How to Clean Your Car’s Engine.

Cars are a necessity of life. We use them to go where we need to go. If a car’s engine is not cleaned, it can cause problems later on down the road. Here is how you can keep it clean and running smooth.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Start the engine and let it warm up for a couple of minutes depending on how dirty it is.

2. Place the car where the excess runoff from cleaning will not run down a storm drain or cause harm to the environment. If you haven’t got a suitable place, you should go to the nearest car wash that uses a wastewater treatment system, especially if there is excess sludge on your engine.

3. Remove the battery’s negative cable followed by the positive.

4. To prevent exposure to water, cover all exposed electric components in plastic bags.

5. If your car has an older engine, cover the air intake and carburetor with plastic or aluminum foil, then taping them into place. Problems can occur if water is allowed into them.

6. Using a cleaning brush, clean all loose debris from the surface of the engine.

7. Prepare a cleansing solution of grease cutter dish soap and water. Use 2 cups soap to one gallon of water.

8. Work the solution into the worst areas of your engine, completely wetting them.

9. Use a garden hose to completely rinse the engine off.

10. Your vehicle’s service manual should show materials needed for cleaning the engine block and metal parts. You might need to use mineral spirits or engine degreaser for excess grease. Follow the instructions on the degreaser’s container.

11. After rinsing the engine clean, remove the plastic coverings.

12. Allow the engine to dry. Engines using high energy ignitions will run wet, but might run rough until the components are completely dry.

13. Remove everything used to protect the electric and fuel system components.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash the engine away from storm drains.