How to properly wash the engine yourself

How to remove oil from a car engine? – Leading auto portal

Keeping your car engine clean is the responsibility of every car owner. And this is not just about aesthetics, because dirt is not a mechanism’s best friend. However, most motorists do not pay due attention to the cleanliness of the engine for fear of harming it.

We will talk about how “harmful” this is in this article, and we will also look at how to properly wash a car engine so that this procedure is exclusively beneficial.

Why is it still worth washing?

First, let's figure out why the engine needs to be kept clean. Firstly, a clean engine looks much better. If you are going to undergo a technical inspection, or sell a car with dirt under the hood, it is better not to do this.

Secondly, dirt will not allow you to notice and prevent possible leaks of process fluids (oil, antifreeze, fuel) in time. Thirdly, dust mixed with moisture is a pretty good conductor of electricity, which can cause not only current leakage and battery discharge, but also a short circuit.

And if the basis of the dirt is not moisture, but gasoline, diesel fuel or oil, fire risks increase.

So you need to wash the engine, it’s just important not to make mistakes while doing it.

Engine washing methods

If you do not have the opportunity or desire to wash the engine yourself, you can use the services of special services. They will do everything for you, of course, not for free. The cost of such a procedure starts from 2000 rubles.

But there are some nuances here. When you stop by a car wash that provides similar services, ask whether its employees will take responsibility if something happens.

If they immediately refuse, citing the fact that “anything can happen,” feel free to leave such a car wash.

Classic washing involves applying a special solution to the surface of the engine that can dissolve and neutralize dirt, followed by washing it off and drying it with a stream of air.

Some “specialists” wash engines with acetone, gasoline, kerosene, carburetor cleaner, etc. We strongly do not recommend doing this, as it poses a fire hazard, and in addition, the listed liquids are solvents and, when interacting with rubber or plastic, cause their destruction.

There is another way - dry steam washing. It is considered the most effective and safe, however, it is unlikely to be possible to implement it at home without a steam generator.

Cleaning products

Now let's talk about detergents. Let us immediately note that no powders, liquids or gels for washing dishes or kitchen appliances are suitable here.

To wash the engine at home, you will need to buy a special shampoo for it. Before purchasing, pay attention to its composition.

The shampoo must have a neutral acidity level, otherwise rubber and plastic parts will again suffer.

When choosing a detergent, preference should be given to liquids, gels in cans or spray bottles. Of course, they cost a little more than regular bottled liquids, but with them it will be more convenient for you to apply the product to the surface of the engine without using brushes and sponges.

As for the manufacturer, it is better to choose products from well-known foreign manufacturers, such as “Liqui Moli”, “Engine Degrazer and Cleaner”, or domestic ones, such as “Consol” or “Sintec”.

Preparing for washing

It is better to wash the engine outside in warm sunny weather. You should not do this in frost, snow, or rain. Make sure you have on hand in advance:

• detergent;
• clean water, preferably running water;
• washcloth;
• small brush with a long handle;
• clean rags;
• rubber gloves (to protect hands);
• plastic film (bags);
• aluminium foil;
• scotch.

Let's start washing the engine

The order of work is as follows:

• Place the machine on a level surface, securing it with the parking brake;
• warm up the engine to 30-400C - this is the optimal temperature for washing;
• lift the hood, disconnect both terminals from the battery;
• remove the battery and remove it from the engine compartment (this is not necessary, but recommended);
• remove plastic and rubber pads that may interfere with the washing process
• using plastic film or bags, insulate engine elements that should not be exposed to water (generator, starter, air intake, distributor and ignition coil, sensors and their connectors, fuse mounting block, etc.);
• secure the film or bags with tape;
• where it is not possible to block the possible ingress of water with film or bags, insulate such places with foil;
• When everything is ready, you need to wet the surfaces of the engine. To do this, you can use a mini-wash with low water pressure (if you have one), or a regular wet washcloth;
• While the engine is wet, put on gloves and apply detergent to its surfaces so that they are completely covered with foam;
• give the product 15-20 minutes to “work” on its own (the instructions indicate the exact time);
• After waiting the specified time, use a washcloth and brush to remove dirt from the engine surfaces, not forgetting to rinse them in clean water (if you have a mini-wash, wash off the dirt with a gentle stream);
• when the dirt is removed, use a rag to wipe the engine, removing water from it;
• Remaining moisture is removed using a compressor and a jet of air;
• if there is no compressor, you can use a regular car pump;
• remove and remove plastic bags and foil;
• leave the car with the hood open to dry for 3-4 hours, preferably in the open sun;
• after the specified time, install and connect the battery;
• Start the engine and let it run until it reaches operating temperature.

Mistakes made when washing the engine

• 1.Use strong water pressure. When using a mini-wash to wash the engine, under no circumstances should you direct a powerful jet at it. It can damage not only the polyethylene that protects important engine elements, but also its communications (hoses, tubes).
• 2. Washing using household detergents. As a result of such a procedure, you may not achieve the desired result; in addition, oxidation of engine surfaces and damage to plastic and rubber products is possible.
• 3. Insufficient or incomplete insulation of electrical appliances.
• 4.Washing using gasoline, kerosene, acetone: high risk of fire, dangerous fumes, unpleasant odor.
• 5.Washing the engine in frosty weather: the effectiveness of the detergent is reduced; it is impossible to completely remove moisture due to the low temperature.
• 6.Washing a hot engine: the water evaporates instantly, the detergent curdles without having time to dissolve the dirt.
• 7.Connected battery: By forgetting to disconnect the battery, you jeopardize the entire electrical circuit of the car.
• 8.Starting the engine immediately after washing: residual moisture may still be present on the electrical equipment, which can lead to a short circuit.

What to do if you have problems with the engine after washing

No one is immune from errors, therefore, if you find that when starting the engine it does not start or “troubles”, the speed fluctuates, the emergency oil pressure lamp or “check” light comes on, there is a smell of burnt plastic in the engine compartment or in the passenger compartment, turn it off immediately ignition and disconnect the terminals from the battery. After this, analyze the possible causes of the malfunction.

If the engine started and ran, then most likely everything is fine with the starter. First of all, remove the distributor cover and remove any remaining moisture from under it using a stream of air. Check the high voltage wires and spark plugs.

Pay attention to the connectors of the sensors for oil pressure, mass air flow, crankshaft position, coolant temperature, etc. Most often, the cause of the “check” lighting up is a broken contact or water entering the connector.

If the engine starts and runs normally, but there is a smell of burnt plastic, water may get into the generator windings and short-circuit them. In this case, further operation of the power unit is undesirable until the generator is diagnosed.

If the engine refuses to start, the check should begin with the fuse box and the state of the connection of the positive wire of the starter.

To complement the topic, watch the video:

Source: http://miravto24.ru/chem-pomyt-dvigatel-avtomobilya-ot-masla/

How to wash a car engine at home

During the operation of any car, sooner or later the engine compartment will become dirty and lose its original appearance. By and large, dirt does not affect the technical characteristics of the engine, and washing this unit is not necessary. Also, not a single automaker regulates the frequency of engine washing or makes recommendations regarding the washing procedure itself.

However, it is worth being aware of the risks that arise if you do not wash the power unit for a long time.

What problems can arise from a dirty engine?

Firstly , on a dirty engine it is very difficult to notice leaks of oil, coolant, etc. Subsequently, the car owner will not notice a small problem, which will definitely turn into a big one.

Secondly , thick layers of dirt complicate the normal heat transfer of the motor, and it will overheat. And this situation leads to a decrease in power, an increase in fuel consumption and accelerated wear of the internal combustion engine.

Thirdly , the possibility of electric current leaks on dirty electrical wiring is higher, which will make it difficult to start the engine in some cases.

Fourthly , oil traces inevitably evaporate and form highly flammable vapors, which increases the possibility of fires in the engine compartment.

And finally , in a dirty engine compartment it is not so pleasant and easy to carry out repair and maintenance work. The owner of a car with heavily soiled internal mechanisms may simply be refused service at a car repair shop.

How to properly clean dirt from an engine

It is logical that a competent car enthusiast will monitor the cleanliness of the engine. How to do this correctly on your own, without resorting to the help of third parties?

Any wash begins with the selection of a special engine cleaning product. Using household cleaning liquids is ineffective because they will not be able to dissolve oil-containing dirt.

Also, many people believe that household high-pressure washers will help quickly clean the engine, but such a procedure is actually dangerous.

The jet of water easily damages various seals, causing corrosion in the generator and other electronics, washing off important stickers from components and can even damage the paintwork.

As an alternative, compressed air is used, but it is ineffective in hard-to-reach places and in heavily contaminated areas.

The most effective cleaning method

It is best to adhere to the following engine washing algorithm. Before starting, you need to insulate with polyethylene and tape all components vulnerable to water: electrical connectors, generator, air filter air intake, relays, etc. The battery needs to be removed. For greater efficiency, the engine should be warmed up at idle, but it should not be hot.

A special foam cleaner removes dirt best. It must be applied to all surfaces and wait a few minutes for it to be absorbed.

Active, stable foam very effectively removes the oldest and most burnt stains without harming plastic and rubber. For hard-to-reach places and the heaviest dirt, you should use a stiff brush.

Then we wash off the detergent with a weak stream of water, wipe the accessible areas with a clean rag and remove all the applied insulation.

Cleaning the battery

The battery is treated with a mixture of water and baking soda in certain proportions. This procedure will perfectly protect the terminals from corrosion, improve engine starting and slightly increase battery life.

If you have a compressor, the process of drying a washed engine will be the simplest and fastest, however, a household vacuum cleaner or a can of compressed gas will also significantly speed up the evaporation of water.

As a last resort, you can start the car and let it run for five minutes.

However, drying is an important part of rinsing and should not be skipped as moisture can cause great harm to electronics.

What is the best way to wash at home?

Cleaning and washing the engine is not a complicated process, quite accessible to every motorist. The main problem lies largely in the choice of detergents and adherence to a certain technology. alkaline detergents or shampoo concentrates for washing the car are best suited

Using a sprayer, the solution is applied to the engine compartment and hard-to-reach places. Next, you need to wait 10-15 minutes until the product eats away the dirt, then rinse everything off with water pressure.

It is highly undesirable to use brushes and sponges to remove dirt , as it can easily damage wiring and other attachments.

Washing should be as contactless as possible .

By adhering to this algorithm for washing the engine compartment, you will definitely not harm the components and assemblies.

It is recommended to wash it when it gets dirty, which greatly depends on the climate and operating conditions.

Additionally, it is worth washing the engine before diagnostic and repair work, and when selling, this easy task will improve the perception of the car in the eyes of the buyer.

Source: http://avtoexepr.ru/populyarnye-stati/61-chem-pomyt-dvigatel-avtomobilya-v-domashnikh-usloviyakh

How to wash a car engine

Surely many motorists, when arriving at a car wash, saw the line “car engine washing” in the list of services.

Indeed, since a car has an engine, which, like other components and assemblies, is susceptible to contamination, it needs to be cleaned.

Is this really so, how often does the engine need to be “washed”, and how to do it correctly - we’ll talk about all this today.

In fact, car manufacturers do not necessarily recommend cleaning the power unit from dirt. This is especially true for foreign automakers.

The operating instructions for foreign cars talk about periodically washing the body (and in winter, the underbody of the car), but there is no mention at all about cleaning the engine.

The absence of this point can be explained by the fact that cars sold on the European market are much less susceptible to pollution than Russian ones, simply due to the fact that the roads in Europe are cleaner, and, therefore, car engines are kept cleaner.

Engine washing

For us, even a short period of operation is enough so that it is impossible to look into the engine compartment without gloves. Let's return to our domestic realities. Let’s say you looked under the hood of a car and discovered that the engine is so dirty that you can’t even see the nameplate under the layer of dirt. Is washing necessary in this case? Our answer is yes.

The fact is that layers of dirt deposited on the engine during driving can cause many troubles. One of them is engine overheating, especially in the summer.

This is most relevant for Soviet-made cars, the cooling system of which often cannot cope with the increased load and is not able to withstand high external temperatures and internal heating, which, in particular, is provoked by those very layers of dirt.

Another problem that can befall a car with a dirty engine is the ignition of the power unit. A fire in the engine compartment can break out when a sparking spark plug can ignite oil residues, which also accumulate along with dirt on the surface of the unit.

You can wash the car engine yourself, or you can entrust this procedure to a car wash.

Although the latter is often protested by people who, after poor-quality “rinsing” of the engine at car washes, had problems - a short circuit or engine failure.

During your next visit to the car wash, take a closer look at the price list: it will probably be written in small letters that the administration of the enterprise is not responsible for the technical problems of the car after “water procedures”.

Engine washing in service

And the human factor and lack of professionalism in this matter cannot be ignored either: this procedure is rare, and therefore there may simply not be a specialist in engine cleaning at the car wash.

You can’t entrust such a responsible operation to a person who may simply not know what means to clean the engine with, what parts of the unit need to be carefully isolated from water, and, importantly, how to dry it properly.

Therefore, it would be best to wash the engine yourself, especially since there is nothing extremely complicated in this procedure.

Before you begin directly washing the engine, you need to stock up on all the necessary materials and tools.

You will need: car wash products (there are universal ones, but it is better to use specialized ones, since their chemical composition is designed to dissolve deposits that accumulate specifically on the engine), plastic film, a brush, a brush for hard-to-reach places, rags, dry towels and a compressor, if which will need to be used to dry the unit.

Special engine cleaner

And, of course, the required amount of water, which may vary depending on the degree of contamination, the design of the motor and its size. If you have all this, then open the hood and proceed to the preparatory stage.

Never wash a hot engine! It is best to carry out this operation on a warm engine (30 degrees) - this will contribute to a better reaction of the special cleaning agent. First of all, we cover all wiring, battery, alarm (if installed) and other devices with plastic wrap.

After all the areas most vulnerable to water are covered, apply a special cleaning agent to the contaminated surface and leave it for the period specified in the instructions for use. The chemicals in this product take time to dissolve the dirt.

After a certain period of time, we begin cleaning hard-to-reach areas with a brush and brush. When these procedures are completed, wash off the dirt with warm water. It is important to remember that high-pressure apparatus should never be used to wash the engine.

Then we wash off the remaining traces of dirt using rags and brushes, and rinse again with enough water. We wash the battery parts with a soda solution (soda ash and water in a 1:1 ratio) - this will protect it from corrosion.

We blot the wet motor with dry towels, blow it with a compressor and leave it to dry in the sun. Engine cleaning is complete!

Before starting a cleanly washed engine, make sure that there is no dirt, moisture or residue of plastic film left on its parts, in short, all those components that can lead to a short circuit or ignition. It is also important to unscrew the spark plugs, wipe them dry and remove moisture from the spark plug wells. After thoroughly drying the unit, you can start it and check its operation.

Just a photo of a clean engine - after washing

Source: https://avtoexperts.ru/article/kak-pomyt-dvigatel-avto/

Washing a car engine at home - folk remedies and methods

A working engine should not have any leaks of working fluids. It is imperative to periodically remove dirt and dust for the following reasons:

• Accumulated dirt and dust are a good heat insulator, which can lead to overheating of the power unit. In addition, fuel consumption increases and engine power decreases.
• A clean engine makes it easier and faster to carry out maintenance: replacing working fluids, filters, spark plugs, etc. Specialists at a service station with clean cars do their work better.
• Dirty threaded connections are more difficult to unscrew, and parts covered with dirt wear out faster.
• A dirty engine increases the risk of fire. Oil that appears on the engine or other parts of the car can ignite when the exhaust gases ignite from a spark if the exhaust manifold is not working properly.
• With a clean power unit, you can immediately detect oil or fluid leaks and quickly fix the problem before it becomes more serious.
• Contamination can cause electrical leakage, which can make it difficult to start the car.
• A car with a clean engine has an attractive sales appearance, which makes it possible to sell the car at a higher price.

Thorough preparation of the unit before washing is the key to a quality result.

• They will protect the chassis and save you money, increasing ground clearance by 3 cm.

Before washing the engine compartment of a car, you need to carry out some preparatory steps that will help protect wiring, electrical devices and parts that are sensitive to moisture from penetrating moisture.

At the preparatory stage, you need to perform the following sequence of actions:

1. We de-energize the car by disconnecting the negative terminal from the battery or removing the battery from the car to make washing safe.
2. Unscrew the protection from the engine compartment.
3. Close the air intake to prevent water from getting inside the engine.
4. Using tape and plastic film, we protect all connections, connectors, sensors and wiring from moisture. Electrical contacts and connectors can be treated with a special water-repellent aerosol, which provides effective protection against moisture.
5. At this stage, we disconnect the parts and components that interfere with getting to the engine.

Having carried out the preparatory work, you need to prepare several brushes, a bucket of water, clean rags, a Karcher (if you don’t have one, you can take any hose), detergents and chemicals. It is better to use brushes with a long handle, this will make it possible to reach hard-to-reach places. With the help of a Karcher, thanks to the high pressure, it is easy to wash away dirt and oil.

Regular household cleaning products are not suitable for washing the engine and engine compartment, although some drivers use them.

The reason is that kitchen cleaners are designed to remove plant compounds. The chemical composition included in household chemicals can have a harmful effect on rubber parts and engine gaskets.

They can dry out or harden, thus losing their performance properties.

If you choose the right cleaning products, you can achieve good results. The automotive market has a wide selection of chemicals in the form of liquids and aerosols. The most common liquids are shampoos.

They are good for cleaning hard-to-reach places. Due to their liquid state, they penetrate into the furthest parts of the engine, washing away stubborn dirt.

Shampoos do not contain abrasive particles, so they do not scratch the surface of parts, but they can be used to polish.

The choice of engine cleaning products is truly great - everyone chooses what is more convenient for him to use

Aerosols are convenient to use for modern cars that have tight spaces under the hood. They can be applied to hard-to-reach places without disassembling the engine. In stores you can find special powder for washing the engine.

It is used if dirt and dust are strongly embedded in the metal surface. Powders contain caustic chemicals, so you need to wear rubber gloves when handling them to protect your skin.

Cleaning should be done in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside.

It is better to buy special chemicals from well-known brands to clean your car from oil and other contaminants:

• “Motorraum-reiniger” from Liqui Moly;
• TurtleWax “High Tech Engine Clean”;
• car shampoo for engines from AT VNII Khimproekt;
• “Cleansing agent for engines and units” from AutoStudio.

There are concentrated liquids that are inconvenient to use because they need to be diluted, but with their help you can wash off heavy stains the first time.

Having prepared all the necessary means and tools, you can carry out the washing within the confines of your garage on your own. Washing a car engine should only be done when the unit has cooled down to 30-40 degrees, so as not to damage the cylinder head and avoid burns. It is also not worth cooling the engine completely, as it is difficult to clean.

Be sure to cool the engine before any cleaning work.

Depending on the product used, the following actions are carried out: apply foam or cleaning solutions to the chewed areas, and after some time indicated on the package, wash off with either clean water or remove with a rag.

A powerful jet of water effectively cleans the engine. True, you should be careful not to damage the insulation and wiring.

It is advisable not to use brushes and sponges when scrubbing contaminated areas, as this can damage wiring and attachments.

If oil and dust have formed stains that are difficult to remove, you can carefully pry them off with a screwdriver and moisten the problem area with the solution. When the substance dissolves the remaining dirt, remove everything with a damp cloth. After complete washing, you need to inspect the motor and repeat the procedure for areas that have not been washed.

There are folk remedies for washing the engine, for example, using kerosene diluted with water. This mixture will not damage engine parts if they are not coated with paints and varnishes. In this case, it is better to wipe them with a damp cloth.

At the final stage, wash the battery. To do this, prepare a solution of baking soda and water in a 1:1 ratio. This product allows you to get rid of corrosion on the battery.

First, we treat the entire battery case with the solution, then wipe it with a damp cloth, and finally wipe it with a dry cloth.

Do not use the same rags for the engine and battery, as acid and alkali from the battery can damage some parts of the motor.

After washing, the engine should be dried thoroughly, you can use paper towels. Using a compressor or a regular vacuum cleaner will speed up drying. For final drying, start the engine for a few minutes.

After removing the protective films, you need to treat the plastic parts with special means to protect them from cracking. However, you should not apply too large a layer, as this can have the opposite effect - attracting more dust and dirt. The inside of the hood can be coated with wax to keep the surface clean and shiny.

Washing the engine is a simple procedure that you can do yourself. Keeping the engine clean will extend its service life and improve the quality of its performance. Experts recommend washing the engine once a year, but this can be done as soon as it gets dirty. The frequency of washing depends on climatic and operating conditions.

Source: http://tuningkod.ru/chistka-i-uxod-za-avto/myte-dvigatelya/mojka-dvigatelya-avtomobilya.html

How to properly wash an engine: learning all the details

Most car enthusiasts who care about the condition of their cars sooner or later face the question: “Do I need to wash the engine of my car?” If yes, then how to do it correctly? Will such a procedure harm the performance of the unit? And in general, is washing the engine really necessary? And how should they be carried out?

Why do you need to wash the engine?

A good car enthusiast never forgets to at least occasionally look under the hood of his iron horse for the purpose of external inspection. Bad owners do this too, and quite often, but their actions are limited to a simple “open-close” scheme.

The main difference between the two categories of car owners is that the former have the engine and its surrounding components always clean and in order, and accordingly, the car of such people lasts comparatively longer.

If you happen to fall into the second category, you may need to think about the lifespan of your car.

External engine cleaning is no less important than internal cleaning. One way or another, during operation, an undesirable layer forms on the engine, consisting of dirt, oil and other substances that should not be there.

In addition, washing the engine can be of good service in some special cases, such as selling a car, or putting it in for diagnostics or major repairs. With the sale, everything is very clear: a clean car gives the buyer more confidence, which has a positive effect on the price.

As for diagnostics and other repair work, there are savings here, since you will certainly be required to pay an additional fee for external cleaning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPeRzSXs2T4

This is done so that various contaminants do not accumulate on the surface of the power unit; oil mixed with road dust and sand forms an “explosive mixture”, which over time forms a thick, dense layer of dirt.

And as already mentioned, this not only looks terrifying, but also interferes with normal engine cooling.

In addition, a dirty engine may have problems with spark plugs “punching” into the housing, which will certainly lead to engine malfunction.

You should also take into account the fact that in a clean engine compartment it is much easier to detect fresh oil leaks or other leaks. A dirty motor does not allow this to be done, so timely detection and elimination of the malfunction is out of the question. Anyone who has “capitalized” an engine at least once knows how important it is to detect a breakdown at an early stage.

Well, we’ve figured out why you should wash the engine, now we suggest moving on to the question of how to properly wash a car engine with your own hands. But before that, a few words about detergents, without which engine washing is not possible.

The shelves of modern auto stores are bursting with an abundance and assortment of all kinds of multi-colored “water” and “lotions.” Fortunately or unfortunately, the huge selection of car shampoos and cleaning chemicals confuse buyers, so there are often cases when people bought some kind of conditioner, freshener or washer instead of shampoo. And if it is also written “not according to us,” then it’s a total disaster.

The way out of the situation is quite simple - buy “ours” or look for the inscription “car wash”, it would also be a good idea to consult with the seller, he will certainly be able to distinguish shampoo from antifreeze. There is no point in talking about a specific car shampoo, so as not to look like an advertisement, especially since the choice is so large that we would recommend that you find the best option for yourself.

When choosing, be guided by the price indicator, the characteristics of the shampoo, as well as its quality and effectiveness, avoid fakes and counterfeits.

In addition, detergents are constantly changing and what was relevant or popular today will look dull tomorrow.

And most importantly, do not under any circumstances repeat the experiments of those who wash their cars with dishwashing detergent.

These products were developed to combat food grease and wash dishes, and are not at all suitable for washing a car, much less an engine.

It is difficult to predict how the dishwashing detergent will behave on your car or in the fight against motor oil or dirt... It is not the best option to use kerosene or gasoline for washing the engine.

Firstly, this is not practical and dangerous to health, and secondly, if these liquids get on rubber surfaces they can react with them, corroding or damaging them.

What is better to wash the engine and what is better not to use?

If you approach the matter without being too fanatical, then hot water with regular washing powder will work as a cleaning agent. Take a bucket of water and add powder until you get a soap solution of the desired concentration. If you have doubts about this method, then you can use special tools designed specifically for this purpose.

Nowadays, there is quite a large selection of auto chemicals on the market, so you can choose something according to your capabilities.

It is only worth noting that it is better to take products in aerosol cans, as it is very convenient. For particularly scrupulous car enthusiasts, there is such a thing as a mini-wash.

Of course, this option smacks of some excess, but if the cleanliness of the engine compartment is important to you, then this product is definitely for you.

By no means is your intelligence questioned, but there are some products that, for unknown reasons, are also used to wash the engine. We are talking about fuel, diesel and gasoline.

Washing an engine with diesel is a completely safe task, but completely pointless, since the task is to get rid of oil and other substances, and not to smear everything that can be smeared in them.

Read also:  Repairing cracks on the windshield

As for washing with gasoline, this is playing with fire, in the literal sense of the expression: an arbitrary discharge of static electricity will most likely lead to a fire. After this, the engine compartment, or more precisely, what remains of it, will also need to be washed to remove carbon deposits.

How to wash the engine yourself?

This washing option is carried out exclusively “cold”, the engine must be cool.

1. The first step is to turn off the power to the car; to do this, simply remove the terminal from the battery.

2. Electronics don't like water, so be careful not to let water damage your electrical appliances. This is quite simple to do - take plastic wrap and stationery tape and wrap them around all the nodes that “don’t like” water. These include: fuse box, ECU, starter, battery, generator, high-voltage wires, wiring, etc.).

3. After the preparatory work, add car shampoo to warm water according to the dosage indicated on the back of the bottle and apply it to the engine parts.

After applying the foam, you need to wait some time for the active substances to do their job.

While the car shampoo eats away the dirt, try to get to hard-to-reach places; a brush with a long handle will do for this.

4. Rinse off dirty foam and repeat the procedure if necessary. Then remove your plastic “protection” and let the engine dry. It would be advisable to blow out a cleanly washed motor with compressed air; for this you need to have an air compressor on your household.

5. When finished, start the engine and warm it up to operating temperature.

During its operation, pay attention to its “work”; it should not differ from what it was before washing; if you find anything suspicious (speeds fluctuate, stalls at idle, does not start), try to dry the engine again. It is possible that water got on electrical appliances during washing; repeated drying should resolve the issue.

Problems that engine washing can cause

Since in modern foreign cars the “stuffing” of the engine compartment is electronic, there is a possibility of damaging it or disabling it. If flammable liquids (solvents or special engine flushing agents) are used for washing, the likelihood of a fire increases, sometimes right during the washing process.

Also, the likelihood of fire is high if electric heating devices (fan, hair dryer, etc.) are used for drying. Insufficient drying is no less dangerous, since everyone knows the dangers of wet wiring. If you start the engine before the detergent or water is completely removed, there is an increased risk of electrical short circuits.

In addition, you need to remember that diesel engines can operate even after the engine is completely immersed in water, but gasoline engines are more “capricious”: they react negatively to moisture. Some manufacturers (Peugeot, Toyota, etc.) indicate in the vehicle performance characteristics that washing the engine is prohibited.

This is due to the high sensitivity to moisture of some types of motors. For example, a Toyota JZ engine (especially in the DIS-3 version) or a Peugeot 307 engine.

This means that washing under high water pressure is contraindicated for such engines.

But our man loves to experiment, so on automobile forums you can find many stories about how, despite the manufacturer’s ban, some of the most desperate still risk washing the engine.

Conclusions and useful instructions

– Do not wash the engine in car washes using high pressure water. If you are recommended to “knock down the dirt” with high pressure, do not agree under any circumstances, this may lead to problems. The water pressure should not be strong.

– Ideally, use a neutral dielectric compound to wash the engine.

– After washing, all parts must dry. It is necessary! Therefore, we recommend not washing the engine in the cold season, because... There is no guarantee that the parts will dry completely.

– You need to wash the engine 1-2 times a year. Not more often.

Source: https://auto.today/bok/1894-kak-pravilno-myt-dvigatel.html

How to wash a car engine - procedure

The appearance of the car characterizes the driver's face and the degree of his concern for his iron comrade. A good driver's car is always well-groomed and clean.

In addition, washing a car is not only aesthetically pleasing, it is also useful for ensuring the wear resistance of the body, because dirt retains moisture on the metal, and this can lead to corrosion.

As for the internal mechanisms of the car, including the engine, they also need to be kept clean. And it's not just about beauty.

Why do you need to wash the engine?

1. To prevent overheating, which can be caused by dirt deposits, oil and other substances, covering the surface of the unit. Dirt must be washed off. The cooling system, of course, will help avoid overheating, but a dirty motor will cause excessive load on the system and accelerate its wear.

2. A clean unit is easier and more pleasant to maintain, even if it is not you, but a service station worker who does it. In addition, many car repair shops refuse to work on cars with dirty internal mechanisms, or do their work, such as cleaning the throttle valve, in bad faith. Yes, and before the inspection you need to wash the engine.

3. An engine covered with layers of dirt is a fire hazard, because the consequence of a breakthrough of exhaust gases or a spark may ignite waste oil on the engine cover.

The frequency of hygiene procedures for the “heart” of the car should not exceed 2 times a year.

Therefore, you need to wash your car engine, and you shouldn’t be afraid; if you follow all the rules and safety standards, you can even do it yourself.

How to wash a car engine yourself

Before starting water procedures, carefully cover all electrical systems of the car with film so that water does not flow inside and cause a breakdown. Arm yourself with all the necessary auxiliary materials: water, detergent, brush, rags, clean dry towels, a machine for drying mechanisms, if available.

The question immediately arises - how to wash the engine? Some drivers use dishwashing detergent, as it breaks down grease, while others trust the old fashioned solution - kerosene or diesel fuel.

Another way to wash the engine is with special engine cleaning products, which are sold in specialized stores. All of these listed means have both pros and cons.

For example, if you wash the engine with diesel fuel, then for the first time after starting it, white smoke will pour out from all sides of the car, which, moreover, is also unsafe and can burst into flames. In addition, contact with diesel fuel will leave a pungent odor on your clothes and skin for a long time.

As for dishwashing liquid, which is often used to wash cars, it is often unable to clean mechanisms that are heavily soiled.

Among the special auto chemical products that can be used to wash the engine with your own hands, there are a variety of liquids for varying degrees of contamination.

On the automotive accessories market you can see products from such well-known foreign companies as K&W, Liqui Moly, domestic ones - AT VNIIkhimproekt, and other manufacturers. As a rule, good quality products are offered in the form of spray cans, which are very convenient to use.

Under no circumstances should you use gasoline to clean your car's mechanisms. Otherwise, any spark, even the smallest one, can lead to a fire or even an explosion.

So, how to properly wash a car engine. You can use the following diagram.

1. Make sure the engine is cold. Products applied to a hot surface dry quickly, and in this case they will have to be applied again.
2. Apply a cleaning agent to the surface of the unit and leave it for 10-20 minutes (check the instructions for the exact time) to allow the oily dirt to eat away. It is better to clean off a thick layer of accumulation using a spatula, screwdriver, or scraper. Hard-to-reach places can be cleaned with a thin brush.
3. Rinse off the detergent with a stream of water, scrub with a brush if dirt remains, and rinse again. Having a manual car wash will greatly simplify the entire washing process.
4. Dry the engine using a compressed air dryer, or leave the car with the hood open for a while in the sun.
5. Prepare a soda solution with a 1:1 ratio of soda to water. Treat your car's battery with it to prevent metal corrosion. After this, wipe the battery with a damp cloth and dry it in the sun.

After washing the engine, pay attention to the attachments, clean them of dirt with any solvent.

Almost every car wash now provides a service for washing car mechanisms located under the hood, and if you are thinking about how to wash a car engine, but do not want to do it yourself, contact specialists who will quickly wash the engine using special products.

Also, modern autobahns provide such services as flushing the engine when changing the oil, washing the starter, gearbox, and other machine mechanisms.

The only “but” in professional engine washing is that if the engine breaks down after washing, the service organization does not bear responsibility.

Problems that engine washing can cause

It should be noted that before washing a car engine, you should familiarize yourself with the process technology and strictly follow it, otherwise you can cause a breakdown of the most important mechanism of your car. For example, the situation: I washed the engine - the car does not start. The main cause of the problem is moisture trapped in the motor mechanisms or wiring.

To correct the problem, you need to blow out all the connectors with a compressor and dry the wiring. If the car does not start, specialists will help determine the reasons. The problem “washed the engine - the car starts to work” is also to blame for water, which most likely got into the spark plug wells. After washing the engine, you must remove the spark plugs and dry the wells, otherwise breakdowns will occur.

So, washing an engine is a simple process that is easy to implement, as are other equally important processes, such as flushing the injector or flushing the engine cooling system. The positive result of all cleaning operations of the internal mechanisms of the car is guaranteed if all protective measures are observed.

Video - “Washing a car engine”

Source: http://autoremka.ru/dvigatel/kak-pomyt-dvigatel-avtomobilya.html