engine cleaning question... [Merged 2-7] engine bay washing

[SinaiTSi]

I'm replacing my VC gasket too, i'm just wondering, I have 2 types of RTV sealant, one that hardens and one that doesn't. Which one should i be using?

What do you mean by harden? Like hard? The RTV you want to use will harden but only to a soft rubber.

 

[Gunter]

well that answsered my question but one is hard setting and one remains flexible. So clearly the flexible one, but i guess the hard one would be used for exhaust gaskets?

 

[kenamond]

i guess the hard one would be used for exhaust gaskets?

Doubt it. We're talking REALLY hot in the exhaust. Probably too hot to put on any exhaust joint, atleast anywhere between the exhaust ports and the catalytic converter, but maybe all the way back. The "high temperature" RTV I have is only rated to 700*F, and the exhaust temperatures are much hotter than that.

 

[Gunter]

Doubt it. We're talking REALLY hot in the exhaust. Probably too hot to put on any exhaust joint, atleast anywhere between the exhaust ports and the catalytic converter, but maybe all the way back. The "high temperature" RTV I have is only rated to 700*F, and the exhaust temperatures are much hotter than that.

Strange, i have no idea what its for then

 

[SinaiTSi]

Yeah, I've never used/heard of silicone that seals really hard like that. If you find out what it's used for let us know, but for the mean time, use the rubber silicone on the valve cover gasket.

 

[Gunter]

Yeah, I've never used/heard of silicone that seals really hard like that. If you find out what it's used for let us know, but for the mean time, use the rubber silicone on the valve cover gasket.

Ok, found out what it's for apparently its for "sealing rigid materials and flanges, patching holes and joints and other uses where permanent assembly is desired"

so there we go

 

[ReebisTSI]

I'm replacing my VC gasket too, i'm just wondering, I have 2 types of RTV sealant, one that hardens and one that doesn't. Which one should i be using?

Use the black RTV, ive used it just about everywhere and never had a problem.

 

[Newlogics]

I'm replacing my VC gasket too, i'm just wondering, I have 2 types of RTV sealant, one that hardens and one that doesn't. Which one should i be using?

the difference between different colors of RTV is temperature, viscosity when uncured and flexibility when cured.

You will find that black RTV is much easier to squeze, and it's a bit softer when cured. Either black or grey could be used there. Grey is better for higher pressure applicaitions though, like intake piping, waterneck etc...

 

[Slippi84]

What size are the valve cover bolts I need all new ones.

 

[navyguy07]

http://www.machv.com/stainsteelva.html

Check those out. They are on sale also.

 

[99dsmeclipse]

water/condensation could also have gotten onto your cam/crank sensors.

=where is that sensor located

 

[Blitzeclips]

=where is that sensor located

Dude this threadf is from almost 2 years ago. I doubt the dude is dealing with the problem.

Oh and that question, do a search. You can't come on the forum asking questions from a 2 year old thread. That's not relevant to date.

 

[dr1665]

FYI:
CAS (Crank Angle Sensor) is located on back of the block next to the alternator.
CMP (Cam Position sensor) is located on the end of the exhaust cam opposite the timing belt.

Please do some more searching in the future.

 

[99dsmeclipse]

if you cant exactly find it you can spray the essential parts like plugs and wires, ignition coil wth WD-40, it displaces water temporarily. so if you leave a way for the water to evaporate completely, like disconnecting plug wires and let them hang upward so the moisture will evaporate. you should be good to go in a few minutes after you sprayed them...

i just washed my motor and its been a week and it still wont run. i crunk it up after i washed it and it ran like crap but i parked it to wash the outside and now it wont run. i checked my camshaft and crankshaft sensor but they are fine. my fuel pump wont prime and my car doesnt spark. this is driving me nuts. i would really appreciate some imput...thanx

 

[SnoopySLR]

Check your ASD Relay and see if thats getting power. If your pump isn't turning on, that would be where I would check first. Its located on the firewall, just above the battery.

I don't understand how you guys mess your car up from washing the engine bay. I've washed many different cars many times. You just stay clear of spraying directly on anything thats electrical.

 

[need92talon]

i would like a few tips on cleaning out my 91 gsx engine bay and all the gunk under my car....

[Nice search job, noob.]

 

[93_tsi_fwd]

clean all the places that has oil leaks. by the exhaust manifold, by the power steering pump, the valve cover, turbo area, under the fuel rail etc...

after you wash the motor remove the plug wire for water. (dry it out)

use simple green!! it better than the gunk because it leaves white stains on black parts of the engine bay. yes, simple green is safe for your motor.

warning: dont wet the air filter

btw: arent you selling this car on craigslist

 

[KillerX]

Alright I wanna power wash my engine because it looks horrible! I know I need to cover my intake but whatelse do i need to cover?

thanx

 

[absolute_DSM]

Every single electrical connection.

I wouldnt advise doing it at all. Water can get in the connections and just sit, then over time rust, cause you a whole hell of problems.

Hand wash that baby - takes a ton of time but it really pays off.

 

[kidrabbit84]

Powerwash? Are you using a pressure washer? If using a pressure washer be careful around the vacuum hoses near the fire wall. I have good results with Castrol Super Clean, brush, 3M Pad, elbow grease, and a garden hose. Once you get the inital gunk off, you can just use the Super Clean and hose to keep it tidy.

Watch out for getting excessive water under/around the spark plug wire cover on the head. I had old plug wires on my Gen 1 and got water to leak into the number 1 cylinder plug well. The water shorted the spark to the head instead of it going to the plug. Easy fix, but felt dumb that it happened .

Also captin obvious here...make sure you got a cold engine.

Adam

 

[lazykhoe]

i think the way you are supposed to do it is with any kind of engine degreaser over the parts you want cleaned and a high pressure steamer, not paticularly a pressure washer....the gunk should basically drop the the ground, leaving some nice grease marks on the concrete.....I pressure washed my dad's minivan's engine once and his ECU had to be replaced.....silly mopars

 

[Rice Over Wheat]

Lots of cans of brake parts cleaner. Seriously. That shit cleans every thing. End of story!!

 

[dsmdreamin]

cover up the alternator too, and I too love using brake parts cleaner, except it goes too fast and its like 3 bucks a can.

 

[Cs4g63]

This stuff works pretty good.
http://www.gunk.com/prod_photo.asp

 

[Eclipse99GST]

I have never had a problem with a garden hose and and cleaner like Simple Green, Gunk, Black Magic, etc

Spray on the cleaner. Wait 5-10 minutes, then hose off.