Keeping new engine clean ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

blazer2007 · 08-02-2020, 09:40 AM

How do you keep your new engine in your older vehicles look new. I have a rebuilt 350 with Al. intake headers and looked online but everything was pressure washers and such for dirty engines.I,ve tried toothbrush and rags on the intake but still not happy. Just wondering what products and methods you use

**The Rocknrod** · 08-02-2020, 09:45 AM

I had a 56 big window with a 502 big block once. Drove up to Pomona for a Goodguys show from San Diego. On the way through Corona I hit a swarm of grass-hoppers, splattered everywhere on the truck. When I got to the show I realized I forgot everything to clean and polish except rags and 409. Must have worked as I won the Trick Truck award there.

72c20customcamper · 08-02-2020, 08:13 PM

If ya drive it it's not going to be like a trailer queen. I prefer my rides on the dirty side .

**Steeveedee** · 08-02-2020, 11:05 PM

When we get a good rain here in southern California,

I spray Purple Power all over the engine and then let it run down the gutter to the whales and otters.

Obviously I'm kidding. I haven't washed the engine in the truck for years. I'm hoping to get in a position where I can rebuild it, but that is some time off. It'll get cleaned off nice in the machine shop.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 08-04-2020, 01:53 AM

I use degreaser and then blow it dry with a shop vac/blower.

**leddzepp** · 08-12-2020, 08:22 PM

Simple green is great for maintaining an engine that doesn’t have 40 years of crap caked all over it. Bilge cleaner (marine shop) will remove long-standing junk.

Joseph07 · 01-01-2021, 08:54 AM

The best way to keep your engine clean is to make sure there are no oil leaks on all of the seal and gaskets. I also do once or twice a year engine detailing by using a diluted apc, soft bristle toothbrush and steam clean. If you want to power wash, just cover the alternator and distributor. The rest of the year, just wipe with damp microfiber towel every time you wash the car, or treat it like any other part of the car that needs TLC.

08-02-2020, 09:40 AM	#1
blazer2007 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: vernon b.c. Posts: 3,022	Keeping new engine clean ? How do you keep your new engine in your older vehicles look new. I have a rebuilt 350 with Al. intake headers and looked online but everything was pressure washers and such for dirty engines.I,ve tried toothbrush and rags on the intake but still not happy. Just wondering what products and methods you use

08-02-2020, 09:45 AM	#2
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: Keeping new engine clean ? I had a 56 big window with a 502 big block once. Drove up to Pomona for a Goodguys show from San Diego. On the way through Corona I hit a swarm of grass-hoppers, splattered everywhere on the truck. When I got to the show I realized I forgot everything to clean and polish except rags and 409. Must have worked as I won the Trick Truck award there. __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

08-02-2020, 08:13 PM	#3
72c20customcamper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Catskill Mountains,NY Posts: 8,656	Re: Keeping new engine clean ? If ya drive it it's not going to be like a trailer queen. I prefer my rides on the dirty side . __________________ Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary.

08-02-2020, 11:05 PM	#4
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,622	Re: Keeping new engine clean ? When we get a good rain here in southern California, I spray Purple Power all over the engine and then let it run down the gutter to the whales and otters. Obviously I'm kidding. I haven't washed the engine in the truck for years. I'm hoping to get in a position where I can rebuild it, but that is some time off. It'll get cleaned off nice in the machine shop. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

08-04-2020, 01:53 AM	#5
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,300	Re: Keeping new engine clean ? I use degreaser and then blow it dry with a shop vac/blower. __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

08-12-2020, 08:22 PM	#6
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,024	Re: Keeping new engine clean ? Simple green is great for maintaining an engine that doesn’t have 40 years of crap caked all over it. Bilge cleaner (marine shop) will remove long-standing junk. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

01-01-2021, 08:54 AM	#7
Joseph07 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Hercules, Ca Posts: 9	Re: Keeping new engine clean ? The best way to keep your engine clean is to make sure there are no oil leaks on all of the seal and gaskets. I also do once or twice a year engine detailing by using a diluted apc, soft bristle toothbrush and steam clean. If you want to power wash, just cover the alternator and distributor. The rest of the year, just wipe with damp microfiber towel every time you wash the car, or treat it like any other part of the car that needs TLC.



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