By Brett Barton (Brett) on Tuesday, October 02, 2001 - 04:30 am: Edit

My disco leaks oil, and I would like to clean off the engine to see exactly where it is coming from. I am thinking of using something like Gunk Engine Brite at the car wash. Is it damaging to spray the engine. I will make sure that it is cool, and avoid direct spray to the electrical parts. Please let me know what some of you do.

Thanks!

By Bill Bettridge (Billb) on Tuesday, October 02, 2001 - 05:18 am: Edit

The only thing outside of electrical to watch for is that Gunk, if left on too long, also removes the wax coating applied to everything underhood from the factory. As long as you wash it back off quickly, it doesn't seem to affect it.

By Brett on Tuesday, October 02, 2001 - 06:22 am: Edit

Bill, do you have another product that I should use? Or should I simply use the tire cleaner stuff at the quarter wash and then rinse it?

By Bill Bettridge (Billb) on Tuesday, October 02, 2001 - 09:29 am: Edit

For oily stuff - you can still use canned Gunk, but just don't leave it on for more than a few minutes and you should be fine.

Maybe someone else has an alternate suggestion, but it works for me if used in moderation

By Rob Davison (Pokerob) on Tuesday, October 02, 2001 - 10:34 am: Edit

I like using the biodegradable stuff. that Gunk is toxic as all hell and no matter how much i rinsed it i'd still smell the shit.

go to walmart or an autoparts store and they'll have "simple green" or "purple power" degreaser. it usually comes in a gallon jug. i spray that stuff on and let it sit for 15-20min then hose it off. it works pretty good and it's not going to make everything smell like chemicals and kill the watertable.

i will say that gunk does work better on disolving that thick ass grease and sludge.

but man i hate that smell...

rd

By Ron on Tuesday, October 02, 2001 - 10:41 am: Edit

"purple power"

Castrol super clean

Ron

By William Turner (Wturner) on Tuesday, October 02, 2001 - 10:59 am: Edit

I spray mine regularly at the car wash top and bottom, with just high preasure soapy water. Right after I drive it to the car was, so it is HOT, never had a problem.

Do that from now on, and you wont be face with the build up.

By Mike B. on Tuesday, October 02, 2001 - 02:37 pm: Edit

I let my engine cool completely before I clean it. I never liked washing a hot or warm engine. I use a mild soap to keep my engine clean. Occasionally, I use a high pressure sprayer and the purple stuff from Castrol when it gets really dirty.

Thanks,
Mike B.

By ZPukajlo on Tuesday, October 02, 2001 - 02:45 pm: Edit

What all do you guys cover before you start spraying? I was under the impression that washing the engine can cause some starting problems.

Z

By Rob Davison (Pokerob) on Tuesday, October 02, 2001 - 04:24 pm: Edit

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Quote:

Z money says:

What all do you guys cover before you start spraying? I was under the impression that washing the engine can cause some starting problems.

Z

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By Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) on Tuesday, October 02, 2001 - 06:02 pm: Edit

Don't let Simple Green sit on aluminum for any length of time.... a friend, a gunsmith, decided to clean an aluminum block up with the stuff, and it severely etched the metal...

FWIW....


-L

By Brett Barton (Brett) on Wednesday, October 03, 2001 - 02:38 am: Edit

Thank you for all of your input. I do not like the smell of the Gunk either. I will try some simple green.

`

By Brett Barton on Friday, October 05, 2001 - 04:23 am: Edit

One last question. Should I use plastic to cover certain parts? Should I shut the engine off, or leave it running?

Thanks.

By Mike B. on Friday, October 05, 2001 - 04:58 pm: Edit

Turn the engine off and let it cool completely. Use soap and water. If that does not work, try something stronger like the Castrol stuff. Watch the castrol stuff closely because it can eat your aluminum and the rubber. So, wash it off quickly. Simple green also works, but the same precautions apply. A good blast from your hose will not harm anything as long as the engine is completely cool. No need to cover anything. If you have a hard time starting after washing off with a hose, then you will probably have a hard time starting it after a really hard rain. It's probably time to change the plug wires and the distributor (if you have one) and do some basic waterproofing. That way your Disco won't leave you stranded after the next hard rain.

Thanks,
Mike B.

By R22tech on Friday, October 05, 2001 - 06:43 pm: Edit

I use simple green on a hot engine, turned off. Let it sit for 1 minute then hose off. Make sure to use plastic baggies to cover distributer and other electrical plugs,ect. Repeat, if necessaary.
Qualifications: My 85 Porsche Carrera took 2nd place at the 2001 Concours d' Elegance using this method.

By David Dryden (David914) on Saturday, October 06, 2001 - 04:02 am: Edit

Ditto the Simple Green or Castrol stuff. Both work great. I use them on to clean the bottom of my 911 engine every time I wash it with good results. By the way, LR's, Porsches, and VW's don't leak...they just mark their spot

David