Cleaning a Boxster engine (for a car show).

[Westcoaster]

I have read a few guides on Concours preparation so I understand the need for clean engine, the PCA Zone 8 guide is a good reference but...

I was wondering about the dangers and a good process to follow.

Questions like, car level, car on an up hill grade (or down hill) to allow water to drain, lots of water, very little water, low pressure spray, power washer, what to cover etc.

Questions, questions and more questions.

Anybody done this (especially on a 987), care to share the best ideas or warnings?

thanks!

[Cloudsurfer]

I have done this on a 986 car, and I did the following: Start with a cool engine, pop the cover to gain access to the top on level ground. Use towels or something to shield the interior from the chemicals and water that will be present during the process, and you may want to cover some of the paint. Spray engine cleaner onto the motor and let it sit for 20 min or so, if it keeps evaporating you may have to reapply. Keep the alternator dry, preferably by covering it. If needed, use a brush to agitate the solution in tough places. Then, with LOW PRESSURE rinse the motor thoroughly of any chemical. The next step is optional, and some may disagree with me on this, but whenever I clean an engine compartment with a method that involves water, I ALWAYS let it fully dry before I crank the engine to avoid electrical issues. When I did my Boxster I let it try over a full day before I cranked it.

All in all if done right you should be very happy with the result.

Patrick

I have read a few guides on Concours preparation so I understand the need for clean engine, the PCA Zone 8 guide is a good reference but...

I was wondering about the dangers and a good process to follow.

Questions like, car level, car on an up hill grade (or down hill) to allow water to drain, lots of water, very little water, low pressure spray, power washer, what to cover etc.

Questions, questions and more questions.

Anybody done this (especially on a 987), care to share the best ideas or warnings?

thanks!

[Westcoaster]

Thanks for the reply Patrick, that was the same process I was going to use, although I doubt that I could wait that long to fire it back up! ;)

The car is fairly new, but from the guide I read a cleaning was still highly recommended.

We have our annual car show/picnic for charity on August 26th and I was thinking of displaying the car with the engine cover open, most people ask about the engine but never get to see one in a Boxster!

Edited August 16, 2007 by Westcoaster