What's the Best Way to Clean
 

As you can see, I have my alternator out and have to wait about another month before all the parts get back to me.

• The engine looks a bit dirty and dusty from the air-cooling process.

• Obviously I can't drive the car.

• I have no access to water and car is in a storage unit.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1427743137.jpg

So, what is the best way to clean this puppy? I'm not opposed to some sort of spray cleaning liquid. I can roll her out of the storage unit too, I think!

Thanks,

Tom

To me that looks more like corrosion than dirt buildup. Is it really dirt?

Here's what mine looked like when I opened it up, same as you. There is more dirt sticking to oil seepage in my engine than you appear to have. I didn't have running water available either when I took this picture, but after wiping off as much crud as I could I used a degreasing agent (an orange based cleaner) with a rag, then wiped it off with water from a bucket that I brought to my shop.

Possibly you want a more complete 'washing' of the engine than I did, but a storage unit makes it tough. Can you place a large pan under the engine to catch falling dirt as you clean? Nothing makes the dirt magically vanish.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1427747131.jpg

losing battle

What's the oil cooler look like? The cylinders and heads don't look bad at all.

+1
Just leave it

I would certainly have a look at the alternator ground (mesh wire to block) and clean that up, maybe consider replacing it if it is the original and hard to bend - you really want that ground in top shape and yours looks corroded to me. For now, grab some alum. polish and polish up or paint the fan - it can clean up pretty nice (for a week, anyways!).

I'd also remark that neither picture shows a center support strut across the middle cylinders (2; 5) for your air directional shrouds. Should there be one there?

Good question. I'd like to know, because I'm ignorant about this.

There is on a 3.2

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1427766665.jpg

That's not the same engine. What year is that?

Jdub opines: Well you all certainly got my attention on this one. But, I don't quite understand what you are talking about, sounds serious, please elucidate.

Thanks,

Tom

86 (3.2)

Tom,

What engine do you have? See Red arrow below. Also your engine may not have the piece with the white arrow.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1427768473.jpg

I think that you are OK as there is no other hole on the separator to run a stringer across cylinder 2 (5) as per younger engine like the 3.2

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1427770148.jpg

My engine is a 1975 911S (some call it "Carrera")

Looks like I'm OK by your last post.

Tom