How to Clean a Car Engine
Materials You’ll Need
- Engine degreaser
- Water
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Shop towels
- Brush (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Engine
* Park the car in a well-ventilated area.
* Allow the engine to cool down completely.
* Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
* Remove any plastic covers or shields that are blocking access to the engine.
2. Apply Engine Degreaser
* Spray the engine degreaser liberally over the entire engine.
* Allow the degreaser to sit for the amount of time specified on the product label.
* Use a sponge to gently agitate the degreaser and remove any heavy dirt or grime.
3. Rinse the Engine
* Use a garden hose to rinse the engine thoroughly with cold water.
* Avoid spraying water directly into electrical components.
4. Dry the Engine
* Use shop towels to dry the engine as much as possible.
* You can also use a leaf blower to help dry the engine faster.
5. Finish Up
* Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
* Reinstall any plastic covers or shields that you removed.
* Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to ensure that everything is working properly.
Tips
* Use a brush to clean hard-to-reach areas, such as the crevices around spark plugs and injectors.
* Be careful not to use too much water when rinsing the engine.
* Avoid spraying water directly into electrical components.
* If you’re not comfortable cleaning the engine yourself, you can take it to a professional detailer.
Warnings
* Engine degreaser can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.
* Wear gloves and eye protection when using engine degreaser.
* Do not smoke or eat while using engine degreaser.
* Keep engine degreaser away from children and pets.
