Re: DIY engine wash

How can I give my car an engine wash? I have a small compressor which I use for spray painting things. I am thinking I might even use the spray guns. Can it be done? I saw some pressure washing attachments at the mall for a compressor. What do I need to cover up? What chemicals should I use?

i don't exactly know what should be done to make your compressor into a pressurized car wash.

however, for the engine part cover the ff:
*battery terminals
*alternator
*distributor
*carb (if applicable) - this will be exposed once you remove the air filter.
*computer box for EFIs - i heard (mine is carb, that's why) this gets easily busted

for the chemical, use simple green (very effective yet environment friendly) and to cover the parts mentioned above use aluminum foils.

Re: DIY engine wash

Do I understand correctly that "Simple Green" is a product?

Re: DIY engine wash

Simple Green is a brand of Cleaner/Degreaser in a spray bottle. Its available at True Value and at S&R. The price is a bit stiff P300+.

What I do for engine wash is just cover up the alternator with plastic. I just use ordinary garden hose and car shampoo to clean the engine. I clean my engine every 4 months so its not that greasy and grimy and car shampoo will do the trick. I use sponges and brushes as my tools.

Re: DIY engine wash

AT the gas station I used to own, for really heavy grime we attach an engine spray gun to the compressed air. We load the tank with diesel and spray away, making sure that the alternator and starter are not touched. Then a spray from the pressurized washer then wipe with rags.

Re: DIY engine wash

I think I've seen those engine wash guns at the mall hardware stores. Anyone have experience with them?

Supposing I do get the alternator wet. Don't I just have to dry it out and it will work again?

Re: DIY engine wash

I think I've seen those engine wash guns at the mall hardware stores. Anyone have experience with them?

Supposing I do get the alternator wet. Don't I just have to dry it out and it will work again?

Simple green is a bit pricey alright...but what i do is dilute it 1 part with 5 parts water. i like the minty scent and its effectiveness. i haven't tried car shampoos as i know it won't remove effectively grimes and oils. but i will try one soon.

for the alternator, you may spray compressed air to dry it out & let it sit for an hour (just to make sure) before you start it up again. but then, try to avoid it getting wet.

Re: DIY engine wash

How can I give my car an engine wash? I have a small compressor which I use for spray painting things. I am thinking I might even use the spray guns. Can it be done? I saw some pressure washing attachments at the mall for a compressor. What do I need to cover up? What chemicals should I use?

In what mall did you see the attachments? I'm looking for replacement parts for my pressure washer.

Re: DIY engine wash

I think most mall hardware stores have them ACE, DIY, etc. You can also probably get these (at a lower cost) at an industrial supply.

Re: DIY engine wash

You are on the right track there Sadol in using a biodegradable product like Simple Green. Anything we can do to save the environment is good.

I know it doesn't clean as fast as the petroleum based ones but since you are cleaning your engine regularly, then you don't have to deal with so much grime.

Re: DIY engine wash

I know that this isn't environment friendly but the stuff i use for cleaning the engine is gasoline, powdered detergent (eg tide) and water. i just mix 50% water with 50% gasoline and then mixed the detergent with the gas/water solution. You can spray this using ordinary plastic spray containers usually used in gardening and household cleaning but i use a engine spray attached to an air compressor. leave the solution for about 5 mins then rinse with water. Repeat if necessary.
I got this suggestion from one automotive forum. I think it was kotse.com.
I think its cheaper and it really does work.