A clean car engine case will make repairs or maintenance easy. If your car's engine hasn't been cleaned in a while, the degreaser may take a while to absorb the dirt, and you'll need to put more effort into scrubbing away the oil/oil deposits. It is recommended that you clean the engine and engine housing before cleaning the car. Therefore, make sure you wash and rinse off any degreaser that could reach the car paint. Cleaning the machine regularly will prevent rust from forming. Dirt oil and road salt are the main causes of rust. So, the service life of a car engine can be increased if the engine case is cleaned properly.
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Method 1 of 3: Protecting and Preparing the Car Engine
Step 1. Clean all the garbage in the machine's container
Before you start cleaning the engine, remove all leaves, twigs, grass, or other debris from the engine compartment. All of this trash can invite trouble and even cause fires if left in the engine or electrical system for too long.
- Usually needles and pine needles accumulate at the bottom of the windshield and can then fall into the engine case.
- Look for small animal nests, especially if the temperature starts to get colder.
Step 2. Disconnect the battery
Spraying water directly into the engine housing can cause bending, shorting, or other damage to the car's electrical components. To prevent this, loosen the screw on the negative terminal on the battery/battery and slide the grounding wire away from the terminal.
- You can also disconnect the positive terminal to remove and clean the battery outside the engine case.
- If you leave the battery in the vehicle, insert the grounding wire to the side so it doesn't touch the terminals.
Step 3. Cover any exposed electrical wires or components
Even if your car's engine is fairly waterproof, the electrical components in the engine case will be safer if they are wrapped in plastic. Wrap the spark plugs, loose wires and distributor caps (if your car has one).
- You can use a plastic bag or plastic food wrap to protect the components from water.
- Read the vehicle manual if in doubt whether the car has a distributor or you don't know where the spark plugs are.
Step 4. Leave the engine running for 5 minutes
The oil in the engine will be easier to clean when it is hot. Start your vehicle and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will allow the engine to return to its normal operating temperature and loosen adhering grease.
Do not start the car for too long so that the engine does not overheat and can burn your hands when cleaning the engine
Method 2 of 3: Using Degreaser on Machine
Step 1. Use engine degreaser
There are many brands of engine degreaser products to choose from, and most of them work the same way. Spray the degreaser on the machine from the bottom up to spread the product evenly.
- Most degreaser is sold in a spray bottle to make it easier to spray on the vehicle engine.
- Read the degreaser guide to make sure you're using the best method for your particular cleaner.
Step 2. Try not to get the degreaser product on the car paint
Engine degreaser products can clean the clear layer of car paint so that your spray does not pass through the car engine. If any degreaser gets on the fenders (wheel housing) or other areas of car paint, rinse it off as soon as possible so as not to damage your car's paint.
- The degreaser removes the shine of car paint.
- Remove the degreaser from the paint as quickly as possible.
Step 3. Let the degreaser wet the machine for 3-5 minutes
Engine degreaser products work by eating oil dirt that sticks to the engine. For heavily soiled machines, allow the product to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
- If the instructions on the degreaser package state another waiting time, follow the instructions.
- The longer you leave the degreaser, the greater its benefits will be.
- After about five minutes, the degreaser will start dripping from the machine.
Step 4. Use a stiff bristle brush to scrub away stubborn dirt
While the degreaser is still soaking the engine, use a stiff or steel bristle brush to scrub away most of the dirt, burnt oil, or grease. You should be able to brush off the dirt easily because the degreaser has been softened.
- Wear eye protection while scrubbing the machine to prevent the degreaser from getting into your eyes.
- Wear gloves to prevent your skin from getting degreased.
- You may only need to scrub the machine if there is a lot of oil dirt stuck to it.
Step 5. Rinse the machine with a water hose
Do not use high pressure water to rinse the machine as it may dislodge cables or penetrate the plastic that protects electronic components. Use a regular water hose with a low pressure nozzle to effectively rinse the engine and remove most dirt
If you completely rinsed the machine and it still looks dirty, spray the degreaser again and let it sit for a few minutes
Step 6. Wash your car
After the car engine is completely rinsed, you should immediately start washing the car. This will also ensure that you remove the degreaser from the car paint before it gets too bad.
- Make sure you use a bucket, sponge, rag and another towel to clean the car body.
- Rub the wax on all areas that may have come into contact with the degreaser.
Method 3 of 3: Clean Certain Machine Components
Step 1. Use a wire brush on the battery terminals
Battery terminals are often corroded which can lead to faults in the electrical system in your vehicle. Disconnect the battery cables and use a wire brush to scrub the terminals until the metal looks clean.
Wet the end of the battery cable with a chemical anti-corrosion product such as CLR so that the cable can conduct electricity strongly
Step 2. Use a solution of baking soda and water on the battery acid
If the corrosion on the battery is due to leakage of battery acid, neutralize it with a solution of baking soda when cleaning the battery. Pour a little baking soda into a bucket of water and stir until dissolved. Dip the brush in the solution and scrub the battery terminals and any other parts that may be exposed to leaking battery acid.
Baking soda solution is very effective at cleaning and neutralizing battery acid
Step 3. Use a foot bristle brush and sponge on the plastic parts
Plastic engine parts, such as the engine cover and reservoir cover (radiator water reserve tube) are quite difficult to brush. Start with a stiff, plastic bristled brush along with a car shampoo or degreaser. After the stubborn dirt has been removed, use a sponge to scrub off the remaining dirt before rinsing with water.
- You can remove the component so that it can be cleaned outside the engine housing, but this step is optional.
- Do not use a steel bristle brush on plastic as this can cause scratches.
Step 4. Use brake cleaner to get rid of oil dirt deposits
Brake cleaners can break down oil and evaporate quickly. Insert the straw into the brake cleaning nozzle and point it at the area where there is a lot of oil deposition. Use a hard-bristled brush to scrub the dirt off, then re-spray with brake cleaner to rinse it off.
- Be careful when using brake cleaner in an enclosed area as the fumes are hazardous to health.
- Brake cleaners are highly flammable so do not use when smoking or near fire.
