I noticed a lot of you guys with performance mods keep your engines really nice and clean. Does anyone have any tips on cleaning the engine? I'm running stock right now and seeing as I don't have anything to show off, my engine appears to be horrendously dirty. Pics later..

I'm planning to change the stock air filter and maybe paint my valve cover. But first, I need to clean up in there!

All input appreciated.. except for telling me to use the search function. I did already.

 

i don't know how they do it. i believe steamcleaning is best , second best is hot water at the car wash . i have allways washed my engines at the the carwash , or in my yard.

 

I cant remember the last time I even had the hood open.

 

Get some Simple Green. Thoroughly douse the engine while its warm with the SG. Then I use a shower nozzle chingas on the hose with low pressure. Rinse it down, use a rag to get the tough stuff off and dry it off. Easy. Smells and looks good.

DO NOT USE HIGH PRESSURE NOZZLES.

 

I just always wipe it all down with a damp cloth, after every wash, then hit it plastic with some Armor-All. Not like there's a lot of grease or anything like a '70 Nova, etc.!

 

LOL, I was thinking that myself when I decided to open mine. It made me wish I had more often.

Simple Green sounds good. What parts do I need to cover, if any? I could imagine that getting water into the air filter is not a good thing, or onto some of the electrical connectors. What do you guys use to cover up these parts? My engine needs some serious cleaning since it's not something I do on a regular basis. Afterwards, I'll likely just wipe it down now and then to maintain the cleanliness.

 

I bought my car new. So, I always wipe it downafter every car wash and after having the engine oil change. Just to make sure they didn't spill anything.

 

Have used Simple Green for many years.. never "covered" any engine part.. never had a problem.. BUT--did take care to use low-pressure spray...

Then a little armor-all (or similar) and you're good to go!