[CAR ENGINE ROARING]
LARRY COSILLA: Today, I'm at Classic Car Club in Manhattan,
which is like Zipcar on steroids for New Yorkers
obsessed with classic and modern super cars.
Today, we're talking about how to properly clean and detail
your engine.
We have three different styles, an exotic, a muscle
car, and a modern car.
So what are the differences in cleaning each type of engine?
Find out today on this episode of "Drive Clean."
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Although detailing your engine is necessary to minimize
corrosion and keep a like new appearance, most people avoid
doing it because of the obvious risk.
But with a few tips on preventive maintenance,
cleaning your engine compartment will be safe and
easy to do.
Although the overall method is similar for each engine
configuration, there are a few tips unique to each style
engine that you need to be aware of before
you can clean it.
The three most distinct engine configurations are front
engine modern car.
For this, we're demonstrating on a 2006 Corvette Z06, which
has multiple plastic shields covering wires and computer
components found in most cars today.
Next is the rear engine exotic car, illustrated by this
gorgeous black 2011 Ferrari 458, which has some exposed
parts that can be challenging to reach because of its
mid-engine placement.
And finally, the fully exposed, and sensitive engines
found on muscle cars.
No better example than a 1966 Ford GT40 with wide open
velocity stacks and uncovered exhaust headers.
There are eight main steps to detailing engines, with a few
variables depending on your engine type.
Before you tackle the engine, be sure to avoid leaning on
the fender with belt buckles.
And use a soft towel to avoid any scratches.
Next, quickly check the engine temperature to gauge if it's
hot, warm, or cold.
The perfect temperature for engine cleaning depends on the
level of grime it has.
For example, if your engine has caked on gunk that hasn't
been touched in years, having a warm to slightly hot
temperature can be helpful to loosen the layers of grease.
But in most cases, a cool to warm engine is ideal.
While I'm inspecting the level of dirt and gauging the
temperature, I also work the jambs for leaves and twigs
that commonly get caught in those areas.
Compressed air works great, as well, for these tight spots.
Next, look for the top three engine components that may
need protection if exposed on your particular engine.
Number one is the distributor.
This can cause a misfire when penetrated by excess water.
Number two is carburetors, velocity
stacks, or air filters.
These need to be covered to prevent water from finding its
way into the engine.
Here, I'm using a clear personal items bag to wrap
each component.
Then I add one strip of electrical tape
to hold it in place.
Generally speaking, if you see exposed electrical components,
cover them with plastic bags or absorbent towels.
Number three is the alternator, fuse box, and
battery cables, as this can throw off the computer codes,
warning lights, or prevent the engine from
starting, in some cases.
A little extra prep work here can save you a big headache in
the future.
This step is merely a precautionary measure to
protect against water splashing during the pre-rinse
and rinse process.
Avoid spraying the sensitive components with direct water
pressure, whenever possible.
Lightly rinse down the engine with a wide angle nozzle to
evenly distribute the water without causing damage to the
plastic bag.
Quickly move your hose around the engine compartment to
minimize the amount of water because a lot is not needed
during the pre-rinse.
Next, add an all purpose cleaner or degreaser to the
pre-rinsed engine, and immediately begin to agitate
the grime with your lug nut brush, wheel woolie, and other
small brushes you're comfortable with.
Don't let the cleaner dry on the engine.
And beware of how quickly the product will evaporate, based
on the engine temperature, and adjust accordingly.
To get into the super tight areas, I use a tiny stiff
bristle paintbrush that can be found at your
local art supply store.
Then, quickly rinse down the lifted grime with a wide angle
sprayer before any evaporation occurs.
Next, dry the area with compressed air, a leaf blower,
or simply wipe with a terry towel to absorb
the remaining water.
Afterwards, remove the plastic bags from the sensitive areas.
And be careful when lifting them away to avoid spilling
the water back onto the engine.
Fold the outer edges of the bag inwards to collect all the
remaining water.
Then, quickly wipe down the area with a dry towel.
The last step is to start up your car, and look and listen
for any issues.
In some cases, you may need to allow the engine to dry for
one to two hours before starting.
Let it run for two to three minutes, and then shut it off.
If desired, apply a water-based dressing to your
plastic and rubber to enhance the shine of your engine bay.
Although engine detailing seems perilous, recognizing
and protecting the sensitive areas will allow you to clean
and maintain the heart and soul of your car, which, of
course, is the engine.
Although it can be a bit intimidating, cleaning your
engine regularly will help minimize corrosion and keep
your engine looking new.
The key is to recognize your specific engine type, and
protect the sensitive areas that might be damaged by water
and cleaning products.
For a step by step PDF of how to detail your engine, visit
ammonyc.com.
Well, that's it for me, guys.
Thanks for watching another episode of "Drive Clean,"
right here, on the Drive Network.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Although it can--
although it can be a bit intimidating, cleaning your
engine regularly will help minimize corrosion and keep
your engine looking new.
The key is to recognize your specific engine type to
protect the sensitive areas that might be damaged by water
and cleaning products.
For a step by step PDF of how to detail your engine, you
know where to go.
Visit ammonyc.com.
That's it for me, guys.
Thanks for watching another episode of "Drive Clean,"
right here, on the Drive Network.
-There it is.
-Awesome.
-[INAUDIBLE]
-So that's the outro.
So at this point, we don't have any more [INAUDIBLE]
to capture on camera.
So now we just want to get a B roll for--
-Do you need a massage again?
---that voiceover that says these are the three cars--