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Using simple green to clean an engine

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by Khaos, Jul 15, 2012.

  1. Jul 15, 2012 at 2:18 PM
    #1
    Khaos

    Khaos [OP] Big Member

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    I've read this is the best/easiest way to clean my engine. It's covered in water spots and sand and just general garbage from years of trail riding and being driven. I dont need it to look like it just came off the showroom floor, but I do want to get my engine atleast looking decent.

    So, cool engine, engine off, spray on simple green (do you dilute it? I've read some do it either way), let sit for a moment, and then spray off. That's all there is too it?

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Jul 15, 2012 at 3:30 PM
    #2
    boatswain

    boatswain Well-Known Member

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    cool, engine off, and spray on is basic.
    I don't use simple green, although it may be better than what I've been using for years.
    I've kept my engine compartments clean for "MANY" years using- GUNK ENGINE BRITE origional HD engine degreaser. (not the foam).
    Let it sit a little, and rinse down. If very dirty, may have to do more than once.
    just giving another option!
    there are a lot of products out there that cut grease and grime, but this product seems to work well enough.
     
  3. Jul 15, 2012 at 3:40 PM
    #3
    bjmoose

    bjmoose Bullwinkle J. Moose

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    No!

    Google simple green aluminum.

    Even their FAQ recommends against this, but they do make some other products that are OK for the purpose.
     
  4. Jul 15, 2012 at 3:40 PM
    #4
    Hunter500ky

    Hunter500ky Well-Known Member

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  5. Jul 15, 2012 at 3:41 PM
    #5
    Khaos

    Khaos [OP] Big Member

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    I have read about the Gunk before, but we don't sell it at work yet we have simple green, so I got what I could with my discount. lol. I had been told and read in several places that Simple Green was good for this.

    I did the body a few mins ago but ran out of change/singles. Using the spray at the carwash on high is great on the leafs and frame area. Before hand my leafs would squeak for anything, even shutting a door, thats gone now. Tomorrow I'll do the engine, interior, and bed. Tuesday I plan on washing again and doing a wax+claybar, I've got a lot of new trail pinstripes, a coat of wax will help prevent that.
     
  6. Jul 15, 2012 at 3:43 PM
    #6
    Maysville06

    Maysville06 Well-Known Member

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    Simple green is a fantastic all purpose cleaner.... use it alot with good results
     
  7. Jul 15, 2012 at 4:03 PM
    #7
    Khaos

    Khaos [OP] Big Member

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    I've read that having it on for an extended period of time can cause a problem, however I a minute or so is supposedly safe?

    Everything I read is so contradictory on this.
     
  8. Jul 15, 2012 at 4:45 PM
    #8
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    Just use it on a cold engine, use a diluted mixture... 50:50 or more diluted, and don't allow it to dry on the aluminum.

    It won't DAMAGE the aluminum, it can cause cosmetic spotting, but scuba shops use it to clean aluminum and steel tanks to prepare them for use with oxygen blends from 40% to 100%.
     
  9. Jul 15, 2012 at 4:50 PM
    #9
    PAlittlematty

    PAlittlematty "the soulless ginger"

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    I use simple green to clean my truck and motorcycle. Spray them with the hose first then spray simple green on. Let it sit a couple minutes and rinse it off. I've never had an issue. Spray nine works great too
     
  10. Jul 15, 2012 at 5:35 PM
    #10
    Khaos

    Khaos [OP] Big Member

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    That was my next question was how much to dilute it.

    I figured spraying it down and immediately beginning to hose off in the order in which I sprayed the engine down would give it enough time to clean off, but not enough to cause any issues. Light pressure on the water?
     
  11. Jul 15, 2012 at 5:38 PM
    #11
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    Pretty much.

    Wet the engine down, spray, rinse. Might take a little scrubbing, you've got a lot of dirt that just a spray and rinse won't clear, but an afternoon you could have that back to showroom condition.
     
  12. Jul 15, 2012 at 6:30 PM
    #12
    bjmoose

    bjmoose Bullwinkle J. Moose

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  13. Jul 15, 2012 at 6:43 PM
    #13
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    Looks just fine as long as it is diluted and rinsed well. Even with the nooks and crannies, rinsing a diluted solution with a hose is going to remove it.

    And the Ph of the SG simply accelerates the normal corrosion process that would happen if you allowed plain water to remain on the surface.

    I'm talking about the inside of the tank... not the outside.
     
  14. Jul 15, 2012 at 7:07 PM
    #14
    BRONSON

    BRONSON Active Member

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    Simple Green Pro HD (purple stuff available at Home Depot) is safe on aluminum. It's the exact same formula as their Boeing spec Extreme Aircraft cleaner, but with some added colorant.
     

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