Cleaning/washing the engine & engine upkeep

[ghst]

Hey guys - Just finished washing & waxing my 'stang, and now I'm wondering what the best way to handle my engine would be. It's pretty gross and looks like it hasn't been washed in 15,000 miles or so.

Also, what's the best way to keep my engine happy? I've been reading about ZMax, and it seems to have a lot of mixed reviews - most people saying it's snake oil, and other people are over exaggerating it's benefits. It's time for an oil change (she's ridin' rough), and if something like ZMax could benefit, I'd be willing to pick it up.

Thanks !

[Soccerluvr4]

Seafoam seems to be liked by everyone... You can put it in your oil reservoir the day before an oil change to let it cleanse the system, or even put some in right after your oil change (look up the different methods)... You can also put in your gas tank at any time and it will help clean out your cylinders.

[BaSohol]

I use gunk out

[ghst]

Gunk looks great, thanks! And I've heard about seafoam. Isn't it kind of touchy to use though? I've heard some pretty bad horror stories.

[tc x 4]

Originally Posted by ghst

Hey guys - Just finished washing & waxing my 'stang, and now I'm wondering what the best way to handle my engine would be. It's pretty gross and looks like it hasn't been washed in 15,000 miles or so.

Also, what's the best way to keep my engine happy? I've been reading about ZMax, and it seems to have a lot of mixed reviews - most people saying it's snake oil, and other people are over exaggerating it's benefits. It's time for an oil change (she's ridin' rough), and if something like ZMax could benefit, I'd be willing to pick it up.

Thanks !

Internally or externally ?

[ghst]

Originally Posted by tc x 4

Internally or externally ?

Both, if possible. I'd like the engine to essentially shine and look brand new, not all gunky and dusty. I'd also like to treat the inside of it, if possible.

[TomTom]

I'm interested my 2003 intrepid is a mess .


Marvels mystery oil???

[tc x 4]

Originally Posted by ghst

Both, if possible. I'd like the engine to essentially shine and look brand new, not all gunky and dusty. I'd also like to treat the inside of it, if possible.

I use a spray bottle with water and a rag. Internally idk, just use good gas and you'll never have that problem.

[frank07stanggt]

I used a wallpaper steamer I had laying around. It has a small brush attachment that I used. Worked pretty good.

[Zaks06GT]

Can u just hose the engine down when it's cold? Do u have to cover the coils?

[tc x 4]

Originally Posted by Zaks06GT

Can u just hose the engine down when it's cold? Do u have to cover the coils?

Not a good idea. Water = Corrosion, to much electrical for me.

---------- Post added at 01:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 AM ----------

Try spray bottle and compressed air.

[BaSohol]

Originally Posted by tc x 4

Not a good idea. Water = Corrosion, to much electrical for me.

---------- Post added at 01:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 AM ----------

Try spray bottle and compressed air.

There's water in the air

[tc x 4]

Originally Posted by BaSohol

There's water in the air

Big difference from a hose.

[frank07stanggt]

As long as you aren't soaking electrical components they will be okay. All that stuff is going to get "wet" anyway in the form of condensation.

[Rogue Slider]

I guess you could go to a car dealership and ask them what they use when the prep a car for you. They also clean the engine. When i bought mine the engine looked brand new.

[BaSohol]

Originally Posted by Rogue Slider

I guess you could go to a car dealership and ask them what they use when the prep a car for you. They also clean the engine. When i bought mine the engine looked brand new.

I use to detail cars and it varies from shop to shop, some use steamers others use solvents and pressured water, but 99 percent of them dress it with high gloss silicone based stuff after it's cleaned, also most dealers out source there detail work

[ghst]

I think that Gunk stuff seems like the best bet, honestly.

However, I can't find ANYWHERE to buy it at all. Any alternatives?

edit: What about this? http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Engin...7720398&sr=1-1

[BaSohol]

Originally Posted by ghst

I think that Gunk stuff seems like the best bet, honestly.

However, I can't find ANYWHERE to buy it at all. Any alternatives?

edit: What about this? http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Engin...7720398&sr=1-1

Walmart bro

[sinister07]

If you have ever driven your car in the rain, the engine compartment has been full of water. No worries. I spray down the engine with a little soap, and have at with the garden hose. Then I really get after it with a leaf blower and compressed air. Make sure there is no water down in the spark plug holes- it will cause a misfire and a Check Engine Light.

[99ford]

Originally Posted by BaSohol

I use to detail cars and it varies from shop to shop, some use steamers others use solvents and pressured water, but 99 percent of them dress it with high gloss silicone based stuff after it's cleaned, also most dealers out source there detail work

I use sprayway instant shine to really give it an overall pop. I use it inside and out my clients love it because it doesn't feel greasy. I like it since they are happy.

[BaSohol]

Here's my engine it's a week after detail

[ghst]

Originally Posted by BaSohol

Walmart bro

Walmart.com: Gunk Heavy-Duty Gel Engine Degreaser: Automotive

That's all I could find, plus the post-cleaning protector. Is this what you're using?

Your engine is looking great, by the way!

[BaSohol]

Ya both those

[tc x 4]

Originally Posted by BaSohol

Here's my engine it's a week after detail

Looks good, had mine nearly that nice. 2 weeks in the body shop with the hood off changed all that.

[KIDAGIN]

Citrus Degreaser from ZEP available at Home depot also in spray bottles.
Works great I think better than Gunk.

Then use Autoglym Trim to finish off.
32 oz. Heavy Duty Citrus Degreaser-ZUCIT32 at The Home Depot