Engine cleaning advice

[gshiwota]

Before I start working on this car I want to give the engine a good cleaning. I have a pressure washer but before I start, I'd like any tips you have in giving the engine a good cleaning (without dropping the engine). The engine is mostly dirty with some oxidation on the AC compressor and intake manifold.

How would you tackle engine cleaning / detailing on this car? Should I go at it with mild soap and pressure washer or should I start taking parts off and cleaning them up individually?

I have recently bought / rescued this 88 Carrera that was well loved up until 18 months ago when the prior owner left it parked in a Hawaii rain forest. The car sat under a tree in a field the entire time apparently uncovered and exposed to frequent rain and tropical sun. The car runs and drives so I'd like to avoid doing too much disassembly at this point.

[RedCoupe]

I think I'd avoid the pressure washer. Likely to cause more harm than good. The engine sound pad will probably be damaged or destroyed and most of the electrical connectors are not weather tight. How about a good shop vac to suck up all of the debris and then start spot cleaning area with solvent and brush. Also, I would use a corrosion prevention spray on the fan and other corroded mag and aluminum parts.

[christiandk]

If you want to do it right - drop the entire driveline!

[twistoffat]

Originally Posted by christiandk

if you want to do it right - drop the entire driveline!

+1

[Lyle O]

Originally Posted by RedCoupe

Also, I would use a corrosion prevention spray on the fan and other corroded mag and aluminum parts.

What do you recommend here? TIA.

[RedCoupe]

Many on this forum swear by Gibbs.

[theiceman]

That looks a lot more like corrosion than dirt...

[scarceller]

Originally Posted by theiceman

That looks a lot more like corrosion than dirt...

Yes it does! Was this car near sea? Looks like salt corrosion.

I'd use soap with long bristle brush and simple hose, start simple.

[Jack Stands]

I believe John Patarek recommends P21S or Simple Green as a safe cleaner. Spray it on, let it sit, then go to town with a brush and water.

I'd try to avoid electrics as much as possible, though disassembling them, cleaning the contacts, and reassembling with a dielectric grease would probably not be a bad idea (especially the grounds).

[johnman001]

I prefer WD40 with brass bristle or nylon bristle brushes in addition to Simple Green and Gibbs oils. A lot of the corrosion can be removed, but pits may remain. I would consider dropping it to get the best job that you can do, but if that is out, I would suggest removing the air cleaner and fresh air blower to give more access and coat as much of the aluminum/magnesium with penetrating oil. It can be cleaned up, but it looks like much of the yellow CAD plated steel may be a bit far gone to restore (but you may get lucky).

[stevedollar]

If you are primarily concerned about the appearance of the corroded metal, I wouldn't spray cleaner and water everywhere. That would work for cleaning of dirt and grease, but I doubt it will do anything for the obvious corrosion, it will just make it cleaner and maybe more obvious. A lot of the alloy parts are fairly accessible, so I would take some paste-type metal polish on a rag and rub it on the most accessible parts first, and see how it goes. I cleaned up my fan pretty well using Autosol (in a tube) and a stiff toothbrush. It will take a while, but it is not a bad way to pass a weekend afternoon.

I see your engine sound pad is starting to fall down. Check out the comments on the parts page for pads before you install a new one, the tips are very helpful. Have fun!

[cabmandone]

I used zep orange cleaner (not the home store stuff) on my Subaru and it took some of the oxidation off the engine. Just make sure you don't get that stuff on you paint.