spitfires
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Re: Best way to clean engine?

To: "Jeff McNeal" <jmcneal@ohms.com>, spitfires@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Best way to clean engine?
From: Dan Buettner <danb@thelittlemacshop.com>
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 1999 22:22:59 -0600
>Back in the old days, I remember a gas station that offered steam-cleaning
>services for engines.  Is this method safe for Spitfires?  Or is there an
>easier/better/do-it-yourselfer way to thoroughly clean the gunk and grime
>without messing up the electrical system?  As long as I keep the coil and
>distributor covered with plastic, is there any harm in using a high-pressure
>sprayer on a cold engine with some commercially available degreaser?  Any
>tips?
>
>Also, I will be taking delivery next week on the '69 Mk3 I purchased on
>eBay.  Any suggestions on precautions I should take before driving for the
>first time (besides checking tires, brakes, clutch, all fluid levels, etc.)?
>Thanks in advance!

I would suggest jacking up the rear end, removing the wheels, and a) 
making sure the brakes are adjusted properly, and b) giving the rear 
wheel bearings a few strokes with a grease gun.  I always use regular 
"wheel bearing grease" on mine, and give three or four strokes once a 
year, in the spring before serious driving starts.  Well, back when 
it was still driving I did!

Dan

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dan Buettner  -  Des Moines, Iowa  -  mailto:danb@thelittlemacshop.com

1977 Spitfire, FM64159U, now with an O too. Runs & drives, but shakes
like crazy; needs new tires and a steering/suspension rebuild.
http://home.earthlink.net/~nickndan/gmachine/greenmachine.html

1957 TR3, TS15098L. Needs an O. Undergoing frame-off restoration begun 9/99.
http://home.earthlink.net/~nickndan/TR3/TR3.html

1988 Honda Civic 4WD Wagon. Gets me to work and back home again every day.
No home page. (go figure)

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