xtreemHonda

So this is a total noob question, and you if feel the need to jump down my throat cuz i don't know as much about cars as you, then go ahead and make your internet ***** longer.
Anywho, the people before me that owned this car, used the **** oil, the kinda that you can get for 10 dollars for the whole change at autozone.
The car also had a oil leak, and possibly a blown headgasket.
My question is, can i pull my engine, and clean it like with some sort of cleaner and a rag, so that I could all the gunk from the oil and make the outside pretty again.
Then I could replace all the gaskets and belts, and start running decent oil(penzoil synthetic) and plugs and wires (NGK)
I figure it would make my car feel almost brand new

tl;dr
is there a way I can hand clean my engine, whether with some kind of aid or just with good old elbow grease?

TwoFaced

Purple Power...simple green...toothbrushes...rags...

F-21 is tire detailing foam that's really good for restoring the black color on alot of plastic parts and hoses in the bay.

Make sure you pay attention to what you're doing...i.e. covering up/taping up stuff so that you don't get water inside anything it isn't supposed to...or mess up any of the electronics.

spun95

ive used engine degreaser from autozone, spray it on and let it sit for a while (at least 10 mins) and it still took elbow grease and time because i wanted to get all the nooks and crannys but it helped break up most of the gunk.

ToTriggerHappy

^^x2

itsnotfast

You don't want to use any egreasers that are to abrasive (like Casterol Super Clean) unless you dilute them as they could eat seals and vacuum lines.

VtecFTW1988

I'm in the U.K so you may not have it but i used a product called
GUNK it is green as well as in for the earth lol not in colour.
it means all you do is paint it on with a paint brush, its thin as hell so goes along way.
then all you do is leave it for about 5 mins after you have agitated the dirt with toothbrush or what ever you have then simply hose it off or i use a flower sprayer so i don't get it every where.
it is fine to use all over the engine on pipe and things it will not corode them and you can wash it off into the road as its eco friendly it is bio degradable..

here is a link its priced for uk but i'm sure its an international product.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_165713

honestly dude you cannot go wrong even if you've never seen an engine before..

D50boy

No need to pull the motor, but yea, spray on a good degreaser and go to it. Be sure not to get water in the alternator or distributor.

slogfilet

iTrader: (1)

Any other areas to cover? I'd like to get mine clean to identify any leaks, and don't want to do any damage!

So cover intake, dizzy, alternator, any sensors...etc?

TwoFaced

Intake...depending on what kind you have. Make sure plug wires are seated well and try not to spray directly at them...and lift 'em up after you wash to double check and make sure no water got in there.

FUSE BOX! Cover it.