Open the hood. Pow! A clean, sparkling engine not only looks good, it makes you feel good too. It also helps you to clearly see where future problems might occur, such as weak hoses, bad battery connectors and so on. Detailing an engine use to be a time consuming, dirty job. It ain't as bad as it used to be. In fact, it's probably the least physical task you'll do.

Only as recent as ten years ago cleaning an engine meant being extra careful about which parts didn't get wet and how much elbow grease it would take to get the job done. Now most of the major parts are covered up, (you probably can't even see the alternator), and fuel injection replaced the distributor on the majority of vehicles built in the last ten to fifteen years. Better chemicals is the other major improvement.

Cleaning an engine is basically a 5 step process. If hot, the engine needs some cool-down time, (usually 30 minutes is enough). Next, lightly spray water on the engine then use a good degreaser like Simple Green to spray the entire engine and side and back walls. This step is very important because most of your work takes place here, particularly on older vehicles. Then take a brush or rag and start cleaning. It's always best to wear fitted gloves for protection. With the degreaser doing most of the work cleaning shouldn't take more than 30 minutes. Next, rinse. Some engines can withstand high pressure, some can't, you'll have to guage and decide. Allow engine to partially air dry before you do the final touch-up with a clean rag. Step 5 depends on newness of the vehicle. Dressing the engine. New vehicles like your BMW's, Volvo's, etc., don't need it because the engine is practically covered up. Engines in older vehicles can look almost new again with the right touch and amount of dressing applied.

What do you charge? Following the 5 step process it will take approximately 2 hours to clean an engine. Keep in mind part of that is the initial cooling down period, so you aren't actually working two hours. So for an hour and a half's work you charge $45 to $65.

Here again is the 5 step engine cleaning process:
1. 30 minute cool-down.
2. Light water rinse and thoroughly apply degreaser.
3. Thorough brush or rag cleaning.
4. Rinse (preferably low pressure).
5. Dressing (optional).

Learn more about this author, Scott Seldon.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Vehicles: How to clean an engine professionally?
We want to hear your view. Write now!