Topic: Engine cleaning

[Slow_lane]

I have plans to work on our Fiat 500. I am going to take off the air intake in order to change PCV valve and the AOS O-ring seal (that are known to fail) under the housing that holds the PCV valve.

So I will have engine pretty much exposed. The car is new to me and I have no idea how dirty the engine is. Hopefully just dirty and no signs of oil leaks.

Anyways I was wondering if I should try and clean the engine while I am at it. I was thinking of using a product like Gunk Engine De-greaser. I would be spaying around the the plugs and wire on top of the engine. I would try and cover any obvious electrical parts like fuse boxes. I will also seal off any disconnected hoses. Spray it on wait and hose it off with a gentle spray. 

Should I do this or am I asking for trouble. Any tips and suggestions?

Thanks

[Allen]

When I want my engine cleaned I take it to a detailing shop

[PJungnitsch]

I've never had any trouble from cleaning the engine so far (touch wood). Usually just spray it down at the carwash. Don't aim at the fuse boxes, etc, and start and run it right away so the engine heat dries things

Have not had to be towed away yet!

[ktm525]

I wouldn't clean it until I worked on it and had a look. Easier to see leaks etc.

[ArticSteve]

Use spray nine and rinse with garden hose pressure and let dry before running motor.

[Gurgie]

Use spray nine and rinse with garden hose pressure and let dry before running motor.

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[Slow_lane]

Use spray nine and rinse with garden hose pressure and let dry before running motor.

I have spray nine on hand. Do you think it will do just as good a job as a product like Gunk???

[ArticSteve]

Gunk is for oil and grease.  Surely a 2015 Fiat can't be needing Gunk.  If it's just accumulated road dirt then spray nine is pretty safe to use.

[Fobroader]

I use that purple power cleaner and brush....takes literally no time. Then my leaf blower to air dry the engine so there are no water spots.