Cleaning Engines

While you're cleaning under your hood, it's a great time to look at all hoses, wires, belts and vacuum lines. Check the hoses for cracks, or spongy or soft spots. Go directly to your mechanic or auto parts store to get your hoses checked or replaced if they look worn. You may use a little vinyl and rubber protectant to shine your engine. Don't use the protectant on belts -- this may make them squeak or slip.

Make sure you're working on an engine at a safe temperature and use eye protection to protect against any overspray. You may also want to consider using fender protectors to protect your vehicle's paint surfaces.

Before you spray on your engine cleaner, it's best to consult your owner's manual, then cover the distributor, coil and carburetor with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to avoid damaging these sensitive areas. You may also want to take off the air cleaner housing, to make cleaning more effective, and to be able to wrap the carburetor more easily. Make sure you protect any oxygen sensors, some can be damaged by mere contact with water.

Use a stick -- a paint stick works well -- to remove the really thick coatings of grease. Don't use anything metal that will scratch the painted engine surfaces.