Engine Detail
A clean and tidy appearing engine and under hood area is not only a pleasure to look at, but also makes it easier to work on.
There are as many ways to carry out an under hood detail as Carter has pills. There is no “best†way; whatever works for you is probably the best.
I remember some nightmares from the old days after Gunking the engine and then it would not start. Subsequently, I have developed a respect for water and electrical parts.
Some say just degrease and spray with water. I have heard of some who actually use a pressure washer. Those procedures may indeed work for them; however, I am terrified to attempt that technique. I am one of the ilk who covers virtually everything electrical as well as the KKM intake before any degreasing and washing. I use plastic bags and rubber bands.
The first step that I use is to inspect the under hood area and with the air gun hooked to my compressor, blow off any loose dirt and debris that might have accumulated.
Subsequently, I warm up the engine. You undeniably do not want it hot for this process. The correct temperature, in my way of thinking, is “warm to the touchâ€. Now I apply either Simple Green ( I have used this for years ) or 303 Aerospace Cleaner ( which I now prefer ) to the engine, firewall, and fender covers. I allow this to remain on the parts for about 5 minutes, never allowing it to dry. I have tried a plethora of cleaners and find these the best yet I am always receptive to new ideas.
I rarely have to use a brush ( parts cleaning brush works well ) dipped in the cleaner to attack heavy deposits of grime since I keep the engine pristine, despite the fact that sometimes it is necessary.
It is now time to rinse off the cleaner and the grunge that it has removed.
I use a garden hose with no nozzle. Copious amounts of water are used although I am very careful to avoid spraying the water directly on the covered electrical components. I allow it to sit and air dry for about 5 minutes followed by a wipe up of the surplus water ( I use the blue paper “shop towels†that I get at Walmart ). Finally I have a go at the entire area with the air gun ( a leaf blower would work also ).
The next part is always of concern to me – the starting of the motor. After it is running, allow it to remain running for a few minutes then shut it down.
I now wipe all the hoses and exposed rubber with 303 Protectant and spray everything else with Pig Spit ( I learned of this magic brew from my Son who uses it on his Harley ). I may replace the 303 Protectant with the Pig Spit in the future. If you have never tried it, give it a go.
The following products were used:
303 Aerospace Cleaner
http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=aerospacecleaner
Simple Green
http://consumer.simplegreen.com/
303 Aerospace Protectant
http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=protectant
Pig Spit
http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motoring/pigspit.html
The engine and compartment detail takes me about an hour and results in a new truck look.
People are always amazed that this Explorer is 6 years old and has 100k miles on it.
