[Guest]

Stupid question, but here it i

Stupid question, but here it is:
Yesterday I wanted to thoroughly clean the engine of the 308GT4 in order to detect the sourc(es) of the leaking oil. I tried it with a steam cleaner. But I was afraid holding the beam near the belts or any sealings or the ignition because of the high pressure. As a result I could only clean the underneath of the engine and the transmission.

How do you clean your engine?

Regards and happy easter,
Harry

 

[Guest]

I do it the hard way, by hand

I do it the hard way, by hand using Simple Green and plenty of elbow grease. I agree with you in being cautious about spraying water in areas that could result in problems like electricals and stuff. I prepare the engine bay first by wrapping sensitive items up in plastic, and seal off using rubber bands. I then wet everything down and start spraying on the cleaner and scrub. I don't get too aggressive with scrubbing, try and let the cleaner do most of the work. There sure are lots of sharp edges to contend with, usually after I'm done my arms and hands look like I've lost a fight with a cat. After rinsing, I then blow as much water out of the engine bay as possible using a shop vac or compressed air. Then remove all the plastic protection and start wiping things down with old rags or whatever. For a really good engine cleaning and detailing, nothing beats pulling the engine out and going crazy on it. When I last serviced my TR that's what I did.

 

[Guest]

Looks marvellous.
Just came

Looks marvellous.
Just came back from a drive and could detect the main cause of leaking oil. It is the oil hose to the top of the oil cooler. Really losing drops and making a mess on the left side of the engine. Needs to be changed. At the rear cam cover it is a little wet at the lowest point, probably the cam seal, but not bad.
Still not sure about taking the engine out for service (and having a valve job done) or just changing belts/seals/etc. with the engine in.

Regards
Harry

 

[Guest]

I have used a Harbor freight e

I have used a Harbor freight engine cleaning gun with paint thinner (mineral spirits/Stoddard solvent) as a solvent. I put a plastic tarp down first and try to catch most of the run-off in a container then "spray away". With this process, there is very little solvent that actually hits the ground.
This way there is no corrosive water and the solvent is practically not even combustable.
Mark

 

[Guest]

I also use Stoddard (sp?&#

I also use Stoddard (sp?) solvent.......bought a 55 gal drum of the stuff. I really like it.....it is nearly non-combustable, however, after applying it, I find, that it is best to first let it sit, and then use a stiff cleaning brush, prior to pressure washing the area.

On heavily soiled areas, I find I have to do the process again.

 

[Guest]

Hi........

Please be carefu

Hi........

Please be careful with Stoddard solvent, as it is a chemical relative of kerosene, also known as Texsolve S and Varsol 1. Perform a Google search and read the precautions concerning use [http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts79.html]. If you spray this solvent, it might be a good idea to use a mask. Use of gloves is a good idea too.

Frank.......23005
www.masiarz.net/bb_resource

 

[Guest]

Just a note. Stoddard solvent

Just a note. Stoddard solvent (which is mineral spirits) is the cut between naphtha and kerosene. So its very light kerosene. Varsol 1 and probably Texsolve S are propriatary names for the same cut, plus or minus a few degrees of distillation.

Take the normal precautions when handeling.

Henry, this stuff is lighter than say 1-K that you use in a kero lamp so it will combust. However it has a higher flash point than gasoline.

Just didn't want you burning yourself up.

Drew