Is your car or truck’s engine a greasy mess? Don’t really know how to clean an engine? Follow these simple steps to make your motor as shiny and clean using our car cleaning products.
Clean up your greasy engine
If you’re a clean freak, you’ve probably been degreasing your engine for years. But if you don’t know how to clean an engine, here are two good reasons why you should. First, a clean engine is easier to work on. Second, a clean engine brings more at resale. But you can’t just spray it with degreaser and hose it down. We’ll show you how to prepare the engine to protect critical electrical connections. We’ll also give you some tips for doing the job in an environmentally safe way.
Picking a degreasing product
Degreasing products come in two types: solvent and water-based. Both types work on greasy engines. And both require special environmental handling once they’re applied—even if the label says “environmentally safe” or “biodegradable.” Because once the degreasing solution starts dissolving the grease, it’s considered hazardous waste.
We prefer solvent-based degreasers because they work faster and seem to cut through heavy grease buildup better than most water-based engine cleaner products. The downside is their strong solvent smell. If you’re sensitive to solvents, choose a concentrated water-based product instead.
To get better “cling” on vertical surfaces, choose either a foam or a gel formula (such as GUNK Heavy Duty Gel Degreaser; available at auto parts stores and through our affiliate with amazon.com).
While you’re at the auto parts store, pick up a drip pan and three 3-packs of absorbent mat. We used the inexpensive PIG Universal Medium Weight Absorbent Mat, available at NAPA auto parts stores and tooloutfitters.com.
Warm it up, wrap it up and spray away
Degreasers work best when the grease is warm and soft. So start the engine and let it run for about five minutes. Then shut it off and let it cool down until you can safely touch the exhaust manifold. Never spray engine cleaners (especially flammable solvent types) on a hot engine.
If you’re using a concentrated water-based engine cleaner product, test it on a greasy spot. If it doesn’t cut the grease fast enough, add more concentrated degreaser to the brew.
Next, seal all the electrical connections (Photo 1). Then set the absorbent mats under the engine to soak up the runoff (Photo 2). Prep the worst areas (Photo 3). Then apply the degreaser (Photo 4). Aim carefully to prevent the overspray from reaching painted areas. Rinse lightly with water and remove the plastic wrap. When you’re done, place the wet mats in sunlight to allow the water to evaporate. Then dispose of the mats following local regulations.
For extra protection, spray an engine protectant (GUNK Engine Shine is one brand; available at auto parts stores and through our affiliate with amazon.com) onto the dry engine. Know more that the spray imparts a slight shine and a protective layer of grease to make cleanup even easier next time.
Required Tools for this Project
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
Air compressor
Air hose
Drip pan
Flashlight
Knee pads
Nylon brush
Painters tape
Wire brush