How to clean a dirty car engine
Step 1: Gather your supplies
- Engine degreaser
- Hose with nozzle
- Bucket
- Sponge or brush
- Clean rags
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
Step 2: Safety first
Before you start cleaning your car engine, make sure to take some safety precautions. Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from chemicals and debris. And be sure to work in a well-ventilated area, as engine degreaser can be harmful if inhaled.
Step 3: Prepare the engine
Before you apply any degreaser, it’s important to prepare the engine. Let the engine cool down completely. This will prevent the degreaser from evaporating too quickly and will make it more effective. If the engine is still warm, you can use a hose with a nozzle to spray water on the engine and cool it down.
Step 4: Apply the degreaser
Once the engine is cool, you can apply the degreaser. Follow the directions on the degreaser label carefully. Some degreasers can be applied directly to the engine, while others need to be diluted with water. Use a sponge or brush to apply the degreaser to all surfaces of the engine. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 5: Let the degreaser sit
Once you’ve applied the degreaser, let it sit for the amount of time specified on the label. This will give the degreaser time to work.
Step 6: Rinse the engine
After the degreaser has sat for the appropriate amount of time, it’s time to rinse it off. Use a hose with a nozzle to spray water on the engine until all of the degreaser is removed. Be sure to rinse all of the nooks and crannies.
Step 7: Dry the engine
Once the engine is rinsed, it’s important to dry it completely. Use a clean rag to wipe down all surfaces of the engine. This will help to prevent rust and corrosion.
Step 8: Apply a protectant
Once the engine is dry, you can apply a protectant to help keep it clean. There are a variety of protectants available, so be sure to choose one that is specifically designed for use on car engines.
Step 9: Admire your work
Once you’ve finished cleaning your car engine, take a step back and admire your work. Your engine should now be clean and free of dirt and grime. And best of all, you did it yourself!