| Besides keeping the outside of your vehicle looking like | | | | then re-spray and re-brush any areas that need |
| brand new you also want to make sure you | | | | additional cleaning. Once the entire engine and engine |
| periodically clean the engine compartment. There are | | | | compartment have been cleaned you rinse it |
| many reasons for doing this, including helping prevent | | | | thoroughly with water. You don't have to use a high |
| rust, to check for oil or fluid leaks and to detect belt | | | | pressure sprayer a gentle spray will work just as well |
| wear. To soften the grease and grunge that collects in | | | | and you won't have to worry about getting water in |
| the engine compartment you should start the engine | | | | sensitive spots. |
| and let it run for a few minutes and then shut it off. If | | | | Once the engine compartment is clean you can |
| you can just hold your hand on engine without burning, | | | | remove the plastic bags and rubber bands. You then |
| then it is warm enough to clean. The proper | | | | dry any puddles and aluminum parts with a soft towel. |
| temperature for cleaning the engine is warm but not | | | | Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the battery. You |
| hot. | | | | now start the engine and allow it to warm up. This will |
| While the engine is cooling down you will want to | | | | dry the rest of the engine and will evaporate any |
| cover the openings on the motor that you do not want | | | | moisture that has collected. |
| to get water in. These include the air intake/ air filter, | | | | Once everything is dry and completely cooled you |
| the distributor, the coil and the oil dip stick/breather. You | | | | should wax the painted areas of the engine |
| can use baggies and rubber bands to cover the | | | | compartment, but not the engine. If the undercoated |
| openings. You also want to check the tightness of the | | | | aluminum areas are dull or have whitish corrosion you |
| oil filter cap, power steering cap, windshield washer | | | | can use a mild metal polish to help restore the finish. At |
| fluid cap, battery filler caps and all other caps. | | | | this time you should check the battery terminals to |
| Now that you have the engine warm and everything is | | | | make sure they are clean. If they are not clean you |
| sealed you then spray the engine and engine | | | | can disconnect the cables and clean both the cable |
| compartment with a high quality non petroleum based | | | | terminals and the battery posts with a wire brush. |
| degreaser. You should start at the bottom and work | | | | Then you should check all hinges, throttle cables and |
| up, that way you won't be getting your face covered | | | | shocks to see if they need a thin coating of non |
| with degreaser. | | | | silicone lubricant. Then check all fluid levels and remove |
| Allow the degreaser to set for about three to five | | | | any stray baggies and you have completed cleaning |
| minutes and then use a 100% cotton towel or a soft | | | | your engine. |
| brush to start removing the heavily soiled areas. You | | | | |