How to Degrease an Engine

Degreasing your car's engine is easy to do, and it provides a clear sign of a well-kept automobile. Increase the car's resale value by showing would-be buyers how well you take care of your baby. Also, keeping her clean can prevent your engine from running too hot, and allow you to easily see fluid levels and any possible leaks.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Engine degreaser
• Plastic bags
• Rubber bands or duct tape
• Large reservoir tray
• Oil absorbing granules
• Long-handled brush
• Towel
• Hose

1. Park the car on a level surface and apply the emergency brake. Let the engine warm up for a few minutes to help loosen all that greasy gunk! You do not want the engine to be too hot, however.

2. Place a large tray underneath the car's engine to catch the degreaser runoff; it is not environmentally friendly stuff. Make sure the tray is well positioned and large enough to collect gunk from the entire engine. Fill the tray with oil absorbing granules.

3. Open the hood and seal off all electrical parts using plastic bags and tape or rubber bands. Distributor cap, ignition coil, electrical wires... when in doubt, cover it up. Also cover up the air intake box. This is added protection from direct water spray that might otherwise give you a new headache.

4. Let the degreaser do all the work! Apply the degreaser to the bottom parts of the engine first and work your way up. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, but not so long that it completely dries up. For any stubborn grease spots, use a long-handled brush to help the degreaser clean up the mess.

5. Hose off the entire engine area after the degreaser has worked its magic. Once clean, dry things off with a towel and remove the protective plastic bags. You can turn on the engine for a few minutes to help things dry out completely.

6. Get rid of the tray of gunk sitting below your car--but not by throwing it in the trash! Contact an auto service shop in your area to determine the proper cleanup and handling procedures. Many shops will dispose of the waste for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the car's engine is cool and dry, consider applying an engine protectant.
• Engine degreaser will remove wax from painted areas of your car. Cover exposed areas nearby or be prepared to re-wax the car later.
• Never spray degreaser or water onto a hot engine.

Resources

• Links to general car care can be found at Valvoline.com
• Autopia-carcare.com is dedicated to car care products and tips

[DrPete]

on 4/28/2008 Seems like it would take a lot of oil absorbing granules to soak up the oil, degreaser and the water used to rinse them off even if you are conservative with water use.
Also how would you transport the whole mess to an auto service shop? Bag it up?