Table of contents: Salt crust promotes rust formation ↓ Protective varnish ↓
In the engine compartment, oil and dust over time form an unsightly film of dirt, this film covers the engine and other parts. First of all, this is an aesthetic problem, it is solved with the help of special cleaning agents. A more important problem is washing the engine in the spring.
Salt crust promotes rust formation
Salt, which is sprinkled on roads in winter, penetrates deep into the engine compartment through cracks and channels and settles on the radiator, various fins and wires. This crust of salt binds moisture and promotes the formation of rust. The engine can only be washed in places where there are oil catchers. It is best to do this work at a self-service car wash or a car wash area.
After washing the engine, check that there is sufficient grease on the throttle control levers and rods, as well as on the clutch and throttle control cables. Apply moderate lubrication if necessary.
1. The engine should be cold if possible, since on a warm engine the engine cleaning agent evaporates quickly, which does not allow it to act and dissolve the dirt.
2. Turn off the engine and ignition.
3. Protect sensitive parts to the cleaning agent with rags or plastic bags: ignition, generator, fuel system. If you spray the engine compartment thoughtlessly, ignition and electrical equipment malfunctions are inevitable.
4. First, clean the inside of the hood. Soften the dirt with plenty of water, clean with a sponge and shampoo, then wash the hood again with water. Don't forget about the edges, that's where whole deposits of dirt are created.
5. Wash the radiator with a washing gun and plenty of water. Spray the remains of insects with a protein dissolving agent (dishwashing liquid), let it work for a while and rinse from the inside of the radiator. Be careful, hard brushes can damage the soft fins of the radiator.
6. Wash all grooves, brackets and unprotected areas in the engine compartment.
7. Spray heavily soiled engine and engine compartment parts with an aerosol cleaner. After a while, after the cleaner has taken effect, rinse it off with a thin stream of water.
8. To drain all the water from the engine compartment, use a compressed air gun, such sprayers are usually available at self-service car washes. Do not get too close to the drying surfaces.
Spray the engine cleaner onto the dirty areas and let it sit for about two minutes. After that, the softened dirt can be washed off with a thin stream of water.
Protective varnish
To prevent dirt from accumulating in the engine compartment again within a short time, the cylinder block and its periphery can be protected with heat-resistant varnish. For other parts of the engine compartment, it is sufficient to use a preservative spray or wax.
