Cleaning Engine??
08-27-2010, 02:23 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 02-15-2008
Location: Stockwell, Indiana (Lafayette Area)
Posts: 339
Cleaning Engine??
Call me crazy 
- not only do I like to keep the outside of my HHR clean, but I like to keep it clean under the hood. I need to find out the best way to clean the dirt and crud off my engine. Is there a special cleaner that I need to use? Can I use a power washer on the engine to clean it? I have also noticed some oxidation on the valve cover - How do I get rid of that? Any help would be appreciated. 
- not only do I like to keep the outside of my HHR clean, but I like to keep it clean under the hood. I need to find out the best way to clean the dirt and crud off my engine. Is there a special cleaner that I need to use? Can I use a power washer on the engine to clean it? I have also noticed some oxidation on the valve cover - How do I get rid of that? Any help would be appreciated.
08-27-2010, 05:59 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: 07-05-2008
Location: Akron Ohio
Posts: 5,464
Wipe down regularly.
A little white lightning degreser and a careful use of water from a controld hose has worked for me. Dust is more of an issue than anything.
I also use a lot of detailer and rags to clean most of the underhood areas.
Just don't use a pressure washer or put cold water on a hot engine. While you may get away with it this is no longer worth the risk to what damage it can do.
A little white lightning degreser and a careful use of water from a controld hose has worked for me. Dust is more of an issue than anything.
I also use a lot of detailer and rags to clean most of the underhood areas.
Just don't use a pressure washer or put cold water on a hot engine. While you may get away with it this is no longer worth the risk to what damage it can do.
08-28-2010, 02:36 AM
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 02-15-2008
Location: Stockwell, Indiana (Lafayette Area)
Posts: 339
Thanks for the advice. I will most likely use a soft bristle brush to help get rid of the oxidation/corrosion on the valve cover. Is there anything that can be sprayed on the valve cover to inhibit the corrosion?
08-28-2010, 11:23 AM
#7
Founding Member
Join Date: 11-23-2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 8,210
Detailers use pressure hoses on engines, but stay away from critical areas. That doesn't mean that 1 out of every 500 or so doesn't have a problem created because of water intrusion on a connector or what not.
I pressure wash mine while the engine is running. I just don't put the pressure in areas that I know I shouldn't.
As far as oxidizing I don't have any help on that.
I pressure wash mine while the engine is running. I just don't put the pressure in areas that I know I shouldn't.
As far as oxidizing I don't have any help on that.
08-28-2010, 12:02 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: 07-05-2008
Location: Akron Ohio
Posts: 5,464
Detailers use pressure hoses on engines, but stay away from critical areas. That doesn't mean that 1 out of every 500 or so doesn't have a problem created because of water intrusion on a connector or what not.
I pressure wash mine while the engine is running. I just don't put the pressure in areas that I know I shouldn't.
As far as oxidizing I don't have any help on that.
I pressure wash mine while the engine is running. I just don't put the pressure in areas that I know I shouldn't.
As far as oxidizing I don't have any help on that.
It may be best to recomend to either not use pressure washers or take it to a pro. Those who know what they are doing already know what can be done. I would hate to get someone in over their head.
Like you stated even the pro's screw up too.
08-28-2010, 07:28 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: 05-12-2010
Location: Marion, Illinois
Posts: 229
Ive always used simple green then rinse gently with controlled spray from hose. Then detail after dry with Armor all for all the black & most surfaces. No problems. So far with SS just some wipe off and Armor all & looks very sweet. 