Engine cleaner. How to wash the engine? Autochemistry

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The power unit is the most complex and critical functional component of a car. It is not easy in a technical device, but also causes a lot of trouble with elementary external care. Even for a short period of operation, its surfaces are overgrown with layers of brake fluid, oils and antifreezes, not to mention dirt deposits. Foreign substances penetrate into the engine space under the hood through worn seals and seals, which cannot always be prevented. It remains only to use a high-quality engine cleaner, which will effectively cope with the problem. It should be noted right away that ordinary soap solutions, of course, can give some effect, but this cleaning method will take a lot of time and effort.

Spray cans

One of the easiest to use and quite effective cleaner options. Usually cylinders are supplied with a volume of 350-500 g, which is enough for a long time. As the practice of using such tools shows, they are very easy to use and are best suited for processing hard-to-reach areas. However, this engine cleaner will not remove long-term and thick deposits. That is, the desired result can be achieved, but this will require additionalefforts. In this case, there is no need to talk about a light flush of the composition along with oily dirt. As for manufacturers, experienced auto mechanics recommend turning to the Prestone and Clorox Care brands. Under them are universal compositions that can be used in the maintenance of various types of power units. But, again, with a complete transition to this method of servicing the motor block, it is desirable to make cleaning procedures as regular as possible and not wait until a stubborn plaque forms.

Foam Engine Cleaner

Aerosols also emit some foam, which improves their performance. But only full-fledged foam cleaners can remove stagnant oily-mud coatings. Most often, these are formulations that include combinations of emulsifiers and solvents. The drug allows abundant application even on hot surfaces of the unit, which increases the effectiveness of the fight against foreign particles. Means of this type are usually fireproof, so you should not be afraid of ignition. In the list of disadvantages that a foam engine cleaner has, one can note the need to purchase a special sprayer and the need for a large supply of water to wash off the foam. High-quality compositions based on emulsifiers are produced by the domestic company Polikom. In general, it is worth noting that such products, of course, have an optimal cleaning effect, but they also require a serious and rather troublesome organization of the washing process. That is, the proceduremost likely to be successful, but will take a long time due to preparation.

Hand Sprayers

In many ways, these formulations are similar to aerosols, but they have a noticeable difference in the form of packaging that allows you to renew the contents. The same design focuses the tool on targeted processing of individual zones and sections, since it is extremely difficult to process the entire area of the engine compartment with this method. By and large, this is an ergonomic, but ineffective engine cleaner. Reviews indicate that drugs of this type are active, but shallow. Unless in the processing of plate elements and complex transitional structures, sprayers show their best qualities as a spot washer.

On the other hand, if, as in the case of aerosols, you maintain regular care, then this option will justify itself. Moreover, such an engine cleaner is quite inexpensive - you can meet 100 rubles by purchasing a 500-gram sprayer. Among the manufacturers of such products, attention should be paid to the domestic enterprise "Agat-Avto", as well as foreign companies FLOWEY and MA-FRA.

What is not recommended to wash?

As already noted, a certain effect can be achieved with the help of conventional cleaning solutions, it is another matter that they will rather exhaust the driver himself than completely rid the surface of dirt. But if this option is in principle acceptable, then diesel with gasoline is even forbidden to be used for such purposes. This is especially true for the second type.fuel, since even the slightest spark will be enough to ignite. Diesel is completely useless as an engine cleaner and is more likely to make things worse.

Washing technique

To begin with, it is worth preparing the power unit for cleaning procedures. This is done by isolating areas that should not have contact with water. So, before washing the engine, it is necessary to seal the air filter, battery pack, terminals and other areas with electrical connections with tape and polyethylene.

Next, you can apply the composition. Depending on the volume of detergent mass, a brush or cloth of certain sizes may be required. It is usually not recommended to immediately apply a large volume of cleaning mass - as it is rubbed with a brush and diluted with water, a foam is produced that covers a much larger area. In the question of how to wash the engine, the indicator of its own temperature is also important. The optimal mode in terms of dirt removal efficiency is considered to be at 50-80 ° C, but not all preparations support the possibility of contact with hot surfaces.

What else should be considered in the process of washing?

Before the next engine wash session, it is important to understand that it will be possible to use the car only after a few hours, until all treated surfaces are dry. For this reason, by the way, this cleaning service in car services is not so common. Also, if you plan to use a soft engine cleaner with an enveloping effect, then it is better to give preference to dielectricneutral compounds. In this case, there will be no problems with the electrochemical environment in the engine compartment.

Conclusion

Comprehensive care of the power unit also includes internal cleaning. Moreover, this group includes maintenance activities that involve the use of additives and various modifiers. A traditional remedy of this type is an engine fuel system cleaner, which is used for clogged injectors. It is important to emphasize that the need for this measure justifies itself due to the sharp drop in the performance of the power unit. However, the performance degradation of the motor may also be due to the same layer of dirt on its surface, which forms an undesirable thermal insulation shell.