How to Detail an Engine

Detailing your engine will increase resale value, and an engine free of grease and grime also runs cooler.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Engine Degreaser
• Armor All or equivalent
• Paper Towels
• Q-Tips
• Garden Hose

1. If your engine is really greasy and hasn't been detailed in a very long time begin by spraying engine with degreaser, such as Engine Brite. Follow directions on bottle. It's a good idea to cover sensitive electronic items before spraying with garden hose.

2. Once all heavy grease is removed, clean the less grimy areas with an all-purpose cleaner like Fantastik. Use Q-tips to get into tight spaces.

3. For the ultimate detail, now is a good time to clean and wax all painted engine areas. This is time consuming, but really pays dividends and will impress anyone who opens the hood.

4. Use a metal polish like "Mothers" aluminum polish to any metal pipes or hoses. This product really makes aluminum shine.

5. Apply protectant such as Armor-All to all plastic and rubber items.

6. Step back and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. You've just added hundreds of dollars to your ride, and a clean engine just seems to run smoother.

Tips & Warnings

• Use Q-tips for hard to reach places.
• Protect sensitive electronics and wiring by covering with plastic. Trash bags work well. Tape them down to keep water out.

[caedward]

on 8/16/2009 Thanks. Your engine looks great!