This maybe obvious to some, but from an environmental perspective please avoid degreasing/cleaning your engine curbside. Runoff from this operation in most places (especially coastal towns) flows untreated into the storm drain and then out into the ocean, which is really a bummer for ocean water quality and the wildlife and humans that depend on it. Coin-op car washes drain into municipal water treatment systems and thus represent an ethical and environmental advantage that makes the cost (measured in mere coinage) well worth it.
-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf Of Mike Pedersen Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 10:32 AM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: engine cleaning do's and don'ts?
Matt, FWIW, I cleaned my engine recently (after similar deliberation) and was successful. I used a citrus based cleaner that seemed to work very well. I also used a parts cleaner brush and a toothbrush. I would hesitate using high pressure spray in there since the electrical connectors have minimal waterproofing (even when new) and it'll splash all over your interior. I used saranwrap for parts that I didn't want to get wet. I had access to a driveway and a water hose, however. Regards, Mike Pedersen '88 Westy GL Automatic Powell River, BC
Hi folks, With a bunch of jobs coming up (water pump, engine hoses, coolant swap, tranny fluid swap, CV re grease...) I was thinking now would be a good time to clean/ degrease the engine bay and tranny. Been to the archives, comments are mixed- "no water!" "don't do it!" "Hi-pressure water" " compressed air" etc. I have some constraints: city dweller, no driveway, no access to curbside running water. If I go to a coin-op wash, I figure I'll be disconnecting the battery, and bagging the alternator, distributor, and ignition coil. I'll bring some WD-40 to dry out connectors afterwards. Any angles on smart procedures and products would be much welcomed, along with warnings, admonitions, etc. Thanks, Matt Sutton 88 GL 170k Brooklyn NY |
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