Cleaning ZJ Engine Compartment

kontrast · 08-20-2009, 04:07 PM

I saw this suggested by someone in another thread somewhere, and I thought I'd give it a try. I've used Gunk Engine Degreaser, and while it worked, the idea of the pollutants and other negative side effects really turned me off. So after seeing this, I figured why not try it out today.

** Just for anyone who hasn't cleaned their engine compartment before, I tent to cover up the distributor, alternator, PCM and i disconnect the battery

Basically, I went out and bought 2 cans of that Armor All Tire Cleaner/Shine. I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about, it's sold almost everywhere. i purposely went with Armor All, since the generic brand names I wouldn't trust as much with this job. Quite simply, with the first can, I sprayed everything down, gave it some scrubbing around the harder to reach and dirtier areas, then rinsed it off. I sprayed, rinsed, sprayed, rinsed about 3 more times just for that added cleaning power

.

After scrubbing/wiping it clean, simply take the other can and give it a good layer all over, and close the hood. Yes, just leave it there. After about an hour, I went back and soaked up any of the liquid that got left in different nooks and crannys, although I'm sure it'd evaporate overnight. To me, I think it did an even better job than the Gunk, and took about an hour less too! Hell I even cleaned up my Dana 30 and steering components underneath since I was gonna paint them today. Works wonders!

PS: Krylon rust paint sticks well, we'll see how it holds up underneath my Jeep.

zacjeff · 08-20-2009, 04:48 PM

i wouldnt paint over that stuff because it tends to be kinda greasy and leave film.

kontrast · 08-20-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zacjeff

i wouldnt paint over that stuff because it tends to be kinda greasy and leave film.

For everything I painted, I washed it off and dried it off with a towel first, so I don't think it should be too much of an issue. It's only the underside of my jeep though, so I don't really care how long it lasts. Not gonna stay there forever unless its POR-15

KHoff90 · 08-20-2009, 05:50 PM

Damn that looks really clean for a 12 year old engine. I saw that thread too awhile ago! Looks good man.

nashmd454 · 08-20-2009, 05:55 PM

makes me wanna go clean this again/

TMCXJ · 08-20-2009, 06:04 PM

Show off!!!!!!!! and yeah, thanks for showing off, that always looks great.

gmp211 · 08-20-2009, 07:05 PM

Great idea and thanks for the info.

But I would think that grease would stick to the film the armor all would leave behind. Tell us how it holds up.

nashmd454 · 08-20-2009, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMCXJ

Show off!!!!!!!! and yeah, thanks for showing off, that always looks great.

here is the Audi

I have been spending time on the new (old 99) audi since the Jeep is all but done. I have been polishing the valve covers and so on this one. I will get better pics of the Jeep when the stroking is done (390)

kontrast · 08-20-2009, 09:47 PM

Beautiful, although that yellowed tank of who knows what over there kinda throws it off

**lateralus3** · 08-20-2009, 10:51 PM

i wouldnt think the grease would stick to it. we used to use it on our printing plates at work for dirty print ink comes right off

gmp211 · 08-21-2009, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kontrast

Beautiful, although that yellowed tank of who knows what over there kinda throws it off

Ya, spray that black with Krylon Fusion and leave a little strip on the side so you can tell the level.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lateralus3

i wouldnt think the grease would stick to it. we used to use it on our printing plates at work for dirty print ink comes right off

Now I know, thanks.

**lateralus3** · 08-21-2009, 12:13 AM

yeah but then the armor all wouldnt come off the plate so it ruined the plate cleaner. oh yeah by the way we have a 55 gallon drum of original armor all at my work that will never be used again. i think i might take some

gmp211 · 08-21-2009, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lateralus3

yeah but then the armor all wouldnt come off the plate so it ruined the plate cleaner. oh yeah by the way we have a 55 gallon drum of original armor all at my work that will never be used again. i think i might take some

Do it to it. And I'm sure the AA would come off with some grease lightning or Dawn. But I'm really not looking for it to come off haha.

**mailforjon** · 08-21-2009, 01:11 AM

i vote for simple green THEN the armorall tire shine

nashmd454 · 08-21-2009, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kontrast

Beautiful, although that yellowed tank of who knows what over there kinda throws it off

I really never thought about it...but not a bad idea...it is the coolant overflow tank...I brainstorm and get to work on it...thanks....really.