I just went through the archives and there is such a conflict about how to clean the engine and compartnent, what to cover up, what to use, water or steam (or neither), will it start to leak after cleaning, and should I just do it by hand.
So... You'all have been steering me right out of my confusion so how about it? What is the recommended way to remove ancient sludge?

 

My favorite method is one of the "diesel fuel in a spray can" engine cleaners, such as Gunk Engine Brite or the private-label ones from places like Auto Zone (cheap); drive the car to the quarter car wash, soak the engine down with the diesel, let it soak a few minutes, then blast it with the car wash. Avoid directly squirting electrical things like sensors, the distributor, etc.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

 

I second the use of "engine brite" but would not suggest BLASTING your motor. Take the nozzle off the hose and just run an easy low pressure stream and you'll be good to go! Should start right up.

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85 2.8L Sport Coupe 5-speed.
Mods: Hpertech chip and powerstat, MSD 6A-L, Crane fireball coil, Accel Cap and Rotor, Dynomax hi-flow cat and catback system with a dynomax magnum race bullet muffler on the i-pipe, K&N filterchargers, Gutted Air Boxes, 8mm Wires, Eibach Sportlines and Tokiko springs/shocks setup, Global west sub frames, Suspension techniqs front and rear sway bars, and good ole 88 IROC wheels with Kumo Ecstas on em!
"It's not the ricers, it's those damn V8's!"

Wins: 2000 V6 Accord, 69 302 Mustang, 2000 Auto VR6 Jetta, 89 Toyota MR2, 90 Civic Si, 76 350 Camaro, 2000 3.8 5-speed Camaro, ~68 Chevelle 350, 92 CRX Si, 94 MR2 non-turbo.

 

Actually, I've had fairly good success with a laundry detergent (high in sufactants) and a little water with a stiff brush, like a parts cleaning brush. Dampen the engine and compartment with plain water, apply some soap with a spray bottle or directly with the brush (or pour a little on and spread with the brush) then work the deposits loose with the brush and a little added water as necessary. When everything is loosened, rinse with a gentle water spray.

I wouldn't be too concerned with getting electrical connectors wet. Except for the distributor cap, everything is connected with Packard Electric WeatherPak connectors. These are so reliable they are now the connector of choice for most construction and agricultural equipment at Caterpillar and John Deere. Some other auto manufacturers are also using them or a clone on key systems exposed to weather and water. Just avoid the distributor cap as much as practical and everything should be O.K.

Keep any solvent type cleaners away from the TPS sensor and EGR valve, since the solvent can destroy those.

When finished, dry thoroughly and apply a little rust preventive or sealant on the clean surfaces. It cleans up my engine compartment pretty well:



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Later,
Vader
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If you want to beat the World, it might reach up and pull you down...
Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

I've always used the Engine Brite or Gunk, and just let a soft flow of water clean it off. I think I might try Vader's idea though and see how it turns out. Hmm, wonder if I should use Mountain Fresh or Soft Rain smell

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"Rice burners are like tampons...Every pu$$y has to have one"
'86 IROC
T-TOPS, TINTED WINDOWS, BRAKE LIGHT BLACKOUTS
GM GOODWRENCH 350
EDELBROCK TES HEADERS
3" Hooker CatBack w/Aero Chamber muffler
EDELBROCK 600CFM CARB.
KN AIRFILTER
ACCEL HEI DISTRIBUTOR
160* Stat, just switched to 180* b/c of winter coming and going to college in the mts.
3:73 Posi
Rebuilt 700R4
B&M Megashifter, 5" Autometer Tach w/shift lite

 

Thank you all!!! I always have laundry soap and all types of brushes.
I sure would love my engine and compartment to look like yours Vader!!!
Personally, I like mountain spring by tide. LOLOLOLOL.

 

I've always used this citrus solvent cleaner. Works well and doesn't too bad either. You just spray it on, let it sit for a moment, and then rinse it off with a little water.

 

Where I live, we have a "quarter wash" (now it more like the buck fifty wash.....) that has an engine cleaner on one side. It sprays a relatively mild (read that "environmentally correct") solvent. Simply drive up, (but not from too far away....) soak the engine and bay down good, let it soak in for about 5 minutes, then pull around to one of the wash bays, and use the "presoak" setting. (i nice soft spray of hot water). This works extremely well, but, smells absolutely awful...... (the smell goes away when you rinse....)

 

I worked at a car dealership, and am a detailer. I would use a thing that if you go to a dealership and get "whamo" its like 5 bucs. You should power spray under your hood, go to a quarter car wash with the power sprayer and be sure to hit all the points, avoid the distibutor and all your emission crap! Then spray on the whamo and give ot a good healthy spray on and let it sit for a sec or two, not too long. Get the power washer going and spray it off, and you will have a gorgeous new look under the hood. You will see it working with all the black goonk just rolling off. and repeat until it is done to your perfection. Start it up and let it warm up for a bit and shut her off. If you want to go all out while it is clean go get "clear Coat" from auto zone or murray's you will then spray it on and it will leave a finish on the entire underhood so it shines like a show car!!!! Also you won't need the whamo any more after this when you spray it the black will come off the finish and stay beautiful!!!! I hope you get this in time, and give it a try you will not be dissapointed! Sorry long winded....

 

Where do i get whamo..

 

You should be able to go to any chevy or pontiac dealership and get it. I worked for pontiac and GMC dealership and they had it. ask them to but it at the parts counter.