skynex

Is there a tutorial anywhere that describes the best way to clean all of the parts under the hood of a 1st gen protege? I don't know much about cars, and it looks pretty dirty to me

limpgtx

get some Gunk at a store. dont get the gunk engine bright though, that stuff f'ed my alternator i swear. just get the engine cleaning foam.

demoninvictus

whatever you do, DON'T spray a garden hose on your engine block and ask us 2 days later why your car won't start.. this is a good question however, very good. i just got a strut bar and i was looking at my engine and realized it needs a good cleaning, anybody help us out? specifics... not necessarily a how to, just what to use, what precautions to take, tips, tricks, recommendations? heh? anybody?
peace

Davard

Let's see. Cover the brake reservoir (it has a little vent hole in the top) and the distributor. Don't spray most cleaners on paint (they are petroleum distillates). If you get water down the spark plug holes, compressed air will help get it out. Alternatively, you can use a rag, paper towels (but use good ones) or something else to get the water out). Really heavy stuff may require scrubbing with a stiff bristled brush (non-metallic). Old toothbrushes work for small areas. Rinse with a hi-pressure nozzle or pressure washer. Don't use too much water. If the car won't start it's either water under the distributor cap or around the spark plugs (although, it will usually start, just won't run).

My cleaner of choice is Castrol Super-clean (Greased Lightning is essentially similar). I thin it (1/2 water) for most usage, although stubborn grease may require full strength. Just don't get it in your eyes or breath it in (not harmful, but stings or makes you cough).

SlopPerformance

I work at a dealership detailing cars. We use citrus cleaner, or an engine shampoo. Eagle One makes engine shampoo, you can buy it at Pep Boys or something of that nature. I dont know if you all can get it but Car Clean makes the best products and they are cheap. We just spray the engine bay with the cleaner and hose it off and then use an air hose to spray the water off. Ive done this to some shitty *** cars, ( cavaliers with 120,000 miles) and they still run. I think.....

240SXSR20DET

autzones house brand engine degreaser works just as well as any of them.. and is cheeper

BadAzz92DX

PLEASE REMIND ME TO LISTEN TO U NEXT TIME!!!! i did this **** with the engine bright, my car blows big dick right now, lights flicker, engine bogs, sounds like a 6 cylinder with a huge hole in the headers....

CAN SOME1 PLEASE HELP ME OUT (w/out changing the alt.)

raspi

Is there an actual visual tutorial somewhere though? Something that shows pictures on what not to toutch, and what to clean thuroughly and such? I really have no clue what is under that hood.. heh. Sorry for my ignorance.

limpgtx

basically cover the big silver thing on the left side of the engine towards to below/back, it has a belt on it (alternator) and cover the distributor cap. the cap where all the spark plug wires connect to.

Bruce95fmla

I'm with Wil , but I spent way less than that to do the 323. Uhh a simple Auto Zone Engine Degeaser = 1.50 ... hehe

A paint brush = Free ... Cut the bristles in half, so it will be stiffer.
Cover the altenator and belts for the 1st wash , then I sprayed the cap and all for the 2nd (It was just to Guky) ....
Pic below .
before --- 323--after 1st wash

overal after


a bigger image
http://protosportracing.tripod.com/z/323/DSC00004.JPG

having a clean engine bay is sweet. I think i will sand and primer some stuff down in the engine bay .. I am still waiting for the girl to get me a copy of the title so I can register the damn 323 ...
Bruce