Need advice on cleaning the engine

[EclipsEvo8]

My engine compartment is in need of a cleaning. What product do you recommend for cleaning the engine, what precautions should I take, how much water should be sprayed in, etc. etc. I had a 1996 Ford Bronco and cleaned the engine with an engine cleaner spray I bought at Advance Auto Parts. I followed the instructions on the can, and the engine came out clean with no issues. I'm wondering if more precautions should be taken with the Evo engine? By the way, my engine is all stock, air intake and all. It's an 2003. Thanks.

[Dangeruss]

You will be fine with a regular engine degreaser.

[TripperFx3]

Russ is right. An engine degreaser will work fine. I personally like to use an all purpose cleaner/degreaser that you can get from wal mart called orange lightening. Just spray it on, agitate it with an old rag (a dedicated engine detail brush would be best) and the use a light stream of water to wash away. Also cover your air filter (if it's open element) and be careful around wires and the such. Also a no brainer, but don't do it when the engine is hot. You could crack the mani or turbo due to such an instant contraction from the cold water.

Lastly, if you can find it, pick up some CD-2 Engine detailer. I haven't been able to find it that often, so when I can I buy like 5 cans of it. Use this after the above process and when it's dry.

[Chemwarrior]

I use that orange degreaser. It works well and smells nice. :D

[Dangeruss]

Citrus degreaser is awesome. :D

[Bost]

autozone is like the only place that carries CD-2. I couldnt find it for a LONG time but now that i live in kennesaw, i can always get it at the autzone on 41/jiles area

[EclipsEvo8]

Thanks everyone for the help. Is CD-2 another name for Citrus Degreaser? Is CD-2 a degreaser "and" engine detailer or is that the same thing? I guess I'll have to do this illegally in my driveway, because if I take it to the car wash place, the engine will be hot. We have water restrictions here still. No washing cars or using pressure washes.

[em1toevo]

For just washing off the engine for a few minutes, I think you'll be fine doing it at home.

[Dangeruss]

Thanks everyone for the help. Is CD-2 another name for Citrus Degreaser? Is CD-2 a degreaser "and" engine detailer or is that the same thing? I guess I'll have to do this illegally in my driveway, because if I take it to the car wash place, the engine will be hot. We have water restrictions here still. No washing cars or using pressure washes.
Any type of citrus cleaner should not be used for detailing an engine bay besides cutting through grime. It has natural acidic properties. After spraying everything with citrus cleaner, wait a few minutes and rinse it off. I really wouldn't bother with some type of special engine detailer. It's a waste of money, imo.

[TripperFx3]

CD-2 is what will make your engine look "shiny." When sprayed on your engine it'll actually bake onto it from the heat from the engine and make everything look shiny.

Russ, please understand I'm only telling you this as a detailer and a friend and is merely constructive critisim, but if your going to be detailing even as a side business look into stuff like this as some customers like it and others don't. Also depending on how you charge (I do hourly) it can be additional revenue.

[Dangeruss]

CD-2 is what will make your engine look "shiny." When sprayed on your engine it'll actually bake onto it from the heat from the engine and make everything look shiny.

Russ, please understand I'm only telling you this as a detailer and a friend and is merely constructive critisim, but if your going to be detailing even as a side business look into stuff like this as some customers like it and others don't. Also depending on how you charge (I do hourly) it can be additional revenue.
I completely undersand and I appreciate the constructive criticism. I put "imo" in there for a reason, lol. :) I just don't like to leave any acidic residue now matter how weak it is. I've never dealt with CD-2 before, so that's your advice im going to take there.

[TripperFx3]

lol No worries and I completely understand. It's hard to convey emotion across the internet lol. I want to see your business succeed, so thats the only reason I said anything. As far as I understand though CD-2 is non acidic. It's just a polymer or something of the sort that truly just bakes on with heat and eventually the same heat will cook it off completely, but it does last a good month or so.

Just remembered its a resin of sorts!

[EclipsEvo8]

That's good that it bakes off within a certain time frame incase I don't like how it looks. I stopped at Advance Auto Parts today, they didn't have CD-2, but Autozone does right down the street. I'm looking forward to trying it. I wonder if after I rinse it off the engine the waste will kill the grass? How hazardous is it?

[Bost]

its just a bit acidic(diluted a good bit once you wash it off), i doubt it would harm the grass.

[bomjoon]

drive off the lake.



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j.k dont use reg. hose. use pressure washer set at low setting.