Subject: [s-cars] Engine Compartment Washdown?

[lebakken1 at netzero.com]

Douglas in MN wrote:

"What is the consensus on washing down the engine compartment?  I'm not
looking for the Hap Museum Piece (HMP) look, but more to take care of last
winter's grime.  Need to put a shine on those red Samco's.

Does anyone have tips and techniques to share?"

1). I use the pressure washer at a pay carwash. The pressures these run seem to be just right - probably so you can't hurt yourself! The one i use also puts out heated water.

2.) Stay away from the Castrol Engine cleaner or anything that has an extreme alkaline content (can't remember the chemical name....). It will eat away the pretty zinc coating on fasteners and clamps, and dull the finish of aluminum. The new Gunk Orange engine cleaner works well, and will not make your car stink for a few days like the old stuff did. It is harmless, solvent based, spray liberally over everything, except hot exhaust components.

3.) The stickers on these cars are getting old, and will be damaged by water pressure - clean these by hand.

4.) When pressure spraying the engine, don't directly spray the valve cover, as, while the rubber seal on the plate over the spark plugs will keep dirt out, water under pressure will get in. The spark plug holes will then fill with water, which is a pain to get out, and will cause the engine to missfire.

HTH,

Craig Lebakken
94S4