For starters I'm talking about the outside of the cylinder heads, not the innards.

Anyway, mine have had this spot of gunk right near the oil filler cap, that I can't seem to clean off with a simple damp towel. I'd like to clean at least the front so my engine bay can look somewhat decent. Also I think on my front cylinder head, whatever its coated in, has a begun to crack, I haven't picked at it, but I think it might start to flake off. If there's anything I can DIY with that coating it would awesome, otherwise I'm afraid if I clean it thoroughly it will peel off.

Pics after I come back from running errands.

Any advice on how to get that cleaned up well. I'm sick and tired of opening my hood and going

 

Engine degreaser, brake cleaner or gas

 

Eh I'd highly reccomend not using gas to clean your engine.

Aluminum wheel cleaner and hard brush always give me good results..

 

Noted, doing this next time I wash the fuggin salt off my car.

 

Simple Green

 

Simple green is actually slightly corrosive to aluminum, I try not use it unless I have to.

 

Use Dawn soap mixed with water.

 

Simple green X2

 

Lol
when I first saw this thread I definitely thought you were talking about the interior Cylinder heads.
I was going to be like 'uuuhhh Seafaoam?'

 

Lol, no no, exterior, I know about Sea Foam. I have to do that sometime too, but I'm a little scared to do that.

So looks like Simple Green seems to be the best option here, I'll have to pick some up and get to cleaning this weekend.

 

Is the part you are talking about the Valve cover? (they cover the cyl head) If so if the coating is flaking, just remove them, degrease them really well, sand them and paint them.

 

Yes it is, I guess I didn't word that properly now that I think about it

I might save the repainting for the summer if I do it, but is it safe to remove that coating, it seems a lot different than just regular paint?

 

Just for reference. I bought some Simple Green yesterday, and I'm going to be taking care of the grease today, should I follow the instructions on the bottle and dilute it, or should I just spray directly on what I want to clean and just clean that way? Or does it not really matter.

 

Just thought I'd share my results.

Before: Notice all the nasty sludge.


After:


Anywhere I didn't clean, is where the coating is cracked, and I wanted to avoid peeling it until its warm enough outside so I can repaint it.

 

Yes its safe to remove, its just powder coating. Many have removed it and painted them before.