DIY Engine Cleaning & Detailing (The Safe & Correct way)

[AntiBNI]

I want to introduce my self,I bought this 2000 Echo about 1 ans 1/2 months ago and bought it for $4,000 which here in Puerto Rico is a good deal by the condition of the car.

Apparently the owner only washed the plastic trims with a moist cloth.

When i went to change the spark plugs in the echo,the first thing that slapped me in the face was that the valve cover was covered in thick black grime.

I then removed the air intake filter box and the tranny was covered in that thick black grime too,it was time to make the engine look young again...

IMPORTANT!!
Before you do anything,make sure that the Spark plug coil bolts are as tight as they should be.

------------------------------TOOLS------------------------------------
What you need:
Degreaser
Old Tooth Brush
Long hard bristle brush (I bought a Brush that is used for cleaning toilets)
Garden Hose (obviously)
*A lot of plastic bags*
Rubber bands
Time

Optional:
Air Compressor

--------------------------------Instructions-------------------------------
Start by taking the air filter box and the valve cover plastic Cover,and take out your battery.


Cover every single sensor plug you see in the engine bay.




Cover your FuseBox too

Put plastic bags on the spark plug coil connection and over the whole coil,double protection just in case.



Put as many bags as you need until you are sure no water will touch the alternator and starter.

Same with starter.

Cover your horn and factory alarm horn if you have one.


Put a plastic bag inside the windshield washer container as there is a small hole in the cap.(degreaser can get in through that hole)


-----------------------------------------Degreasing-----------------------
Get your hose and start hosing the bonnet first then the engine.

NOTE: DO NOT wash your engine with full water pressure,sprinkle it as if you where watering your flowers,like shown in the picture.



After your done watering,get your degreaser and start spraying every where (BONNET FIRST)

Let it sit for a few minutes,i left mine for 15 mins.and start scrubbing with the long brush and with the tooth brush in tight spots.
water your engine again to remove loose grime(BONNET FIRST) and inspect for any grime left on the engine and apply degreaser to the whole engine again if you are not satisfied,and then water your engine.

You should be satisfied by now and if you have an air compressor, start removing excess water with it,till engine is fairly dry.
or let it dry it self if you don't have an air compressor.


after your engine is completely dry,detail it with your detailing product.
( i used CD-2 Engine Detailer)

Grime removed from engine.
EWWW!!!GRIME!!


look at what i removed from the air intake o.0


------------------------------Stare at your work!!-----------------------





Comments will be appreciated!

[n00b]

Since you had the air tubing off, did you clean the throttle body?

I recommend taping the Tornado Fuel Saver onto the exaust to make the exaust spin.

[AntiBNI]

No,I didn't clean it cuz it was fairly clean.

I will wait a bit longer (few months) and i will clean it by then,the car idles alright and i have no problem with the throttle body.

And the air intake tubing is really easy to remove.

[McTimson]

Wow, that's a nice writeup

That's a great example of how the proper prep work can produce amazing results. Nice job, that engine bay looks brand new. It sure makes it nicer to work on when you don't get your hands covered in grease just from changing the spark plugs or something.

[AntiBNI]

Originally Posted by McTimson

Wow, that's a nice writeup

That's a great example of how the proper prep work can produce amazing results. Nice job, that engine bay looks brand new. It sure makes it nicer to work on when you don't get your hands covered in grease just from changing the spark plugs or something.

Thanks, Comments are appreciated ^^.

[CJCride]

Well done man. You put me to shame. I usually just cover the alternator & distributor cap.

[AntiBNI]

Originally Posted by CJCride

Well done man. You put me to shame. I usually just cover the alternator & distributor cap.

Thanks,I like to play it safe since water and electronics don't mix xD

I will later be making a few other tutorials cuz i will go to a few junkers to grab some 2003-05 Echo Power Window/Power lock door panels to fit it in mine.

Will be making a trunk release and quite a few other interesting retrofits.

[RningOnFumes]

Wow, well done! Added to DIY Sticky!!

[yuriy]

Great job on the cleaning!

[Dinkfore]

Looks good but way too much work.Cars are designed to drive in wet conditions.As long as you don't hit the electronics with a pressure washer you really should have no problems.
I cover nothing when I wash my engine bay.Spray soap or foam engine cleaner,scrub brush and a low pessure fan wand is all I use.

[zwalker]

Originally Posted by Dinkfore

Looks good but way too much work.Cars are designed to drive in wet conditions.As long as you don't hit the electronics with a pressure washer you really should have no problems.
I cover nothing when I wash my engine bay.Spray soap or foam engine cleaner,scrub brush and a low pessure fan wand is all I use.

I do the same. Your started and alternator get soaked in the rain when you are on the highway anyway. Most detailing places just go at it with the hose and soapy water and produce fairly good results with no damage.

[buci]

Nice man,you really took your time didn't you? Next time i will do the same and cover as you say some of those electrical components,better safe then sorry. Usually i just spray degreaser and water at high pressure.That's my wife's car few months back getting a wash ENGINE CLEANING.

[Kiwi-Corolla]

Very impressive result. Lol @ the ridiculous fuel saver thing you pulled from your intake. Great work on the cleaning.

[mr_kabo]

Thanks for the post, very informative. Thanks man.

[Yalpine]

Originally Posted by n00b

Since you had the air tubing off, did you clean the throttle body?

I recommend taping the Tornado Fuel Saver onto the exaust to make the exaust spin.

LOL... Love the Tornado Exhaust, should come free with "Fartcan" mufflers... All those baggies should prevent STDs of the motor...??!!..