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[Pitchfork]

Many photos that accompany inputs to the forum show engines that are immaculate
My tractor engine is to say the least 'grubby'
How can I clean it up so that it becomes something to be proud of without dismantling it & cleaning it component by component?
(I hear TB already muttering Tractor & proud are something never before seen in a single sentence!)
IW

[hotel21]

Cleaning engines is a bit of a controversial subject to some on here but personally, I prefer a clean one to a dirty as it allows you to see leaks easier....  Others prefer genuine honest dust/dirt to show no tampering but, its your car and your choice....  

Avoid like the plague electrical connections.  You could use plastic bags/cling film around them to ensure all are kept dry.   With engine cold, spray/brush on Gunk or similar degreaser.  Use a brush to work the degreaser into the grubby bits and let it soak.  Carefully use a cold water hose to flush/brush crud off.  Would not advise use of a pressure washer as they are simply far too brutal but I know that others have used them to good success.

Use WD40 or similar water dispersant to ensure electrical connections are dry.

[LFF64]

I would think a tractor engine is fairly safe to clean ie no spark plugs no dis pack to worry about electricaly anything that looks like it would be a good idea not to get wet cover with a plastic bag. You can buy engine degreaser in spray cans or in bottles give as much as you can a good spray with the degreaser and then wash off I have used a hose pipe on mine and its petrol with out any problem . When I had the 4x4 (not omega) I used to do that with a pressure washer ok I know its not quite the same as an omega but it worked .JUST WATCH OUT FOR ANYTHING THAT LOOKS LIKE AN ECU AND KEEP IT DRY  

[Pitchfork]

How about steam cleaning instead of a pressure washer?
IW

[hotel21]

Most steam cleaners are simply very hot water washers.  They would do the job but the risks of getting water into your important little places increases greatly by dint of the steam/water vapour.....

[Marks DTM Calib]

Steam cleaners can cause more damage.....beware of any thing with a bearing in it....i.e. alternator, power steering pump, aircon pump etc.

[Markjay]

I just use a small brush and lots of patience...  

But products like Gunk do help, just don't flood the engine when washing down the Gunk.

[VX1]

I would agree with Hotel21, Using some engine degreaser like gunk is the best way to clean the engine. As hotel21 has stated cover all the electrical componenets then spray on the gunk and rinse. Once you have done this and allowed to dry you could, your own preference, spray engine detailer on as well which also helps protect hoses plus makes the engine look nice and shiney.

[TheBoy]

All good advice, but I don't think the tractor engine will ever look clean....

[Taxi_Driver]

All good advice, but I don't think the tractor engine will ever look clean....

Nor mine.....unless i accidently go thro a car wash with the bonnet open...

However its suppose to be an MOT failure......with my local council (taxi and private hire).....if the engine is dirty......work that one out!!!......Do customers ask me to open the bonnet so thay can inspect how clean the engine is!!  

Its never failed the MOT for that.....MOT garage has more sense  

But has failed before for being dirty on the outside  

[2001CatOwner]

I must not have one of the cleanest engines on here  I figured with the time it took to clean mine someone would have said something.  But what i do is atleast every month i wipe it down with a damp rag and i haven't nor will i ever use any engine degreeser.  It will never take more than 10-15 mins to wipe it.  Just take the time once and awhile.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x90/2001CatOwner/DSC01867.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x90/2001CatOwner/DSC01866.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x90/2001CatOwner/DSC01865.jpg

[Auto Addict]

Chopsdad is the expert

[Markie]

personally id keep away from any power washers....

For me a little carb cleaner to remove oil marks and on the plenum does the trick, wipe over everything else with a dry cloth....

unless of course you need the car concours condition.

[duggs]

Well here's something different and tis what I do....simple and effective.

I use a "gunk"  type spray along with WD40 to spray generally in the engine bay then use my cheap, cheerfull but powerfull air compressor to blow the living daylights under the hood.

Simple, effective and with no "dangers" involved....unless you're a dog, such as ours, coming to investigate what the strange noise is. A quick blast of air up the arse sure gets them flying off up the garden..tis the least I can do baring in mind the amount of air that comes OUT of the dogs arse

When I got the air compressor I never really appreciated how many uses they have, in and around the home. It's only a smallish 1.5 litre one...cost about £120.00 but very usefull.

[Pitchfork]

I must not have one of the cleanest engines on here  I figured with the time it took to clean mine someone would have said something.  But what i do is atleast every month i wipe it down with a damp rag and i haven't nor will i ever use any engine degreeser.  It will never take more than 10-15 mins to wipe it.  Just take the time once and awhile.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x90/2001CatOwner/DSC01867.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x90/2001CatOwner/DSC01866.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x90/2001CatOwner/DSC01865.jpg

Strewth!! How many hours ago did it leave the showroom??
IW