How to clean a greasy engine
Are you facing the sticky problem of how to clean a greasy engine? The good news is that you do not necessarily need a professional to take care of it for you. With the help of a few simple tools and WD-40 Fast Acting De-greaser you can take care of it yourself in a few easy steps.
Things you will need
Cleaning cloths
Eye protection
Bristled brush
Wire brush
WD-40 Specialist® Fast Acting Degreaser
Plastic sheeting for covering and protecting engine parts
Step 1
Remove existing debris
The first thing to do, when you want to clean a greasy engine is to remove any debris that might be present in the engine bay. Grass, twigs, leaves, paper and other such things should be removed, because they can cause issues in the engine overtime.
Step 2
Protection
Your cleaning job is going to involve water and you want to avoid damage to any electrical components. So, to clean a greasy engine without blowing a fuse, remove the battery from the engine and clean it separately outside. To do this, you’ll need to disconnect both of the battery terminals. Next, you’ll need to cover up all of the exposed wirings and components as well. To do this, wrap plastic around components such as the spark plug inlets and the distributor cap. Do the same for loose wires as well, to make all the components relatively waterproof.
Step 3
Run the Engine
It’s easier to get rid of grease when it is heated. And what better way to heat it up then by heating up the engine. Running the engine for about five minutes or so will help to remove any grease and grime more easily.
Step 4
Use a Degreaser
Finally, to clean a greasy engine, you’ll need the aid of a degreaser spray. While there are many brands of degreaser sprays available in the market, we recommend WD-40 Specialist Degreaser. This fast acting, solvent based degreaser, is able to effectively remove grease and grime from your engine without leaving a residue. Looking after your engine will help it last longer and function smoothly as well. When applying the degreaser spray, however, it’s important avoid getting it onto the painted components, for it could clear the paint from the surface of your car. Also, always follow the manufacturers guidelines before using any products on your engine.
The WD-40 Specialist Degreaser functions by eating into the grime and grease of your engine. The dirtier the engine is the more time it’ll need to be soaked into WD-40’s magic. As a rule of thumb, let the product sit on the surface of your engine for about 3-5 minutes, depending upon the condition of your engine, before scrubbing it off. Talking about scrubbing, you’ll need bristled brush to get the grime off. However, it’s imperative for you to wear eye protection before going through with job. Rinse the engine with a hose afterwards. Make sure, however, that you’d covered all of the electrical components with plastic protection beforehand.
Step 5
Wash the car
While you’re at it, why not wash the entire car as well? Washing the car right after the usage of a degreaser spray will ensure that any degreaser spray that might have found its way to your car’s painted components is washed off immediately, before it’s had a chance to do any real damage. Washing will also make the exterior of your car as grime free as your engine!
Finishing the Job Off
After you’ve taken care of the grease in your engine, it’s recommended to clean the individual parts as well. For example, cleaning the terminals of your car battery with a wire brush and using a bristled brush to clean the plastic surfaces are all important parts of giving your engine a clean. Remember, to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
This task of cleaning a greasy engine isn’t for everyone, so if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, you can always ask a professional!
Contact Us
© 2025 WD-40 Company.
All Rights Reserved