How to clean an engine from oil and dirt: products, tips

Despite the fact that the engine is not a decorative element of the car, it also needs to be washed. In our article we will tell you how to clean the engine from oil and dirt at home. In addition to the aesthetic component (you still periodically open the hood), oil and dirt deposits impair the cooling of the power unit.

And if you are concerned about the question of how to clean the engine of a VAZ 2107, VAZ 2109 and 2110 from oil and dirt, know that conventional washing methods will not work.

Why wash the engine?

It is worth considering the main reasons that make washing engine compartment elements mandatory:

Timely cleaning increases the service life of the power unit. For normal engine operation, the cooling system requires continuous operation and needs regular cleaning.
Washing slows down the wear of the main engine components. The oil layer promotes corrosion, which causes metal particles to enter the cavity. Dirt circulates through the engine system, settling on surfaces and reducing engine life.
If washing is not done on time, the operation of electronic devices located in the engine compartment is disrupted. Contamination negatively affects the operation of the ignition system. Thick layers of oil often provoke a fire when a spark hits or the exhaust gases overheat.

Rating of popular engine cleaners

This subsection presents a list of effective, that is, good car engine cleaners that have repeatedly proven their worth in practice. The list does not advertise any of the products presented on it. It is compiled based on comments found on the Internet and the results of real tests. Therefore, all the cleaners presented below are recommended for purchase by both ordinary car enthusiasts and professionals who professionally wash cars in car repair shops, car washes, and so on.

Spray engine cleaner Liqui Moly Motorraum-Reiniger

The Liqui Moly Motorraum-Reiniger aerosol spray cleaner is rightfully considered one of the best among its competitors. This is a special cleaner specifically designed for use in the engine compartments of almost any car. With its help, you can quickly and easily remove stains of oil, grease, bitumen, tar, brake pad abrasive, preservatives, salt compounds from roads and other contaminants. Liquid Moly engine cleaner does not contain chlorinated hydrocarbons. Propane/butane is used as the expulsion gas in the cylinder. Traditional use. The distance from which the product needs to be applied is 20...30 cm. The waiting time for the chemical reaction to complete is 10...20 minutes (if the contamination is old, it is better to wait up to 20 minutes or more, this will ensure high efficiency of the product).

Reviews and actual tests conducted by car enthusiasts show that the Liqui Moly Motorraum-Reiniger cleaner really copes with the tasks assigned to it very well. At the same time, thick foam ensures penetration into various hard-to-reach places. It is also noted that the product is quite economical, so one package of cleaner will probably be enough for several sessions of treating the engine compartment (for example, several times a year, in the off-season). Great for treating your car before selling it. The only disadvantage of this purifier is the relatively high price compared to its competitors. However, this feature is typical for most auto chemicals produced under the world famous Liqui Moly brand.

Liqui Moly Motorraum-Reiniger engine cleaner spray is sold in a 400 ml aerosol can. The article number under which it can be purchased in any online store is 3963. The average price of such packaging as of the winter of 2018/2019 is about 600 rubles.

Runway Foamy Engine Cleaner

Runway Foamy Engine Cleaner is one of the most popular and effective products in its market segment. The instructions for the product indicate that it easily removes any contaminants present in the engine compartment - burnt technical fluids, oil stains, salt road residues and simply old dirt. In addition, it prevents the destruction of electrical wiring under the hood. Safe for elements made of plastic and rubber. Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid is used as the main detergent. It is a synthetic emulsifier that dissolves the substances listed above and allows you to wash off even after the emulsifier has dried.

Tests conducted by car owners suggest that the Runway foam engine cleaner really does a very good job even of old dirt and easily removes dried stains of oil, grease, brake fluid, and so on. The method of use is traditional. The time you need to wait before washing off the product is about 5...7 minutes, and largely depends on the degree of oldness of the stains. The cleaner has a very thick white foam that easily penetrates into the most inaccessible places, various crevices, and so on. Foam (emulsifier) quickly dissolves contaminants, this can be seen with the naked eye after applying the product. A separate advantage of this cleaner is its large packaging, which has a low price.

Runway Foamy Engine Cleaner is sold in a 650 ml aerosol can. The article number for this package is RW6080. Its price as of the above period is about 250 rubles.

Hi Gear ENGINE SHINE FOAMING DEGREASER

Hi Gear ENGINE SHINE FOAMING DEGREASER foam engine cleaner is popular not only among domestic, but also among foreign car owners. The product contains powerful emulsifiers, the task of which is to dissolve any, even the oldest, stains from oil, fuel, grease, bitumen, and just dirt. Foam applied to the treated surface is easily held even on vertical planes without sliding down. This makes it possible to dissolve dirt even on properly located parts, that is, cleaning complex contaminants. The foam also effectively spreads into hard-to-reach places. The composition of the Hi Gear ENGINE SHINE FOAMING DEGREASER cleaner protects the engine electrical wiring, preventing fire on its elements. Absolutely safe for parts made of plastic or rubber. It can be used not only to treat the engine compartment of a car, but also to clean concrete floors from oil. The latter circumstance suggests that it can be used for cleaning floors in garages, workshops, and so on, instead of an appropriate cleaning agent.

The instructions for the cleaner indicate that before applying it to the surface to be treated, the engine must be warmed up to a temperature of about +50...+60° C, and then turned off. Next, shake the can thoroughly and apply the product. Waiting time - 10...15 minutes. The composition must be washed off with a powerful jet of water (for example, from a Karcher). After washing off, you need to let the engine dry for 15...20 minutes. Short-term exposure of the cleaner to the drive belts of auxiliary units is allowed. However, the cleaner should not be allowed to come into contact with the paintwork of the car body. If this happens, you need to immediately wash it off with water, without rubbing it with a napkin or rag! There is also no need to wipe anything off after this.

High Gear foam engine cleaner is packaged in 454 ml aerosol cans. The article number for this packaging where you can buy it is HG5377. The price of the goods for the above period is about 460 rubles.

Aerosol engine cleaner ASTROhim

The ASTROhim aerosol engine cleaner, judging by reviews from car enthusiasts, has a good thick foam, which, according to the manufacturer, includes a balanced complex of detergent surfactants (abbreviated as surfactants). The foam penetrates into hard-to-reach places, allowing dirt to be removed even there. This helps to remove it not mechanically (manually), but with the help of the mentioned means and water pressure. The instructions indicate that Astrokhim engine cleaner can be used to clean power units not only of cars, but also of motorcycles, boats, garden and agricultural equipment. The cleaner can be used even when the engine is not cooled down. ASTROhim cleaner contains no solvent, so it is absolutely safe for plastic and rubber products.

Real tests and reviews from car enthusiasts who have used ASTROhim engine cleaner at different times show that it is indeed a very effective product that can remove dried stains of dirt, oil, brake fluid, fuel and other contaminants. Moreover, it does this with the help of thick white foam, which penetrates into the micropores of the surfaces being treated and removes dirt from there. Also, one of the many advantages of this composition is the large volume of packaging at its low price.

Astrokhim engine cleaner is sold in various packages. The most common of them is a 520 ml aerosol can. The cylinder article number is AC387. Its price for the specified period is 150 rubles. As for other packaging, a 250 ml spray bottle is sold under item number AC380. The price of the package is 80 rubles. The other packaging is a 500 ml manual trigger spray bottle. The article number for this package is AC385. Its price is 120 rubles. And the largest package is a 650 ml aerosol can. Its article number is AC3876. Its average price is about 160 rubles.

Grass Engine Cleaner

Grass Engine Cleaner is positioned by the manufacturer as a high-quality and inexpensive cleaner of engine elements from dirt, oils, fuel, salt deposits and other contaminants, including old and dried ones. The instructions specifically state that Grass Engine Cleaner can only be used on passenger cars! The product does not contain alkalis (made using a unique alkali-free formula) using organic solvents and a complex of effective surfactants. Thus, it is completely safe for the skin of human hands, as well as for the paintwork of a car. Please note that the package does not sell a ready-to-use product, but its concentrate, which is diluted with water in a ratio of 200 grams per liter of water.

Tests performed on the Grass engine cleaner show that it really does a good job of cleaning the surface of engine parts from oils and dirt. The resulting thick foam dissolves even old stains well. Another significant advantage of this cleaner is its low price, given that the concentrate is sold in the package. Therefore, its acquisition will be a profitable purchase. The only disadvantage of the cleaner is that the packaging is equipped with a manual trigger, which reduces the ease of use, especially if you plan to treat a large engine and/or use a large amount of cleaner for additional treatment of dried dirt stains.

Engine cleaner "Grass" is sold in a bottle equipped with a 500 ml manual trigger sprayer. The article number of such packaging is 116105. Its average price for the period indicated above is about 90 rubles.

Lavr Foam Motor Cleaner

Cleaning the engine compartment Lavr Foam Motor Cleaner is a foam engine cleaner that is designed not only for one-time cleaning of the engine compartment, but also for regular use. It is its constant use that will keep engine parts clean and protect them from the effects of external harmful factors, such as salts and alkalis found in road asphalt in winter, as well as from fuel, brake fluid, dirt, brake pad abrasive, and so on. The cleaner contains thick active foam that can effectively remove even old stains. According to the instructions, after use there is no need for additional brushing, but only rinse with water. After processing, no greasy film remains on the surfaces of the parts. Absolutely safe for engine parts and also prevents the formation of corrosion on metal surfaces.

According to the instructions, before using the product, it is necessary to warm up the engine to operating temperature (medium). Next, you need to cover the air duct and critical electrical parts of the engine (spark plugs, contacts) with plastic film or similar waterproof material. Next, using a manual trigger, apply “Lavr” engine cleaner to the contaminated surfaces to be treated. After this, wait for some time (the instructions indicate a period of 3...5 minutes, but longer time is allowed), after which the formed foam must be washed off with copious amounts of water. To do this, you can use a brush and soap, or you can use a pump. However, in the latter case there is a risk of damage to the said polyethylene film protecting the electrical contacts of the motor.

As for the practical use of the Lavr Foam Motor Cleaner, reviews indicate its average effectiveness. Overall it does a good job of cleaning, but in some cases it was noted that it had difficulty removing stubborn chemical stains. However, it is quite suitable for garage use, and is definitely recommended for purchase by ordinary car owners. It is perfect for cleaning the engine during pre-sale preparation of the car.

Lavr Foam Motor Cleaner, a foam cleaner for the engine compartment, is sold in a 480 ml bottle with a manual trigger sprayer. The article number of this package, according to which you can buy the cleaner in the online store, is Ln1508. The average price of such packaging is 200 rubles.

Foam cleaner Kerry

Kerry is positioned by the manufacturer as a foam cleaner for external engine surfaces. It contains no organic solvents. Instead, it is water-based with the addition of a complex of surfactants. This allows us to assert that the effectiveness of this product is in no way inferior to similar cleaners created on the basis of organic solvents. By the way, the absence of solvents in the Kerry cleaner, firstly, eliminates the sharp unpleasant odor, and secondly, its use is much safer from the point of view of a possible fire. Water-based cleaners are also much more environmentally friendly. They do not harm the environment. They are also safe for human skin. However, if it gets on your skin, it is still better to wash it off with water.

Tests carried out by car enthusiasts show that the effectiveness of the Kerry cleaner is actually rated as average. So, in practice, it copes well with moderately complex mud stains. However, it may not be able to cope with more complex contaminants, including chemical ones. To do this, you need to use more effective products or remove stains mechanically (in particular, using brushes and other similar tools). Therefore, this product is more suitable as a preventative, that is, used regularly to clean the engine, preventing old and dried stains that are difficult to remove from appearing on its parts.

Kerry foam engine cleaner is sold in two different packages. The first is in a 520 ml aerosol can. The article number for purchase in the online store is KR915. The price of such a package is 160 rubles. The second type of packaging is a manual trigger bottle. Its article number is KR515. The price of such packaging is on average 100 rubles.

Fenom Engine Cleaner

Fenom belongs to the category of classic external cleaners, and with its help you can clean parts located in the engine compartment, gearbox and other parts of the car (and not only) that need to be cleaned of oil stains, various process fluids, fuel, and simply dried mud. In accordance with the instructions, before using the Fenom cleaner, it is necessary to warm up the engine to a temperature of about +50°C, and then turn it off. Next, you need to shake the can thoroughly and apply the cleaner to the surfaces to be treated. Waiting time - 15 minutes. After this, you need to rinse off the foam with water. The instructions explicitly state that both working foam and water should not be allowed to enter the engine air intake. Therefore, if possible, it is better to cover it with plastic film or similar waterproof material.

The effectiveness of the Fenom engine cleaner is actually average. It does a good job of removing more or less fresh and simple (non-chemical) stains, but it may not be able to cope with more stubborn stains. In this case, you can try to apply the product two or even three times. However, this, firstly, will lead to overspending, and secondly, it also does not guarantee a positive result. Therefore, the Phenom cleaner can rather be recommended as a preventative agent that needs to be used to treat the surfaces of engine parts in order to prevent the occurrence of areas of severe contamination on them, including those caused by spilling process fluids.

The Phenom engine cleaner is sold in a 520 ml aerosol can. The cylinder article number by which it can be purchased is FN407. The average price of a package is about 180 rubles.

Mannol engine cleaner

Under the Mannol brand, two similar compositions are produced, intended for cleaning the working surfaces of engine parts, transmissions and other vehicle elements. The first is Mannol Motor Cleaner, and the second is Mannol Motor Kaltreiniger. Their compositions are almost identical, and they differ only in packaging. The first is sold in a bottle with a manual trigger, and the second in an aerosol can. The use of funds is traditional. Their only difference is that using an aerosol can to apply the product to the surfaces being treated is easier and faster. The foam of the aerosol product is also a little thicker, and better penetrates hard-to-reach places and pores of engine parts.

Reviews about the Mannol engine cleaner generally indicate that the effectiveness of the product is characterized as average. Similar to the previous means, it can be recommended as a preventative, that is, one that can be used to get rid of only minor contaminants and maintain the cleanliness of engine parts on an ongoing basis. If the stain is old or chemically resistant, then there is a high probability that this cleaner will not cope with the task assigned to it.

External engine cleaning Mannol Motor Cleaner is sold in a 500 ml bottle. The article number of such packaging for online stores is 9973. Its price is 150 rubles. As for the Mannol Motor Kaltreiniger engine cleaning product, it is packaged in 450 ml aerosol cans. The product article number is 9671. Its price for the period indicated above is about 200 rubles.

Foam engine cleaner Abro

Foam cleaner Abro DG-300 is a modern product for removing dirt and deposits on the surface of engine parts in the engine compartment. Can also be used to treat other surfaces that have been previously contaminated with oil, grease, fuel, brake fluid and various other process fluids. The instructions indicate that the product copes with removal quickly and effectively. It is positioned as a cleaner for use in garage conditions, so it is recommended for use by ordinary car owners.

Reviews of the Abro engine cleaner indicate that it copes with its task with average efficiency. In some cases, it is noted that the cleaner has an unpleasant, pungent odor, so you need to work with it in a well-ventilated area or in the fresh air. However, the product is generally recommended as a preventative, for regular use and keeping the engine compartment clean on a regular basis.

The Abro foam engine cleaner is sold in a 510 ml aerosol can. The article number by which it can be purchased is DG300. Its average price is about 350 rubles.

Let us remind you that the list includes only the most popular cleaners mentioned on the Internet. In fact, their number is much larger, and it is constantly increasing due to the fact that various auto chemical manufacturers are re-entering this market. If you have had experience using any engine cleaner, write about it in the comments. This will be of interest to both the editors and car owners.

Conclusion

Using a car engine cleaner will not only ensure that repair work is carried out in relatively clean conditions, but will also be a preventive measure against contamination of the internal parts of the engine parts. In addition, a clean engine minimizes the likelihood of a fire on the surface of parts, and also minimizes the impact of various harmful substances, such as salts and alkalis, which are contained in the anti-icing composition, which is widely used on the roads of megalopolises in the winter season. Well, it goes without saying that it is advisable to use cleaners before selling the car. This will make her look more presentable. Well, the car owner can choose any of the cleaners presented in the above rating.

What types of cleaning products are there?

Washing a power unit is a long and complex process. Cleaning the engine with a brush and water will not work.

For high-quality washing, choose specialized products. Many car owners use washers that supply water under high pressure. However, the jet can damage electrical wires, seals, and sensors. You should not use your own means - gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel. After washing, heating metal surfaces will begin to emit acrid smoke.

Specialized detergents differ in composition. Their use is effective and safe, but care must be taken when removing contaminants. Chemicals contribute to the oxidation of metal and the destruction of plastic and rubber.

Manufacturers offer 2 types of detergents:

universal, eliminating any dirt;
highly specialized, designed to remove plaque of one type or another.

They are supplied in the form of liquids, concentrated gels, and sprays.

Flushing the engine in winter conditions

Is it possible to clean the power unit at subzero temperatures? Automotive mechanics advise not to flush the engine if the ambient temperature is less than minus twelve degrees Celsius.

When flushing, the liquid penetrates into various cracks and holes. In cold weather it will freeze very quickly. It will expand, which can lead to rupture of the metal.

Consequently, washing the engine in winter conditions can lead to failure of the internal combustion engine. To prevent this from happening, wash the engine in a warm room, for example, in a garage.

You can simply contact a car service. Car service workers will wash the engine in a special box (the temperature in which is definitely above zero).

However, this is not very profitable, because you will have to pay them for the work. It’s better to do everything yourself, since the procedure is quite simple even for inexperienced drivers.

How to properly prepare a car for washing the engine compartment?

They approach engine cleaning responsibly, having previously studied all the features of this process.

During the preparation period, perform the following actions:

Choose a place to park your car. It is recommended to wash the engine in a garage. After this procedure, the car cannot be started for 12-24 hours. At this time, the engine is thoroughly dried.
Check electrical components for damage. There should be no exposed cables, holes or cracks in the engine compartment where water can penetrate.
Prepare cleaning products and a washing machine. In addition, you will need tape, large and small brushes, a respirator, gloves, a container for collecting liquid, and polyethylene.
Cool the engine to 50-60 °C. If the engine is cold, it needs to be warmed up slightly.
Reset the battery terminals.
Cover moisture-sensitive areas with plastic film, which is secured with tape. Particular attention is paid to the idle speed sensor, which begins to work incorrectly after water gets in.

Now about how to wash the engine?

The engine is washed only when the engine is cold; it is allowed to be a little warm, but in no case hot.
Turn off the power to the car by disconnecting the battery terminals.
Electronics and water are irreconcilable enemies, remember this! Using plastic film and tape, carefully insulate components with electronics, as well as those that do not like water (ECU, fuse box, generator, starter, battery, etc.).
Once everything is prepared, dilute the car shampoo until it forms a lather, then apply it to the engine. After this, you need to wait until the active substances do their job, that is, eat away all the dirt and other “evil spirits”. You need to wait as long as indicated in the instructions for use of a particular shampoo.
While you wait, take a brush with a handle and apply detergent to hard-to-reach areas.
After this, you can begin to wash off the foam and everything that it washed off.
Carefully remove the protective plastic film from the insulation.
If the household has an air compressor, blow/dry the cleaned engine, paying special attention to spark plug wells and electronic components.
Start the engine and warm it up to operating temperature, make sure that the engine runs smoothly without interruptions.

That's all. This simple, but very useful and important procedure will allow you to save at least 300-500 rubles on washing, as well as keep your car’s engine in good and tidy condition.

Precautionary measures

Respiratory and hand skin protection is required. Chemical cleaning products can provoke allergic reactions and inflammatory processes. In addition, oil stains are difficult to remove.

Therefore, work clothes and gloves, sleeves become an important part of the work process. To protect your eyes, it is recommended to use splash-proof goggles.

Why is dirt under the hood dangerous?

The heart of the car is the power unit, and even small pollution affects power and performance. Violations of thermoregulation lead to overheating of the cylinder walls, changes in heat transfer affect all ongoing processes. Used motor oil accumulated outside the engine significantly affects the growth of contaminants. The presence of an oil layer affects corrosion processes, metal particles destroy the surface of components, dirt settles on attached parts, reducing their service life.

Cleaning the motor is required because:

proper care increases the service life of the engine and ensures the correct operation of the cooling system;
power unit components wear out more slowly (due to better heat transfer);
electronic sensors and engine compartment devices are functioning correctly;
the ignition system remains operational longer.

The reason to start cleaning the engine compartment is also to prepare the car for sale. This is the only way the buyer will appreciate the car at its true worth.

Flushing the lubrication system

Flushing the lubrication system at home is done in 2 ways:

The car is driven onto an overpass or inspection hole. Then the used oil is removed through the drain plug located below. Pour flushing agent into the neck. Turn on the engine for the specified time. After this, the composition is also removed from the system.
Leave the old grease. Special additives are added to it to clean the internal combustion engine. After this, the engine is started for a few minutes. Used oil is drained in the standard way.

What to use

It is interesting that at many self-service car washes it is prohibited to touch the engine compartment. That’s why it’s not always possible to wash your car here.

Regular car washes offer cleaning services for neglected and dirty engine compartments. The only problem is that basically they simply supply regular water or water mixed with shampoo to the engine under high pressure. By knocking down dirt, at the same time, the integrity of the wiring is often compromised; water penetrates where it should not be.

Even the issue of using a homemade high-pressure washer has certain complaints, if we talk specifically about cleaning the engine compartment.

Therefore, it is logical to ask what exactly can and should be used. Let's consider several options:

Bucket of water and brush
. Relatively safe, but ineffective. This method will be very difficult to clean the motor if it is really dirty;
Water and high pressure
. This is a risk of causing mechanical damage to wiring, gaskets, etc. It gives a quick effect and good results. But it's better not to take risks;
Diesel, gasoline and kerosene
. They serve as solvents for dirt. You should absolutely refuse gasoline. It is the most flammable. Kerosene and diesel are less dangerous, but when processing heating engine elements they can cause smoke;
Steam
. But steam washing is quite effective and relatively safe. We have already talked about it separately;
Special means
. Shampoos and car chemicals are available for sale, the task of which is precisely to clean the engine compartment. Many of them are really effective;
Household chemicals
. It is often used as a homemade product for cleaning internal combustion engines at home. When used correctly it gives excellent results.

Even if the block is entirely aluminum, rust is not the only major problem if the compartment is not washed properly.

Yes, the easiest way to bring it to perfect condition is with a removed engine. But no one will resort to such things for the sake of washing.

Cleaning the cooling system

Over time, the channels of the cooling system become covered with scale and salt deposits. This is explained by the constant heating and cooling of antifreeze.

Washing is performed in the following way:

Used antifreeze is removed from the system. Mix distilled water with vinegar. Pour the composition into the cooling system.
Turn on the engine for 10-15 minutes. Drain the flushing composition.
Fill in new antifreeze.

Folk remedies are not always effective. Chemical compounds help clean cooling channels faster.

Why do you need to wash?

Washing a car engine is not only an aesthetic moment. This procedure must be performed for a number of other reasons:

Road dust and dirt that accumulates on the surface of the motor impairs its heat transfer. As a result, the engine does not operate in its normal mode. This increases the wear of its parts and affects the resource as a whole.
In the case of oil drips (they can form both under the valve cover and at the junction of the block with the cylinder head), dirt will stick at an incredible speed. As a result, both the engine and its attachments will be covered with a thick black coating. This makes it very difficult to visually inspect the parts. Also, when oil comes into contact with hot engine parts (exhaust manifold), it begins to burn. This provokes a sharp and unpleasant odor that penetrates the interior.

Useful tips

Before using the detergent, you should carefully read the instructions .
Be sure to first prepare the engine for washing.
If possible, you should first remove dirt from the surface by wiping the engine with a rag.
When washing a car with water, be sure to dry it with a compressor.
Then you need to check the car . If it starts as usual, then everything was done correctly. If the motor stalls or extraneous noise appears, something went wrong during the washing process.

Cleanliness is the key to the health of the machine. The car enthusiast will be sure that the iron horse will not fail at the wrong moment. The main thing is to know how and with what to wash a car engine. Try to clean the engine of your iron horse at least once a year. Then many breakdowns can be avoided.