At what point does it become an obsession with a clean engine?

[VaSteve]

I took out my engine to address some oil leaks (breather, oil pressure switch). I'm going to do a bunch of the other "while you're in there" list items. Since there was probably 20 years worth of gunked up oil on some of the parts, I figured it needed some cleaning/minor detailing. I can't decide when the minor detailing becomes an obsession....

...Perhaps when the Q-tips come out?

I'm going to have to figure out what point I can't get it any cleaner without a full rebuild.

Happy New Year, all!

[charlesbahn]

Nope- when you have a clean spare (engine) ready to pop in when the old one gets dirty.....

[CarreraS2]

When, after 3 months of out-of-the-car cleaning it's STILL not clean enough!

When you are picking out the very best looking new cam oil lines from a box of new ones.

When you are willing to spend $60 for a NOS emission sticker.

When you start thinking "maybe it WOULD look nicer if all the screwdriver slots on the bolt heads were all facing north/south."

[azasadny]

Steve,

Don't feel so bad, I did exactly the same this last summer. I did a partial engine drop to replace leaky fuel lines and I ended up replacing the rear shocks, motor mounts, all fuel lines and vacuum hoses and sound pad. I cleaned everything I could reach and scrubbed everything with Simple Green. My family thinks I'm crazy!

[aigel]

As long as you can let go, after putting it back, there is nothing wrong with cleaning it up nicely while it is out. Mine looked real nice when I was done. I didn't take the exhaust or injection off, but tended to heavy oil leaks, installing new cam end plate gaskets and o-rings and 24 new RSR rocker arm seals. It still looks okay, a year later, but road dirt and grime have taken their toll.

George

[Natchamp]

I don't know at what point it becomes an obsession, but my doctor keeps telling me I need medication

[MichiganMat]

Im so happy to know that Im not the only clean-engine psycho out there Im in the process of doing this right now too, its turning into a disease...

Have you powdercoated all the valve covers and the fan unit?
Have you polished the case yet?
Its clean when you can eat off of it!

[addictionMS]

I would have to agree, Mat is sick, I had to keep wiping the drool off my case today as we put it together. Mat kept asking how it got so clean....

minor detailing becomes an obsession....

when you clean more than you drive...

Jim

[jpahemi]

Your engine should be as clean as your interior in order run correctly. The dirt build up works as an insulator which doesn't allow your engine to cool properly. You will need this kit to maintain the engine in the correct state of clean.

You shouldn't let your engine get any dirtier than this:

Regards,
J.P.

[al lkosmal]

I'm still not done!! Am I ?? This is the result of shear grunt work.

[aigel]

You know, if you clean it too much and polish it all, the emmisivity will go down and it will not be able to radiate as much heat as an as-cast surface! While I don't have any hard numbers, I'd shy away from a mirror polish. The same reason why many muscle car enthusiasts stay away from chromed oil pans and valve covers.

Of course, if you want it so clean, you probably won't drive it anyway, leave alone in the desert heat on a race track!

Happy polishing!!!

Cheers, George

[jpahemi]

The edges by the lower case area have a dull finish and need to be evened out. The studs that hold the chain boxes have rust on the bases; please remove.
J.P.

[Bob's Flat-Six]

Originally posted by SoCal911SC
When, after 3 months of out-of-the-car cleaning it's STILL not clean enough!

When you are picking out the very best looking new cam oil lines from a box of new ones.

When you are willing to spend $60 for a NOS emission sticker.

When you start thinking "maybe it WOULD look nicer if all the screwdriver slots on the bolt heads were all facing north/south."

Brian, You need to go after a Manhattan Concourse award with your efforts.

I can't wait to see what the Fuchs are going on. Can we get a hint another SC perhaps ?

[djmcmath]

Seems to me that if you have to ask whether or not it's an obsession, then it's probably an obsession.

[Bob's Flat-Six]

What goes through your mind when your buying a new toothbrush

This looks like the deluxe kit to me.

[jpahemi]

Bob:
I make sure there's plenty of reach, together with a taper head. The good thing about the "Emergency toothbrush engine kit", is during overnight stays, I don't have to worry about packing a toothbrush. Blue Magic metal polish works much better than Crest; it's the after taste that's hard to get used to.
J.P.

[plain fan]

Wow.

[RSBob]

Is there anything wrong with using cleaning solutions, solvents, polishes, waxes, rubber treatment, steel wool, toothbrushes, brushes, countless rags and several hours which could be better spent on all the stuff which really needs to be done around the house? Nah, I don't see no stinkin problem.

2.7 Carrera RS spec with MFI

[jpahemi]

Rick:
That's one beautiful engine, nice job! Chores around the house, what's that?
Regards,
J.P.

[ChrisBennet]

Just last night a psychiatrist friend of mine said they have drugs to treat OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) now...
-Chris