Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) - Page 4 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Cooper33 · 03-14-2011, 04:02 PM

I'll be getting some of the simple green and see how it works on the 44 years of build up dirt, grease and oil in this engine bay. I'll post before and after pics and what was done once complete, but for now - only before pics.

jimmyballpeen · 07-11-2011, 01:32 AM

Does simple green or purple power take off firewall markings? I am going to clean 40 years of oil off my engine bay and would like to keep the firewall markings

72BlckButy · 07-12-2011, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyballpeen

Does simple green or purple power take off firewall markings? I am going to clean 40 years of oil off my engine bay and would like to keep the firewall markings

I tried to not spray on the firewall markings, but let's see if anyone has any experience with this...

BigDan3131 · 07-12-2011, 04:33 AM

THE best oil remover I have ever used is called Oil Eater but the first thing I would do is find a place renting a steam cleaner not a pressure washer. Cover the Dist. and Alt. with plastic bags and completely bag your carb or FI. Next raise the vehicle off the ground with ramps or if at home jack stands and go for it. After that you will probably need a couple good scrapers lots of rubber gloves and eyewear and scrape off what didn't come of with the steam. Get some Easy Off oven cleaner and hammer that on, let it work then resteam clean.

oldblue1968chevy · 07-12-2011, 08:07 PM

I believe it does I took mine off

I wish I had a pic or something to put them back on, what did they stand for anyway?

theastronaut · 10-07-2011, 02:14 PM

Here's my tip, I found this one out through personal experience.

After spending many hours detailing the engine compartment in my car, I decided I'd finish it off with a spray it of quick detailer and wipe it down with a microfiber towel to get the dust off from it's first drive since the engine swap. Well, I bought Quick Detailer and Spray on Wax in nearly identical bottles, and guess which one I grabbed? Yep, the Spray on Wax. Now I've got a ton of white specs all in the nooks and crevices that are unreachable. The engine was slightly warm so the wax dried pretty quickly before I could wipe it all off. So, check your bottles before you spray...

JBerno · 10-10-2012, 08:04 AM

So is it better to have the engine warm before applying the simple green (or anything else)? it seems like this should be the case but just want to confirm.

Thanks

HybridK · 11-19-2012, 04:03 AM

I've got a power steering pump that spewed all over the place because it got over-filled. I'm not trying to show it or anything, but I would like to get the big stuff off to keep it from being an eye sore. Will it be possible to soak it in simple green for a while and pressure wash it off? I'm going to be commuting with this truck when I get home from asscrackistan and won't have the time to tear it apart. What are your thoughts?

**LEEVON** · 02-21-2013, 05:11 PM

I have a cautionary tale. I had an engine out, on a stand. I degresed it pretty well, but it had aluminum heads and some paint flaking on the block. I decided to plug all of the exhaust and intake holes real well and lightly hit the trouble spots with the soda blaster. By the way, wal-mart plastic sacks make perfect plugs especially if you cram them in tight. The soda blaster did a nice job, took off some of the stubborn stuff and it came out real shiny. The problem came later when I started re-assembly. The first couple of accessory bolts wouldn't thread, then I started checking all of the bosses and most wouldn't thread. Turns out the soda went into holes, where there was still some moisture from cleaning and it turned hard as a rock. I had to chase many of the holes, and clean them out with a bottle brush. Still had issues and had to oil most of the bolts as well.

richards72chevy · 03-02-2013, 07:18 AM

What do you guys think about pressure washing an engine thats out and may not be started for awhile?Exhaust manifolds intake carb distrubitor is all there.Im just concerened about water getting in to the cylinder walls and pistons and causing damage.Should i just wait until its in and started?

71K20chevy · 03-02-2013, 09:42 AM

When pressure washing an engine, it really is best to do bare block-heads instead of with everything on it, it'd probably be fine if you sealed it off plenty good but I personally wouldn't try it.

TH3JUICEMAN · 03-10-2013, 12:42 PM

When soaking in Simple Green and then power washing what parts in the bay should be covered or not exposed to high pressure water?
Posted via Mobile Device

mpierce9 · 12-28-2013, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TH3JUICEMAN

When soaking in Simple Green and then power washing what parts in the bay should be covered or not exposed to high pressure water?
Posted via Mobile Device

Great question here. I'd like to take my truck to one of those DIY car wash places, remove the air cleaner, cover the carburetor with a plastic bag and spray that sucker off real good... Is this a bad idea? Could this negatively impact the engine?

If this is a reasonable approach, I'd like to spray on some Purple power and let it soak in beforehand.

Thoughts?

Rich 5150 69 · 12-31-2013, 02:48 AM

Lower shock mounts for my `64 c-10 after sitting in white vinegar for four days.

71K20chevy · 12-31-2013, 07:51 AM

Well that's impressive! Thanks for the tip!

thelawdoc · 08-09-2014, 02:13 PM

Vinegar is really great for rust removal. Anytime I see it on sale, I buy it like there's no tomorrow. It is not an instant cleaner by any means, but it is damn cheap. Sometimes, I toss a part into the bucket and leave it for weeks until I get back to it.

Senorx · 08-09-2014, 03:23 PM

I'm degreasing my engine for the first time this coming Monday. Anymore words of wisdom for a newbie?

thelawdoc · 08-09-2014, 03:36 PM

Senorx, wear gloves. My fingerprint grooves and nails were black for a long time after I once cleaned an engine. No amount of scrubbing them got me through inspection by my old lady. The gloves might save you from a few nights on the living room couch.

Senorx · 08-09-2014, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelawdoc

Senorx, wear gloves. My fingerprint grooves and nails were black for a long time after I once cleaned an engine. No amount of scrubbing them got me through inspection by my old lady. The gloves might save you from a few nights on the living room couch.

Good to know. I have a box of latex gloves.

greystoke · 09-10-2014, 02:40 PM

what do you guys recommend for cleaning LS motors? Do these require special handling?

thelawdoc · 09-10-2014, 02:48 PM

Graystoke, the only engine I have a clue about is my 250 I6. In general, I cover the distributor, coil, carb, air cleaner, and other electrical areas, and I use brushes and a bucket of water. I do not pressure wash the engine bay. It all cleans up pretty nicely and it is really no big chore. Take your lazy time. Have a look at what you are doing. Then use smaller brushes or rags to clean any areas that you did not get to with the larger brush. I suppose more experienced guys will use a hose, but I don't mind the slower, hand cleaning, method.

NJ C10 Guy · 11-15-2014, 02:09 PM

Stupid question here: if I take my time and mask off what needs to be masked off, would it be possible to paint my engine without removing it? It's not too messy under the hood, but the motor has paint flaking/chipping and it drives me crazy. I'd like to do a nice detail of everything, but it's pretty worthless if my engine looks like crap.

thelawdoc · 11-15-2014, 02:23 PM

NJc10Guy, My '66 c10 250 has room for a bed under the hood and I suppose the engine could be painted without removing it. Obviously, you are not going to get the paint job you would get if the engine were removed. I have read over and over again that the I6 250 is no big deal to take out. It seems to me that you would be spending a lot of time doing the masking that you mentioned, plus you might want to remove some accessories, hoses, etc. Look, every guy does his own paint job. You can spend a day painting or you can spend a week, and I am sure there are guys who will spend a month to get the result that they want. You get what you sow, I would say. Anyway, do what you gives you joy and enjoy what you did.

piecesparts · 11-15-2014, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJ C10 Guy

Stupid question here: if I take my time and mask off what needs to be masked off, would it be possible to paint my engine without removing it? It's not too messy under the hood, but the motor has paint flaking/chipping and it drives me crazy. I'd like to do a nice detail of everything, but it's pretty worthless if my engine looks like crap.

Simple answer is yes. However cover the whole vehicle, the fumes carries small amounts of paint in them and it will settle everywhere you do not want it.

BK · 11-18-2014, 02:44 PM

Little odd input. I bought an 86 4runner that had lived its entire life in Colorado. It had this red dirt dust stuff everywhere. The whole engine and engine bay was the same color. I attempted numerous cleaners like simple green, purple clean, brake clean, etc. No luck at all. I then decided to try the aerosol Goof-off made for graffiti, and it worked amazingly! Took it off the paint, hoses, plastics, engine, everything! Just wiped off.

03-14-2011, 04:02 PM	#1
Cooper33 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 125	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) I'll be getting some of the simple green and see how it works on the 44 years of build up dirt, grease and oil in this engine bay. I'll post before and after pics and what was done once complete, but for now - only before pics. Attached Images __________________ Brad 67 Chevy SWB stepside - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=449426 89 Ford Bronco 92 Suzuki Sidekick 94 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 06 Honda Aquatrax

07-11-2011, 01:32 AM	#2
jimmyballpeen Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Santa Maria, CA Posts: 56	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) Does simple green or purple power take off firewall markings? I am going to clean 40 years of oil off my engine bay and would like to keep the firewall markings

07-12-2011, 04:33 AM	#4
BigDan3131 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Maple Valley, WA Posts: 1,913	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) THE best oil remover I have ever used is called Oil Eater but the first thing I would do is find a place renting a steam cleaner not a pressure washer. Cover the Dist. and Alt. with plastic bags and completely bag your carb or FI. Next raise the vehicle off the ground with ramps or if at home jack stands and go for it. After that you will probably need a couple good scrapers lots of rubber gloves and eyewear and scrape off what didn't come of with the steam. Get some Easy Off oven cleaner and hammer that on, let it work then resteam clean.

07-12-2011, 08:07 PM	#5
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) I believe it does I took mine off I wish I had a pic or something to put them back on, what did they stand for anyway? __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

10-07-2011, 02:14 PM	#6
theastronaut Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Anderson SC Posts: 3,870	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) Here's my tip, I found this one out through personal experience. After spending many hours detailing the engine compartment in my car, I decided I'd finish it off with a spray it of quick detailer and wipe it down with a microfiber towel to get the dust off from it's first drive since the engine swap. Well, I bought Quick Detailer and Spray on Wax in nearly identical bottles, and guess which one I grabbed? Yep, the Spray on Wax. Now I've got a ton of white specs all in the nooks and crevices that are unreachable. The engine was slightly warm so the wax dried pretty quickly before I could wipe it all off. So, check your bottles before you spray... __________________ Project Goldilocks '66 C10 Short Fleet BBW Build '65 C10 Highly Detailed Stock Restoration Thread '78 Camaro Targa Roof Build '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work '66 F100 Full Rotisserie Restoration '40 Packard 120 Convertible Coupe Restoration How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster How To Detail Sand Body Panels, Edges, Corners, Etc

10-10-2012, 08:04 AM	#7
JBerno Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 138	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) So is it better to have the engine warm before applying the simple green (or anything else)? it seems like this should be the case but just want to confirm. Thanks __________________ 72' CST K5 Blazer

11-19-2012, 04:03 AM	#8
HybridK Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Evans Mills, NY Posts: 37	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) I've got a power steering pump that spewed all over the place because it got over-filled. I'm not trying to show it or anything, but I would like to get the big stuff off to keep it from being an eye sore. Will it be possible to soak it in simple green for a while and pressure wash it off? I'm going to be commuting with this truck when I get home from asscrackistan and won't have the time to tear it apart. What are your thoughts? Attached Images __________________ 1972 K10, 1 Ton Suspension, 420hp SBC, SM465, NP205, 10.5" FF Rear, Dana 44 front. Daily Driver

02-21-2013, 05:11 PM	#9
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) I have a cautionary tale. I had an engine out, on a stand. I degresed it pretty well, but it had aluminum heads and some paint flaking on the block. I decided to plug all of the exhaust and intake holes real well and lightly hit the trouble spots with the soda blaster. By the way, wal-mart plastic sacks make perfect plugs especially if you cram them in tight. The soda blaster did a nice job, took off some of the stubborn stuff and it came out real shiny. The problem came later when I started re-assembly. The first couple of accessory bolts wouldn't thread, then I started checking all of the bosses and most wouldn't thread. Turns out the soda went into holes, where there was still some moisture from cleaning and it turned hard as a rock. I had to chase many of the holes, and clean them out with a bottle brush. Still had issues and had to oil most of the bolts as well. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

03-02-2013, 07:18 AM	#10
richards72chevy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: konawa ok/oakdale Ca. Posts: 1,648	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) What do you guys think about pressure washing an engine thats out and may not be started for awhile?Exhaust manifolds intake carb distrubitor is all there.Im just concerened about water getting in to the cylinder walls and pistons and causing damage.Should i just wait until its in and started?

03-02-2013, 09:42 AM	#11
71K20chevy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Ft Wayne Indiana Posts: 1,204	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) When pressure washing an engine, it really is best to do bare block-heads instead of with everything on it, it'd probably be fine if you sealed it off plenty good but I personally wouldn't try it. __________________ 71 K20 64 GMC mud truck

03-10-2013, 12:42 PM	#12
TH3JUICEMAN Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 16	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) When soaking in Simple Green and then power washing what parts in the bay should be covered or not exposed to high pressure water? Posted via Mobile Device

12-31-2013, 02:48 AM	#14
Rich 5150 69 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Galt, Calif Posts: 2,437	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) Lower shock mounts for my `64 c-10 after sitting in white vinegar for four days. Attached Images __________________ `64 C10 vortec 350/350/373 posi `69 RS/SS 350/350/308 `37 Ford 406/350/324 traclock `68 Dart 370/904/323 suregrip

12-31-2013, 07:51 AM	#15
71K20chevy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Ft Wayne Indiana Posts: 1,204	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) Well that's impressive! Thanks for the tip! __________________ 71 K20 64 GMC mud truck

08-09-2014, 02:13 PM	#16
thelawdoc Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Brooklyn New York Posts: 324	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) Vinegar is really great for rust removal. Anytime I see it on sale, I buy it like there's no tomorrow. It is not an instant cleaner by any means, but it is damn cheap. Sometimes, I toss a part into the bucket and leave it for weeks until I get back to it.

08-09-2014, 03:23 PM	#17
Senorx Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: South Texas Posts: 567	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) I'm degreasing my engine for the first time this coming Monday. Anymore words of wisdom for a newbie?



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

08-09-2014, 03:36 PM	#18
thelawdoc Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Brooklyn New York Posts: 324	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) Senorx, wear gloves. My fingerprint grooves and nails were black for a long time after I once cleaned an engine. No amount of scrubbing them got me through inspection by my old lady. The gloves might save you from a few nights on the living room couch.

09-10-2014, 02:40 PM	#20
greystoke Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Buckeye, Arizona Posts: 694	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) what do you guys recommend for cleaning LS motors? Do these require special handling? __________________ "Fear makes the wolf look bigger" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=305629

09-10-2014, 02:48 PM	#21
thelawdoc Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Brooklyn New York Posts: 324	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) Graystoke, the only engine I have a clue about is my 250 I6. In general, I cover the distributor, coil, carb, air cleaner, and other electrical areas, and I use brushes and a bucket of water. I do not pressure wash the engine bay. It all cleans up pretty nicely and it is really no big chore. Take your lazy time. Have a look at what you are doing. Then use smaller brushes or rags to clean any areas that you did not get to with the larger brush. I suppose more experienced guys will use a hose, but I don't mind the slower, hand cleaning, method.

11-15-2014, 02:09 PM	#22
NJ C10 Guy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Toms River, NJ Posts: 437	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) Stupid question here: if I take my time and mask off what needs to be masked off, would it be possible to paint my engine without removing it? It's not too messy under the hood, but the motor has paint flaking/chipping and it drives me crazy. I'd like to do a nice detail of everything, but it's pretty worthless if my engine looks like crap.

11-15-2014, 02:23 PM	#23
thelawdoc Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Brooklyn New York Posts: 324	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) NJc10Guy, My '66 c10 250 has room for a bed under the hood and I suppose the engine could be painted without removing it. Obviously, you are not going to get the paint job you would get if the engine were removed. I have read over and over again that the I6 250 is no big deal to take out. It seems to me that you would be spending a lot of time doing the masking that you mentioned, plus you might want to remove some accessories, hoses, etc. Look, every guy does his own paint job. You can spend a day painting or you can spend a week, and I am sure there are guys who will spend a month to get the result that they want. You get what you sow, I would say. Anyway, do what you gives you joy and enjoy what you did.

11-18-2014, 02:44 PM	#25
BK BK Built Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Oroville, WA Posts: 478	Re: Do's/Don'ts of Engine Cleaning (Tell us your experiences...) Little odd input. I bought an 86 4runner that had lived its entire life in Colorado. It had this red dirt dust stuff everywhere. The whole engine and engine bay was the same color. I attempted numerous cleaners like simple green, purple clean, brake clean, etc. No luck at all. I then decided to try the aerosol Goof-off made for graffiti, and it worked amazingly! Took it off the paint, hoses, plastics, engine, everything! Just wiped off.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.