How the heck do you clean a Boxster engine?

[bigdog]

I opened the engine cover of my 98 Boxster for the first time yesterday (TA-DA!) and my motor is pretty darn dusty. How in the heck do you clean the motor? I see a lot of stuff around that I wouldn't want wet (like, hum, the inside of my car) and tapeing things off doesn't look like a good or the best answer.

[Orient Express]

I opened the engine cover of my 98 Boxster for the first time yesterday (TA-DA!) and my motor is pretty darn dusty. How in the heck do you clean the motor? I see a lot of stuff around that I wouldn't want wet (like, hum, the inside of my car) and tapeing things off doesn't look like a good or the best answer.

Just use a power washer, watch where you are aiming the nozzle, and put lots of towels around the edge of the front and top openings to catch the splatters. You will get the carpet a little wet, but it will dry off in the sun. The key is to aim carefully.

[djantlive]

If you don't want to get things wet, you can use some simple green and wipe everything down. If you want to get it washed, get some detergent and brush / pads to scrub things down. Then hose it off.

[bigdog]

Kinda figured that the answer would be something like that. Maybe I'll try the wet brush and dish soap then rinse with a bucket of water and hope she starts afterward :( Never heard of "Simple Green"; I take it that that's the brand name? What exactly is it?

[stumpjumper]

Kinda figured that the answer would be something like that. Maybe I'll try the wet brush and dish soap then rinse with a bucket of water and hope she starts afterward :( Never heard of "Simple Green"; I take it that that's the brand name? What exactly is it?

it's a biodegradable cleaner, it's green and smells nice, but read the directions as it's sold in concentrate and needs to be diluted, it'll cut through most any grease with ease, it'll take wax off quickly too :)

great stuff to have around

simple green it comes in gallon jugs too

[Rom]

Simple Green is a US-brand though - don't think you'll get it in Madrid...

I'd be a bit wary about aiming a power washer over the engine - even steam cleaning can cause electrical issues. There are a lot of electronics which don't like to be wet, so be careful. Just use a cloth, water, a degreasant, and some hard work, and it should get things a little clean... Just be careful around electrical connections.

Thanks

S.

[coasttocoaster]

There is a very good, general engine cleaning article at CCS.

http://www.carcareonline.com/viewarticle.aspx?art=4

Mark

[haggis]

There is a very good, general engine cleaning article at CCS.

http://www.carcareonline.com/viewarticle.aspx?art=4

Mark

As a new Boxster owner and clean freak - can anyone offer any further advice on cleaning the Boxster engine?

Cheers..........Al

[RFM]

You have made the right choice, as cleaning freak, to choose the Boxster's engine room IMHO. B)

[motobob]

This thread may be helpful about when I did mine. Bob

http://www.ppbb.com/boards/ppbbphp/showfla...=93&fpart=1

[urban_legend]

KISS - just use armor all or any other left over rubber/vinyl protectant.

Will get all the dust off and no worries about the car no starting afterward.

I have 92k miles and the engine now looks show roon clean.

This thread may be helpful about when I did mine. Bob

http://www.ppbb.com/boards/ppbbphp/showfla...=93&fpart=1

[EZ Aire]

Gunk Brand has a Cleaner/detailer that is great. Warm the engine a bit spray it down and let it sit. Rinse down with fresh water. I haven't had any problems with the electical components getting wet. I am sure they see thier fair share of water from the rain and the way the airflow to aid in cooling.