hard as you can to keep the degreaser off of the body's paint, I've never seen it damage paint, but it says on the can it will.
Last, I try to keep the water/degreaser away from the belt(s)/pulleys because I find the belt will start squeaking for a while if it gets too wet. I like to spray some degeraser on a rag or brush and clean the pulleys that way.
If you want, you can use a protectant or "engine detailer" after you're finished.