Goldmember
Well-Known Member
Finally washed my engine this past weekend. Took care of the vast majority of the grime and crap in there. The aluminum stuff (coolant crossover, timing chain cover) didn't come out all that great because the corrosion has eaten into the metal (best I can describe it). Might try some sandpaper and aluminum polish at some point.
Since I had to take the COPs out to detail the motor anyway, I did a little custom painting on them and the upper plenum. I didn't take pics of the process but here is the end result...
**It's a little more work but I recommend removing the COPs- they're highly water-sensitive. Over at crownvic.net, every 3rd or 4th engine-cleaning thread goes something like: "washed engine, now it's missing really bad" When you finish you MUST blow the spark plug wells out with air and dry with a rag because they will take on water!
At some point, I'll do a more thorough job. For now this will suffice.
**to paint the COPs- use a solvent of your choice to clean off the coil, scuff with 400-grit, clean again. Mask off boot, pigtail where it plugs into wiring harness, and the top. I used Dupli-Color engine enamel, 3 coats within 1 hour, let them dry in the sun and put them in.
**to paint the plenum- procedure similar to COPs, I would also mask off any surface where a gasket will be (TB-plenum, IAC, EGR, etc)
Since I had to take the COPs out to detail the motor anyway, I did a little custom painting on them and the upper plenum. I didn't take pics of the process but here is the end result...
**It's a little more work but I recommend removing the COPs- they're highly water-sensitive. Over at crownvic.net, every 3rd or 4th engine-cleaning thread goes something like: "washed engine, now it's missing really bad" When you finish you MUST blow the spark plug wells out with air and dry with a rag because they will take on water!
At some point, I'll do a more thorough job. For now this will suffice.
**to paint the COPs- use a solvent of your choice to clean off the coil, scuff with 400-grit, clean again. Mask off boot, pigtail where it plugs into wiring harness, and the top. I used Dupli-Color engine enamel, 3 coats within 1 hour, let them dry in the sun and put them in.
**to paint the plenum- procedure similar to COPs, I would also mask off any surface where a gasket will be (TB-plenum, IAC, EGR, etc)
