I've seen quite a few pictures of owners' very clean engines and I'm wondering what method do you use to keep the engine so clean. Do you use a pressure washer ? Do you leave the car running ? Is it that necessary to clean it at all ?

My engine is starting to look neglected even though it isn't and I would like to keep it as clean as I keep the outside, but I son't want to ruin it by overdoing it, either.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

I use an aerosol can of Degreaser made by Gunk. When the engine is cool spray over the engine, inner fenders, firewall etc. Let sit for about 10 Minutes and spray off with garden hose. If you want to spray a layer of Formula 2001 (Armorall) for a shine...attracts dirt also!

read here:
http://www.clubtitan.org/forums/showthread.php?t=28129&highlight=clean+engine

The two times I sprayed my engine down it overheated afterward. Not sure if it's a coincedent or what but now I only wipe it with a water soak rag.

I've heard that Tide actually works quite well on getting rid of the mud.

I kid you not! I've seen the results on Chicks truck. Day 1 = pure mud

Day 2 = clean as new (after Tide treatment)

I've seen quite a few pictures of owners' very clean engines and I'm wondering what method do you use to keep the engine so clean. Do you use a pressure washer ? Do you leave the car running ? Is it that necessary to clean it at all ?

My engine is starting to look neglected even though it isn't and I would like to keep it as clean as I keep the outside, but I son't want to ruin it by overdoing it, either.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.
I use a bottle of diluted Simple Green on my engine compartment. I usually do first thing in the morning... let the engine run for 5-10 minutes then shut off. Spray Simple Green on, let it sit for about 5 minutes then lightly rinse off with my garden hose sprayer that has the mist function.
I make sure that I put Ceran Wrap over my CAI before I start spraying anything. I usually, leave the hood open for about 1-2 hours in the sun to dry everything off then spray some ArmorAll on the hoses but I don't go crazy with it.
I like to clean my engine compartment at least 4 times a year (and more if I go offroading).

you want it to look like this? Of course, this was new.:hi:

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l159/Learjetpilot/P6070126.jpg

simple green is the worst thing you could ever use on a metal surface.. it actually promotes corrosion.. DON NOT USE THIS CRUD.. it was banned from all aviation depot facilities for this very reason..

simple green is the worst thing you could ever use on a metal surface.. it actually promotes corrosion.. DON NOT USE THIS CRUD.. it was banned from all aviation depot facilities for this very reason..

Good info to know!

I tried this stuff on my Moto Metals (on the Ford) and it turned my Mud Grapplers orange... LOL

My engine is going to fall apart any minute now.......

simple green is the worst thing you could ever use on a metal surface.. it actually promotes corrosion.. DON NOT USE THIS CRUD.. it was banned from all aviation depot facilities for this very reason..
I just found this on the Simple Green website:

Aluminum - Is it safe to use Simple Green on aluminum?
Simple Green products have been successfully and safely used on aircraft, automotive, industrial and consumer aluminum items for over 20 years. However, caution and common sense must be used: Aluminum is a soft metal that easily corrodes with unprotected exposure to water. The aqueous-base and alkalinity of Simple Green or Crystal Simple Green can accelerate the corrosion process. Therefore, contact times of All-Purpose Simple Green and Crystal Simple Green with unprotected or unpainted aluminum surfaces should be kept as brief as the job will allow - never for more than 10 minutes. Large cleaning jobs should be conducted in smaller-area stages to achieve lower contact time. Rinsing after cleaning should always be extremely thorough - paying special attention to flush out cracks and crevices to remove all Simple Green/Crystal Simple Green residues. Unfinished, uncoated or unpainted aluminum cleaned with Simple Green products should receive some sort of protectant after cleaning to prevent oxidation.

Good info!!!!!!

The two times that I used SG on my engine bay it was on about 10 minutes and was wiped down and throughly rinsed. I use so much water after cleaning up my truck after offroading it's crazy. I love getting it muddy, but want it spotless a couple days after.

I might try Tide next time......it's probably dryrots the hoses though.......

I use this stuff sold by top of the line, it works great!

http://www.topoftheline.com/airgeldeg.html

I use this stuff sold by top of the line, it works great!

http://www.topoftheline.com/airgeldeg.html
Good link...

Castrol super clean is a good product too. Just dilute 50-50 with water, and put into a sprayer. Spray engine down and let sit 5 min. and rinse off gently with a hose.

I use Simple Green on my race quad that I use for GNCC racing. I do not have any corrosion anywhere on my quad, but after I wash it and dry it I spray it down with a silicone spray, that maybe the reason of no corrosion.

Good info!!!!!!

I might try Tide next time......it's probably dryrots the hoses though.......

It shouldn't most washers (clothes) use plastic or rubber hoses to drain and they have tide going through them all the time.

I have a 3600 psi pressure washer that flows 5 gallons a minute. It has a rotory nozzle on it and works wonder on the hole truck, frame, brakes, suspension, and motor. You just cant get it to close to anything otherwise it will peel off the warning labels.

I have a 3600 psi pressure washer that flows 5 gallons a minute. It has a rotory nozzle on it and works wonder on the hole truck, frame, brakes, suspension, and motor. You just cant get it to close to anything otherwise it will peel off the warning labels.

do you use any detergent or anything when spraying?

No i just spray it off with the rotory nozzel. I dont even dry it off I figure if i wash the motor first it will dry before I start it.

I do the following:

1. Make sure engine is cold.
2. Cover parts that you think need covered (common sense).
3. Spray Simple Green liberally on all surfaces.
4. Spray off all Simple Green.
5. Repeat steps 3, and 4.
6. Get a leaf blower, and dry off the engine thourghly.
7. I bought some Instant Shine from Superior Products from O'Reilly, spray that on all plastic/rubber surfaces.
8. Viola! you're done. Take a look at mine; minus the imploded radiator hose, which is corrected now.

on a cool engine i use the gunk citrus aerosol can. leave on for 15 min. then hose off. I dont use a nozzle or gun on he hose just my thumb. I usually just let the regular water pressure rinse it off but if a see some stubborn spots i hit them with a telesopic toilet brush looking thing i got at the auto parts store. it cleans and leaves a slightly armor all sheen to it.

what spray do u use after the cleaning to give it the shine

A hot water pressure washer does the trick, gets things cleaner than just using cold water.

I have used Simple Green for several years. I never leave it on the surfaces for very long, under 4min. in most cases.
I use standard water pressure and rinse well.
The air compressor helps blow the excess water away.

Might want to watch using an air compressor to dry water. Using that kind of pressure can push water into places it is not meant to be in. This includes gaskets and seals. We pressure wash engines every single day to work on them and I do not allow air to be used on a wet engine in my shop.

Might want to watch using an air compressor to dry water. Using that kind of pressure can push water into places it is not meant to be in. This includes gaskets and seals. We pressure wash engines every single day to work on them and I do not allow air to be used on a wet engine in my shop.
I was going to say the same thing... you beat me to it. I would never use compressed air either... like shailey said, you're asking for trouble. If you use a good degreaser, just free flowing tap water (no gun), is all you should safely use.

I use: water, Simple Green, a leaf blower, and some sort of spray to make your engine sparkle (dunno the name - I'm not happy with it b/c it collects too much dust)... VERY IMPORTANT wash first thing in the morning when your Titan is cold (you probably know that already).

1. Spray down your engine (covering appropriate components)
2. Spray generously Simple Green all over your engine
3. Wash off Simple Green with water.
4. Repeat steps 2, and 3
5. Get a leaf blower, and dry it all up really good.
6. Start your engine... let it run for about 5 minutes.
7. Wipe off any extra water you might see.
8. Spray something on there that will not make it look too greasy. I have some stuff now that I'm about to toss out. You can find something at your local auto parts store.


One last thing, some pics of my engine.... A before scottsbro painted it, and a after scottsbro painted it:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/2401000-2401999/2401721_48_full.jpg


Clean and painted engine cover by scottsbro23 (sorry about the size):

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/2401000-2401999/2401721_56_full.jpg

Good luck, and happy cleaning!!!