How to Clean Car Engine – A Complete Guide

The car engine is one of the most critical components of our vehicles, but it’s also one of the most neglected when it comes to maintenance. With proper care and maintenance, a car engine can last for years.

However, a car engine can succeed with proper maintenance, resulting in costly repairs and lost performance. This article will discuss the importance of cleaning your car engine and provide tips on how to clean car engine.

How to Clean Car Engine

Cleaning a car engine is essential, but it cannot be very comforting if you’ve never attempted it. Fortunately, the job can be completed in time with the right supplies and some know-how. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning your car engine like a pro.

Before you begin, it’s important to note that this job is best performed when the engine is excellent. Let your engine cool for at least 30 minutes before you begin to prevent potential damage.

Step 1: Preparing Your Engine

The most crucial step in cleaning a car engine is preparation. To start, pop the hood and locate the battery, any facing bolts and other fiddly bits. To reduce the risk of shorting, disconnect the battery and cover it with a towel or plastic wrap.

Remove the bolts, wires and spark plugs and, if possible, remove any debris like oil and dirt in the engine compartment. If some debris is in hard-to-reach places, a damp cloth or vacuum can help remove it.

Step 2: Spraying the Degreaser

Now that you have prepared the engine compartment, it’s time to break out the degreaser. Use a degreaser explicitly designed for car engines and look for one that is non-flammable, non-corrosive, and biodegradable for a safe and eco-friendly way to tackle muck and grime.

Spray the degreaser liberally over the entire engine, covering all visible areas. Allow the degreaser to sit on the machine for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.

Step 3: Rinsing the Engine Compartment

Once you’ve used the degreaser, it’s essential to rinse the engine compartment to ensure all the degreaser and debris are completely removed.

Thoroughly rinse the entire engine compartment with a high-pressure hose. If your engine is filthy, you may need to repeat the process before proceeding.

Step 4: Scrubbing the Engine

Once the engine has been thoroughly rinsed, it’s time to put elbow grease into the process. To remove any stubborn dirt, use a soft brush to scrub the remaining debris sections of the engine. Disposable scrubbing pads work well for hard-to-reach spots, as do disposable cloths.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once you’ve scrubbed away any remaining dirt and debris, give the engine a final rinse to remove any suds that may have been left from the degreaser. Then, reinstall any bolts, wires and spark plugs you may have removed.

How to Clean car Engine Without Water

Utilizing a good degreaser is the most effective way to remove built-up grime and dirt from the engine without using any water. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a car engine without water:

Step 1: 

Start by thoroughly inspecting the engine for any loose parts. If there are any, remove them and set them aside to avoid unnecessary damage.

Step 2: 

Work a degreaser on a shop rag into the engine. Start with the areas that appear to be the most polluted or dirtiest. This is the best way to break down the dirt that gets stuck in and around components.

Step 3: 

Using the shop rag, gently scrub the degreaser into areas with heavy build-up. Keep washing until the surface is clean.

Step 4: 

Use a clean shop rag to rinse off the degreaser. This should help remove any remaining dirt and grime not dissolved by the degreaser.

Step 5: 

After rinsing, inspect the engine for any signs of remaining dirt and grime. If there are, repeat steps 2 and 3 until the surface is entirely clean.

How to Clean Car Engine Inside

Having a clean and well-maintained engine is essential to maintain the performance and reliability of your car. But how do you go about cleaning your car’s engine inside? Doing it right can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be!

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your car’s engine inside. 

Step 1:

Open up the hood of your car and make sure you have a good view of the engine compartment. 

Step 2:

Get a can of degreaser and spray down the engine area. This will help get rid of any dirt, dust, and grease. After spraying, let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it down with a rag. 

Step 3:

Once the degreaser has set in, get a small hand brush and begin cleaning dirt, dust, and grime from the engine area. Be sure to get into any nooks and crannies. The degreaser will help to break down any dirt and debris. 

Step 4:

Once you have completed the degreasing and scrubbing of the engine area, rinse off the degreaser with a hose and water. Use a portable water pressure hose to reach the nooks and crannies of the engine area. Rinse off the area until the water runs clear, and no more degreaser is visible. 

Step 5: 

After the engine area is dried off, spray it with a light layer of WD-40. This will help to protect the engine area from other dirt and grime buildup. 

How to Clean Car Engine Bay

Follow these steps to keep your engine bay looking and running its best.

Step 1: Preparing the Area

Before beginning, park your car in a well-ventilated area and make sure the engine is cooled down. Cover any sensitive electronics or painted surfaces to avoid damage from the cleaning solution.

Step 2: Applying the Degreaser

Using a degreaser, carefully apply it to the engine bay. Take extra caution around electrical components and painted surfaces. Let the degreaser sit for at least five minutes before proceeding.

Step 3: Scrubbing

Once the degreaser has been applied for the requisite time, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the cleaner into the dirt and grime. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the engine bay to ensure a thorough cleaning.

Step 4: Rinsing

Take a hose with a fine voracious spray nozzle to rinse off the degreaser. Be sure to start at the top and work down to the bottom of the bay. Rinse thoroughly and give extra attention to areas where dirt may have accumulated.

Step 5: Drying

Once the engine bay is rinsed off and all the accumulated dirt and grime are gone, you may need to use a towel or rag to dry the bay. Make sure to dry any electrical components, as moisture can cause some of them to corrode.

How to Clean Car Engine After Oil Leak

Here’s how to clean a car engine after an oil leak:

1. Start by Determining the Source of the Leak

Before you start to clean, it’s essential to find out exactly where the oil leaks so you can address it. You may need to check the oil filter, the sump, the oil cooler, the oil pan, the crankcase, the valve cover and the cylinders.

2. Drain the Oil

You must remove the existing oil from the engine, which will be your first step. The best way to do this is to use a drain pan and drain plug removal tool. Ensure your drain pan is large enough to handle all the spilled oil.

3. Clean off the Parts

Once the oil has been drained, you must clean each piece individually. This can be done with a stiff brush, water and detergent. Make sure the area is free from any grime or grease.

4. Check and Replace the Oil Filter

Next, replace the oil filter. Ensuring the oil filter is good quality, and the correct size for your car’s engine is essential.

5. Fill the Oil

After replacing the filter, you can refill the engine oil. Make sure you use the right type and viscosity of the oil. Check the owner’s manual or ask your mechanic or car dealership for the right kind and viscosity of the oil.

6. Check All Connections

Once the oil is added, check all the links to ensure they are still attached and tight. This includes the spark plugs, fuel lines and sensors.

7. Start the Engine

Finally, you can start your engine and let it run for a few minutes. Ensure any oil leak residue has been removed and the engine runs smoothly.

How to Clean Car Engine Air Filter

Cleaning your car engine air filter is one of the most underrated car maintenance tasks to keep your engine running optimally. Allowing air to flow through your engine is essential for your car’s performance.

Your engine air filter is integral to maintaining the quality of air entering the combustion chamber. Here’s how you can properly clean your car engine air filter.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you start, you’ll want to ensure you have the right supplies. You’ll need gloves, a tool kit, a shop rag, soapy water, and a new replacement air filter.

Step 2: Determine Whether To Replace or Clean

Remove the air filter from your engine and inspect it closely. If your filter is covered in oil, greasy residue, or any other contaminants, you should opt to replace it. If the filter looks in relatively decent condition, you can clean it.

Step 3: Prepare to Clean

If you decide to clean your air filter, you should begin by soaking it in a bowl of warm soapy water for about an hour. This will help soften any contaminants and make it easier to remove them.

Once it’s been soaking for at least an hour, use a soft-bristled brush to agitate the filter and scrub away any dirt, debris or other contaminants.

Step 4: Rinse & Dry

Once you feel you’ve thoroughly scrubbed the air filter, it’s time to rinse off the soap and contaminants. You’ll want to use a garden hose to ensure all the soap has been rinsed off the filter. Then, use a shop rag to pat the filter dry and allow it to air dry for at least a few hours.

Step 5: Reinstall

When the air filter has finished drying, it’s time to reinstall it back into your engine. Ensure the filter is properly seated and secured, and then close your engine’s hood.

How to Clean Car Engine Carbon

Luckily, it can be removed using fairly straightforward methods.

• Start by disconnecting the spark plug wires, so there’s no risk of a spark or noise.
• Take apart the engine cover to get access to the motor. The body should be located on the top of the engine.
• Use gloves, as the carbon can contain particulate matter or metal shavings.
• Using a circular motion, use a damp rag to wipe away the carbon. Make sure to get all the corners, nooks and crannies.
• Once you have removed the bulk of the carbon, rinse it off with the hose to get any remaining particles and dirt off.
• Let the engine dry for about an hour before starting up the engine.
• Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for further instructions on cleaning the engine carbon and keeping it from building up again.

What Happens If Your Engine Is Dirty?

So, what happens if your engine is dirty? Depending on the severity of the dirt and grime build-up, your vehicle will experience numerous issues ranging from decreased performance to complete engine failure. Some of the most common signs of a dirty engine include the following:

1. Poor Fuel Economy

Your engine requires fuel to create explosive energy; however, if your engine is dirty, the emissions created need to be fully utilized. This means you’ll be spending more on gas to produce the same amount of power.

2. Low Power Output

Over time, a dirty engine can experience a decrease in performance, meaning it won’t be able to accelerate as quickly as before. This can be especially problematic if you are driving in a fast traffic lane, trying to merge, or otherwise requiring a quick burst of power.

3. Weird Noises

An engine no longer running cleanly will make strange noises, such as rattling, hissing, and knocking. These vibrations can also be felt in the seat of your car, indicating something’s wrong.

4. Excessive Exhaust Fumes

Your vehicle’s exhaust system is designed to reduce the number of toxic fumes that escape your engine. However, if your machine is dirty, the fumes will become more noticeable, as the combustion process won’t be as efficient as it should be.

5. Overheating

The increased exhaust fumes are not the only result of a dirty engine – as the dirt and grime clog up the oil filters, it can cause the engine to overheat. Not only is this damaging to the entire engine, but can put the driver at risk of running out of power in the middle of driving.

How Can I Clean My Engine Without Harming It?

Cleaning an engine can be tricky and dangerous if not done correctly. But by following the proper steps and using the right supplies, you can ensure your machine is clean without risking damage. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by Giving It a Good Inspection

Before you start cleaning, you must ensure that your engine is in good condition and has no existing problems. Look around the engine bay for leaks, cracks, or corroded parts. If you notice anything, it’s best to fix it before you begin cleaning.

2. Get the Right Supplies

The next step is to get the right supplies for your engine cleaning job. You’ll need an engine degreaser, a cleaner designed specifically for engines, cotton rags, a soft brush, and a turkey baster.

3. Pull the Plugs Out

If your engine is equipped with spark plugs, they must be pulled out before you start. This will prevent accidental damage to any plug wires. Once they’re out, you can access all the nooks and crannies that need cleaning.

4. Apply Engine Degreaser

Spray your engine degreaser all around your engine, and coat all areas. Let it sit for a few minutes to break down dirt and grime.

5. Scrub, Rinse, and Repeat

Using a soft brush, scrub at the degreaser, getting into all the tight areas. Make sure to get rid of all of the dirt and grime. Once you’re happy with the results, rinse everything with clean water.

6. Clean and Re-Lube

To finish up, it’s time to clean and lube anything that needs it. If your engine has moving parts, they must be properly lubricated to work correctly and prolong their life. Use a lubricant designed specifically for engines and coat them entirely before reinstalling the plugs and putting the engine back together.

Car Engine Cleaner Liquid

Engine cleaner liquids are an effective and convenient way to clean your car engine. Such liquids are available in the market, and help remove all the dirt and grime that accumulate over time inside the engine. They can be easily sprayed inside the engine and the dirt is collected in a filter attached that can be easily disposed off.

• Chemical Guys Orange Degreaser
• Permatex 22340 Fast Orange Grease
• WD-40 Engine Degreaser Foaming Spray
• Superclean 101723 Degreaser
• Gunk FEB1 Foamy Engine Cleaner

Car Engine Cleaner Spray

Car engine cleaner sprays are perfect for restoring your engine to its peak performance and keeping it in tip-top shape. You will be pleased to know that using a cleaner spray regularly is essential for optimum engine performance, as well as your vehicle’s overall longevity and value.

• Chemical Guys Cleaner Spray
• SONAX 543200-755 Engin Cleaner Spray
• Griot’s Garage 10965 Engine Cleaner Spray
• Spray Nine 22732-12PK Cleaner Spray

FAQs

• How much does it cost to clean car engine?

Generally speaking, the cost to clean your car engine can range from around $150 to $200 depending on what type of car you drive.

• How often to clean car engine?

Cleaning your engine too often will not add any extra benefit, so aim for twice a year unless you specifically notice damage. Doing so at the start of spring and late summer will make sure you’re in prime condition for both seasons and ready to hit the roads.

• Can Coca-Cola clean car engines?

The simple answer is yes, Coca-Cola can clean car engines. Coca-Cola is an effective engine degreaser and cleaning agent due to its high acidity and carbonation levels, as well as its ability to target oil and grease deposits.

• Is it OK to pressure wash a car engine?

Yes, it is definitely okay to pressure wash your car engine. Pressure washing not only improves your car’s looks, but can also restore its performance and protect it from environmental, rust and corrosion damage.

• Does cleaning your engine make it faster?

Although there is no evidence to suggest that cleaning an engine will make it faster, it is important to understand how to prevent build-up and take the necessary maintenance steps to ensure your car is running at its peak.

Conclusion