If you’re a car guy or girl, you’ve probably degreased an engine or two. If you aren’t, here are two good reasons why you should do it soon. First, a clean engine is just easier to repair. If you, or your mechanic, are going to work on your car soon, a clean engine is easier to work on. Secondly, and this is important, a clean engine will generally bring you more money at resale time! You should definitely degrease your engine before you sell a car via private sale or to a dealer. You will be glad you did.
Fortunately, degreasing an engine is easy. There are a pile of engine degreasing sprays on the market that make the job easy. You can find them at most auto supply stores and hardware stores. They come in two types: solvent and water-based. Both types do a good job but professionals often prefer solvent-based degreasers because they cut through the grease a little faster. If you’re sensitive to solvents, choose a concentrated water-based product because they don’t smell as bad.
Ready to get a bit dirty? Degreasers work best when the oil and grease on an engine is a little soft. So start your engine and let it run for about 5 minutes. Then shut it off and let it cool down until you can safely touch the exhaust manifold. Then hose down the engine with the degreaser. Aim carefully to prevent the overspray from jumping out onto your car’s exterior paint. After you have coated everything, let it sit on the engine for 15-20 minutes and really soften up.
Next step is to take a garden hose with a nozzle and hose down the engine. Set the spray nozzle for maximum pressure and go to it. This will likely make quite a mess so be ready to get rather oily and wet. It is basically imperative that this be done outside. Usually some grease will be left over so apply another coat and repeat. It takes a couple of iterations to properly degrease an engine well.
By the way, when you are finished degreasing, consider using an engine protectant to make things look like new under the hood. Gunk Engine Shine is a popular brand. The spray imparts a slight shine and a protective layer of oil.
Technical Source: Dry Ridge Toyota