Date:         Tue, 4 Nov 2003 16:23:28 -0500
Reply-To:     David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
Subject:      Re: Engine cleaner?
Comments: To: MICHAEL POPE <raskayamon@MSN.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <BAY3-F20n2AI3F5Y0Zw00016cfd@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

On Tue, 4 Nov 2003, MICHAEL POPE wrote:

> I live and work in a rural area and am frequently drivind unpaved roads- any
> recommendation on what to clean motor with? I'm not sure about that engine
> cleaner at the local car wash- anyone use this stuff?

I used it on my diesel, which was absolutely filthy due to an improperly
seated valve cover that had gradually distributed oil mist all over the
engine compartment.  Seriously, you don't know what a dirty engine
compartment is until you deal with an oil film full of diesel soot! ;)

I sprayed Gunk on the engine first.  The carwash engine cleaner itself
doesn't really cut grease well, but Gunk followed by the high pressure
hose removes it pretty easily.

Remember that when you're cleaning the engine, you're effectively doing
this *inside* your van!  Rig a tarp or something to protect the interior
from splatters or you'll have a real mess to clean up, like I did.

I used a plastic bag taped over the air cleaner inlet so I didn't have to
worry about getting water in there.  On a gas engine, you should have some
WD-40 with you in case water gets into the distributor cap.


David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Diesel Westfalia
'94 Honda Civic Si -- For Sale