how to and where to start, engine cleaning

[superj243]

i apologize if this sounds like a foolish question but i am new to the z cars and pretty much cars in general. this is my first car so i don"t really no how to maintenance it. i would appreciate it if anyone could tell me the materials i need to use to clean under the hood and where i need to start.

thanks

Jared

[Zs-ondabrain]

That's a pretty open question Jared. Are you asking about general Grease and gunk clean-up? Repainting colors? Polishing or polishable items? Specifics help us help you.

If it's grease clean-up.....

Cover the distributor (protect from moisture)

Cover any Carb Openings, (intake opening of the air cleaner assembly, carbs if no air cleaner, etc, etc)

try not to spray directly into the Alternator.

Use GUNK engine degreaser (Their Foam degreaser will stay in place a little better)

Be careful around the Firewall when spraying. Old rubber will shrink and allow air and water in. Water under pressure will shoot right in there and you won't know till it's too late.

Tape down the Brake fluid caps to keep them from flying off and getting water in there.

There's a start.

Dave

Edited November 4, 2010 by Zs-ondabrain

[d240zx2]

Do all this with a cool/cold engine. Dave had a typo.... TAPE the brake fluid caps.....

[Zs-ondabrain]

All fixed, thanks Frank.

[Gary in NJ]

Some other suggestions:

- Go to a car wash where they have the clean-it-yourself bays. Otherwise you'll be making a giant mess in your driveway.

- The wands at the car wash are much more powerful then a garden hose so keep the wand a good 2 feet from the engine.

- Wash the car when you are done because the dirt/oil/gunk will fly all over.

[superj243]

thank you, that is exactly what i need to know. but i did not read this in time. my dad convinced me he could do it; and i let him. so to make a long story short, now when i get to 2500 rpm it looses power and drops to 1900 rpm.-(in all gears). i asked him if he covered any electronics he said no just sprayed everything with degreaser then hosed it down. so any help i would greatly appreciated. I am so upset that my new car isn't running properly.

thanks

Jared

[Zs-ondabrain]

Pull the cap and rotor, clean the water or any moisture out of it. I would use an air hose with a paper towel to catch the moisture.

Use the air hose on all your connections to eliminate any arching due to water jumping the leads. EVERY connection needs to be clean.

Start there. And be patient next time.

DAve

[superj243]

thank you so much! i have learned my lesson. i will try this tomarro when i get home from school. i hope it fixes the problem. also i forgot to mention some details in my last question. when i push in on the accelerater to 2500rpm's it bogs down to 1900rpm's then quickly revs back up and repeats this proccess all while i am still maintaining the same position of the accelerater. sorry for not including those details before.

jared

[LeonV]

Search TPS (throttle position switch), that is 99% likely to be the problem.