Engine wash

Over time, oil, dust and infested insects combine in your Mondeo's engine bay to form an unattractive film of dirt that coats not only the engine and other components, but also the radiator. Thus, washing the engine is not only an aesthetic problem, but also a technical problem: a closed cooling system can lead to «boil» engine and thereby cause major damage. And besides: the coming winter with rich road salt and other rubbish does not pass by the engine compartment and its insides. So, make it a habit to start spring cleaning with a thorough engine wash.

Corrosion acceleration - from salt crusts

Road salt is not only a tool for successfully dealing with snow and ice on the roads, but also with the insides of your car. Through cracks and shafts, salt penetrates deep into the engine compartment and is deposited on the radiator, edges and edges of the body, as well as in cable harnesses, electric drives and plug connectors. Salt crusts bind moisture and thus contribute to the formation of corrosion. Washing the engine, of course, should be done only where the waste water «disinfected» oil separator. This procedure is best carried out either at an automatic washing station or at a washing station directly at the factory or have this work carried out by a specialist workshop.

After washing the engine, check if all the parts and assemblies under the hood (accelerator pedal link, clutch release link, adjusting motors, swing arm, etc) work in «dry state». Everywhere where on moving parts «disappeared» oil film, it must be completely restored after washing with a hand oiler or a small amount of lamellar lubricant.

PROCEDURE

The engine must be as cold as possible - otherwise the engine cleaner may evaporate before it has had time to fulfill its purpose. Stop the engine and turn off the ignition. Protect sensitive parts such as the ignition system, alternator and fuel system with rags or plastic bags. Otherwise, troubles may appear in the ignition system or on-board electrics. First, grasp the inside of the engine compartment hood. Rinse with plenty of water, then sponge and shampoo and rinse again. Do not forget about the edges and double profiles, dirt can always nest in them. Rinse the radiator grille with plenty of water from the direction «engine compartment - outside». Pre-remove insect debris with a protein remover (e.g. dishwashing detergent), and then flush from the direction of the engine compartment. Attention: do not scrub the radiator grill with a hard brush and high pressure water - this can lead to deformation of the radiator segments and thereby reduce the cooling capacity. Rinse thoroughly «shower» all folds, holders and unprotected places. Rinse heavily contaminated parts of the engine and engine compartment with a cold cleaner. After a short exposure time, the dissolved dirt can be washed off with a strong jet of water. Dry the engine compartment, engine and all accessories carefully. In car washes or authorized washing stations, you will most often find a compressed air supply network. In the same way, you can also borrow an air pistol here. Gentle on target: direct the high-pressure water jet as far as possible «stupid» angle to large surfaces.

PRACTICAL ADVICE

Surface sealing - engine protection varnish Already after this wash, think about the next wash and therefore seal the engine - together with the technical peripherals - with a particularly heat-resistant protective engine varnish. Then we can say with confidence that the next mud film will stick less intensively than the one just removed. In engine bays dominated by «plastic sarcophagi» for visual design, it is enough to use canned aerosol or canned wax.