Many vehicle owners wonder
if washing an engine bay is a necessity due to the inherent risk involved. We
have all heard the tales of damage caused by engine washing. The fact is that
modern engines are made to be water resistant, weather-tight connectors,
distributor-less ignitions and newer gasket technology, the water sensitive
devices are well protected and will easily resist frequent washing; however care
should be taken when using a pressure washer or hose.
Preparation
I would
recommend wearing a pair of latex cloves while working on the engine
compartment. Road grime, tar and grease are very difficult to remove from
underneath your fingernails. Outside of the garage your hands shouldn't look
like you need lessons in personal grooming.
Permatex®
Disposable Nitrile Gloves are
made from a 100% synthetic rubber that provides superior resistance to a wide
range of solvents and hazardous chemicals. Nitrile gloves are suitable for
users with natural rubber latex sensitivity. They feature textured fingers that
provide a secure grip on dirty parts and tools. These gloves are lightly
powdered, which makes them easier to put on and take off. When superior chemical
resistance is required, these disposable gloves provide mechanics with ideal
heavy-duty hand protection. Excellent protection from greases, oil, diesel
fuel, acids and many petroleum-based products
Disposal of Aqueous Solutions
One should
never assume that aqueous solutions can be disposed of down the drain. Your
local water treatment authority or publicly owned treatment works will have
information on treatment and disposal of these cleaners. Adjustment of pH and
dilution are usually required before disposal to a drain.
Do not use a
solvent based product for engine compartment detailing as solvents have a low
flash point and could start a flash fire in the engine, solvents also
deteriorates and expands rubber, which may have a detrimental effect on belts
and hoses.
Protection of Electrical Components
Avoid the [I cleaned engine and now it won't start] scenario by covering
electrical / electronic and various other parts prior to using any cleaning
products, sprays or water. If you’re unsure either protect with a covering and
/or use WD-40 water repellent
The most important
electrical components are sealed to be ‘water
resistant’ or splash proof to resist
water ingress that is to say against low pressure, water splashing upwards from
the road that is encountered in the course of daily driving conditions, despite
their coverings they are not ‘waterproof’.
Rain or water splashed up into the engine is at very low pressure, very
different from a pressurised hose or steam
Allow the engine to cool
down; cold water on a hot engine will cause thermal shock, which could cause
the block to fracture. Allow the engine to run while you are using a water
spray. Then leave it running for approx five minutes after you are finished spraying.
This allows any water that remains to
evaporate with the heat from combustion
As long as you use common
sense by avoiding a direct strong stream of water (or a pressure washer /
steamer at close range) directly into these components, you will be fine.
·
Alternator
·
Alarm Housing
·
Intercooler
·
Battery terminals (if not covered already)
·
Induction kit cone (if you have one)
·
Coil packs
·
Electronic control units (ECU)
·
GM Opti-Spark Distributor
·
On-Board Diagnostics
(OBD) port
·
Air intake systems (exposed
air filters) can be covered with plastic wrap and a rubber band
·
Avoid getting water in the spark plug recesses or the dip-stick
opening (seal with foil)
Notes:
1.
This is not an
exhaustive list, nor is it marque specific, if in doubt use a water repellent
(WD-40) and exercise common sense
2.
Use cling-film and then
tin foil for the alternator, alarm housing etc as the foil is easier to mould
and has greater protection properties. I suggest you use a plastic bag for the
induction kit and just wrap it tight over the end to stop any water ingress.
3.
For the intercooler the
best way to cover is to get a flat sheet of cardboard and just cut it to size
so it fits and covers the fins. Cardboard will normally protect the fins for
the duration of the washing. It will get soaked so discard after the wash.
4.
If you are uncertain of
how to proceed on something not included here; talk with somebody who has
marque /model /year specific knowledge.
Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
Disconnecting the battery will
cause the radio pre-sets and the seat position memory to be lost (disconnect
ground first then live terminal). Once the battery is re-connected (live first
and then ground terminal) the engine control unit (ECU) will reset
automatically; this is a good thing to do occasionally anyway.
Modern ECUs use a
microprocessor which can process the inputs from the engine sensors in real
time. An electronic control unit contains the hardware and software (firmware).
The hardware consists of electronic components on a printed circuit board
(PCB), ceramic substrate or a thin laminate substrate. The main component on
this circuit board is a microcontroller chip (CPU).
The software is stored in
the microcontroller or other chips on the PCB, typically in EPROMs or flash
memory so the CPU can be re-programmed by uploading updated code or replacing
chips. This is also referred to as an (electronic) Engine Management System
(EMS).
Cleaning Methodology
1.
Do not open the hood while the wiper
arms are in an up position; the result could be a cracked windshield
2.
Work on a warm engine, if
it’s hot; allow it to cool down (cold water on a hot engines casting may cause
it to fracture)
3.
Remove any excess debris,
leaves and etc from the hood, grille or air-vent openings
4.
Spray electrical connectors
with WD40 which repels moisture /
water (avoid spraying on belts)
5.
Use cling-film or Saran wrap
elastic covers to cover any sensors, electrical black boxes, electrical devises
that could cause an electrical short-circuits if subjected to water spray.
6.
This will not guarantee that
you won’t cause a problem when cleaning an engine bay but it will greatly
reduce the risks.
7.
An emphasis on a warm engine
as (heat) reactivity will accelerate the strength of the cleaner and it can
cause much more harm than good.
8.
Start and run the engine to
get it warm, not hot, this will enable the de-greaser to work more efficiently
on a warm surface.
9.
Unless you have leaking
fluids, you shouldn't need an aggressive degreaser or a high-pressure washer /
steamer.
10.
Apply a de-greaser or an all
purpose cleaner (P21S®® Total Auto Wash or Optimum Power Clean All
Purpose Cleaner Degreaser) or a solvent free, water
based cleaner (Wurth Engine Cleaner and Degreaser or Simple Green® Aircraft &
Precision Cleaner, for cleaning engines,
aircraft, vehicles and equipment. most of these engines don't really need the
use of harsh degreasers. These product is safe for painted surfaces, gel coat,
aluminium, carbon fibre and other composite materials) by lightly spraying the
lower parts of the engine first and then working upwards.
11.
Enable the cleaner to work
by allowing remain in place time (but do not allow to completely dry) or to
remain on painted surfaces, and be sure to dilute with water before drying with
a cloth.
12.
For heavily soiled areas
agitate with a nylon engine cleaning brush and a undiluted cleaner
or degreaser (Wurth Engine Cleaner and Degreaser or Optimum Power Clean All
Purpose Cleaner Degreaser)
13.
When the grease and grime is
dissolved and you're ready to remove it, spray with a light (garden type)
fan-spray pattern pressure water an hose and then agitate with a Mini E-Z Detail Brush.
14.
To shine aluminium engine
block / parts use # 0000 synthetic bronze wool and a metal polish, English Custom Polishing – ECP
15.
Use the blower side of a
vacuum (avoid area that may be sensitive to a forced air flow) or allow the
engine compartment to air dry and then thoroughly wipe down all accessible
surfaces
16. Make sure you have
removed the cling-film, aluminium foil or saran wrap and all other products
used to cover or protect sensitive parts from the engine bay. Start the engine
and let is run for at least 1 – 2 minutes to help dry some of the water. Be
careful touching the vehicle after because it can get hot fast.
17. Then finish drying
anything that may need it.
18. When everything is dry
apply a vinyl/rubber protection to hoses, shields and wires, and wipe engine
parts with Autoglym
Vinyl & Rubber Care or 303™ Aerospace Protectant
19. Clean hard plastic and
protect with 1z
Plastik Reiniger
20. Wipe off any excess with
a clean cloth and apply a wipe on, walk away Clear Sealant (Zaino Clear Seal Z-CS) or a spray wax
protection to all painted surfaces.
21. Remove all component
coverings that you’ve applied
22.
Turn on the engine and allow
it to run for about five minutes to heat up; this should dry any remaining
water
CliffNotes
Version
1.
Warm up the engine
2.
Cover water sensitive components
3.
Apply a mild degreaser and agitate
4.
Rinse away residue
5.
Remove any applied component protection (cling film, foil, etc)
6.
Apply protection to rubber / vinyl parts
7.
Start and allow engine to warm up and dry engine bay
Cast Aluminium surfaces
The best methods for
Concours cleaning of cast aluminium is by bead blasting, but if you just need
to clean use an acidic cleaner. Do not use a strong alkali as it will cause
carbon spots that are very difficult, if not impossible to remove.
·
Thoroughly de-grease the surfaces using Optimum Power Clean
™ and then rinse with clean water
·
Clean surfaces with P21S Polishing Soap or Total Auto Wash
·
Using a brass wire brush and Optimum Metal Polish scrub the aluminium surfaces
·
Thoroughly rinse with clean water and then dry
·
Use a polymer clear coating (Z-8 Grand Finale™ Spray Seal)
Safe Degreaser
Modern engines do not
require a harsh degreaser, if you want to safely degrease your vehicles engine
bay, Optimum Power Clean or Wurth
Citrus Degreaser are both excellent choices. Environmentally safe product that
can also clean your paint, wheels, tires, engine bay, wheel wells, trim and etc
The strong cleaning agents break down bug smear, road grime, brake dust, dirt,
etc. Optimum Power Clean is also a great value because you can dilute it 3:1
with distilled water or use it full strength.
Notes:
1.
Apply
a vinyl dressing to hoses etc (no diethyl silicone fluid based dressings (DS)
should be applied in the engine compartment. Use only water based
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDS) dressings and do not directly spray on to engine
parts, spray a cloth and wipe contains no Clean Air Act Hazardous Air
Pollutants (HAP) nor is it a RCRA hazardous waste in and of itself when
disposed.
2.
Aluminium -remove
any surface oil / grease etc, polish the part, spray on a coat of VHT FlameProof
clear coat, and allow to dry- Caswell Inc.
Quick Engine Cleaning
·
Mix up some ONR (QD strength i.e. 8 oz per
gallon) in a spray bottle or a garden pest pump spray
·
You’ll need a few small
brushes and old terry cloth towels.
·
Use a pre-cleaner solution, 10:1
distilled hot water/ P21S® Total Auto Wash
·
Spray the engine and let the
solution remain in place for a few minutes.
·
Agitate with brushes to
loosen road dirt, oil and grime as needed.
·
Re-spray with ONR solution,
then wipe dry.
·
Start engine and let it run
until completely dry.
·
Use Iz einszett Gummipflege or CD-2 for all hoses etc.
Note
- Do not direct
spray to any sensitive electrical components (see “Protection of
Electrical Components for details)
Radiator
Spray on Optimums Heavy Duty Degreaser and allow to dwell and then with a
water hose or power washer hose radiator to remove road dirt and grime. To clean off insects and bugs simply spray on
Iz einszett Anti-Insekt, allow to work
for 3 minutes then hose off to remove debris.
Iz einszett Anti-Insekt
contains special cleaners which loosens insects and grime from paintwork,
chrome, glass, rubber and plastic gently and safely without harsh chemical
solvents.
Formula does not contain enzymes, which can irritate skin, is
biodegradable, formalin-free, and environmentally safe. For stubborn carcasses use a soft
radiator brush that won't damage the fins
Always be willing to learn;
because the more you learn, the more you’ll realize what you don’t know. It is said that knowledge is power, with
the caveat that it includes access to a reliable information sources. I would like to think that these articles become an asset to
anyone who is new to detailing and to professional’s alike, as well as industry
experts who seek to advance their knowledge.
I hope these articles are informative. They are
based on the current status of technical development as well as my experience
with the products.
By having some understanding of
the ‘What’ and ‘Why’ as well as the ‘How’ along with a little science to help
you understand how the chemicals we use react, you can achieve the results you
desire.
I would appreciate it if you would share these articles
as it helps other detailers further their knowledge.
As always if you have questions, I’ll do my best to
answer; bear in mind the only stupid questions is the one that was
unasked. Questions and/ or constructive comments are always appreciated
Copyright
© 2002 - 2015 TOGWT® (Established 1980) all rights reserved
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