Engine clean up and paint

[JoelZ]

All: I am looking for the best and easiest way to clean up an engine (other then the engine cleaner you can by at an auto store) and paint or pretty up the engine so it looks nice if I wanted to show my 280Z. Any suggestions? Thanks

[81_ZXTurbo]

Never tried it but the mechanic at my work told me oven cleaner works real well.

[cygnusx1]

I have detailed two engines in the past few years with great results. Both engines were done outside the car, inside a garage with hand spray bottles. No hose used. I use a large baking pan to catch the runoff grease and collect it in a used oil container. This can be done inside the car but your back will be killing you!

1)Orange-type degreaser. Spray and let soak overnight.

2)Poke at all the grease with a very stiff bristle brush.

3)Repeat 1 and 2 until the grease is very loose and runny.

4)Foamy engine cleaner use as directed on can.

5)Hot water in an old windex bottle. Spray the cleaners and grease off the motor.

6)Get the grease out of the nooks with small brushes and Orange-degreaser.

7)final rinse and let dry. (brake clean works well after a water rinse)

8)Zinc prep treatment for the bare metal. (POR has some)

9)Primer spray or engine paint kit.

10) Mask off and paint.

I like aluminum brake paint for the head and silver parts.

I just finished this one last week.

Edited March 22, 2010 by cygnusx1

[IdahoKidd]

Oven cleaner works really well EXCEPT it will stain your aluminum. It will eat the grease and the paint. A cleaner that works well without harming the aluminum but will still eat the paint is called "Carbon off" Really good stuff and bought at appliance repair shops.

[cygnusx1]

You also don't want it to leech into the gaskets. It will eat gaskets too.

[LBO730]

Heres one I'm almost finished with.

[JoelZ]

Everyone, thanks this is great advise and great pics!

Once I am ready to do it I will have to take some before and after pics.