How to clean you engine

[Doogie]

So, aside from my car recently developing a cold start problem, I want to look into cleaning the engine. I've seen some really nice sparkly engines, and some that are even powder coated and chromed, but i'm not looking for that. Just looking for that 'factory fresh' look. Clean engine, (Engine Bright?) shiny hoses (Hose wipe stuff?) etc....

What do you recommend or have used n your engine to clean it? Get the Foamy engine Bright, let it soak, then rinse off like in the '80's? :-)

Anything I should be aware of?

TIA,

Doogie

[sdg3205]

That's a tough call. The aluminum casting is really hard to clean. Start with light degreasers and water then move to heavier duty stuff and rags. Try and avoid rinsing chemicals and oils down the gutters.

Most engines you've seen were sand blasted to get as clean as possible.

[mluder]

For the hoses... Nothing is better than Aerospace 303. A nice shine that lasts. Be careful where you get it though - it will soak into the stainless and leave streaks. I usually spray it on a towel and then wipe anything black. Hoses, spark leads, fuel lines, even the airbox.

For general engine cleaning - steam cleaners are supposed to be great. I've never tried one but I've heard of it being done. Typically the "engine cleaner" products don't really do anything for baked on dirt. Of course you could do what I did and tear everything down and repaint...

Cheers
Steven

[hmcelraft]

Cleaning the engine on any car can be an issue - the DeLorean does require some special attention. The problem with using any pressure to wash an engine is that dirt and water can easily be forced into seals of bearings like - the AC idler bearings, alternator, front engine pulley, water pump, distributor, starter, etc. Also, the electrical connections are not weather tight. Water is the enemy here. I would not recommend washing a DeLorean engine compartment. Wiping it down with rags and a light solvent are much safer. I use "Brake Clean" or WD40 with rags like an old wash cloth, cut-up towels, etc. and an old paint brush or two. Be careful with the back of a Delco style alternator - wiping that back bearing with anything can push dirt into that bearing and soon you can kiss that one goodbye. If you have to clean around an exposed bearing use a very soft brush to "dust" it. A DeLorean engine will acquire a somewhat darker "patina" naturally. A bit of WD40 film on it will keep it from acquiring a corrosive scale on it from the elements and is easily wiped off from time to time. Of course, I'm talking about a car that is regularly driven. A show piece is a different deal.

[Jonathan]

Timely thread. I've been under my car poking around cleaning and checking stuff out. There is a fair bit of my frame that has what looks like some of that black undercoating on it we hear about. It's more like paint though maybe and not that thick gross stuff, so it could just really be paint or some spray product from a PO. I was pleasantly surprised to realize my frame was still under a number of those areas after cleaning it. Couldn't believe how thick the road grime was on some areas, like the rear cross member. Looks nice to see that gray epoxy again!! I'll post some before and after pics once I get a bit further through.

[SS Spoiler]

When I had my engine tore down several years ago I took the time to grind
off those funny casting nubs and smooth up the edges of the intake and valve
covers. By using progressively finer and finer flap sanders you can get to
the point of actually polishing the aluminum to a shine. Now when I clean up
the engine a simple wipe with a soft cloth restores a neat motor compartment.