Engine Cleaning.

[Richard_E]

Any thoughts or ideas on the best way to clean the engine and engine bay in an S-Type?

[JimMann]

Hi Richard, you really need to offer a bit more information on the type of cleaning your engine bay requires. Is it a simple detail around the edges? Is it covered in oil and crud from a persistent oil leak in the past? Has it been open to the elements and is now covered in caked on road dirt? Each option may have more than one solution.

If you are brave, then you can power wash the engine bay, but you need to carry out a few checks first. Confirm all connections are made correctly and secured. Tape off any open backed connectors where water might gather. Check the belts are tight and in good condition.

Run the engine up to temperature, with the bonnet open and leave running during the complete power wash operation. When you are ready, bring the power washer up to pressure and direct it into the engine bay at the offending areas. If the engine bay is really cruddy, then you may want to first dose it liberally with a suitable degreaser or engine cleaner. Agitate with a soft bristle brush in those stubborn areas. Power wash off as above. Don't point the pressure washer at full blast at any of the electrical connectors, remember you are using the power washer jet to effect a cleaning operation and it is not like cleaning the patio slabs - keep the water jet back from the components at least 12 inches.

Jim

[steve_m]

I just used generic products from Halfords and spent a couple of hours at it, came up really nice.

[Richard_E]

It's just the dirt accumulated over 22 years and 108,000 miles. I want to bring the car back to showroom condition.

You've answered my question.

Thanks.

[steve_m]

Make sure that any other householders aren't likely to return home early from their little holiday.
That way you won't have to explain why you have the exhaust manifolds off your MGC in the dishwasher.
Hot wash, extra powder, extra rinse, lovely job.