[buzzyj]

Hi people! I know this question probably won't seem important to most readers here, but even so I would like to hear some comments on it---"Is it normal for an Escort SE engine to get dirty after a pretty short period of time?" My 2002 Escort SE, with Auto Transmission seems to get dirty after a short period of time, and with few miles driven. The car has 62 thousand miles on it, and I've only put about 4 thousand on it since I bought it in Dec., 2006. But I went out and looked at it yesterday, and there was considerable "black stuff" all over the paper towel that I wiped the engine with. It didn't seem to be oily to me, it seemed to be more like "carbon" on the towel. As you might guess, I am NOT someone who knows very much about cars!!! I don't have any other cars to look at for comparison, to see how dirty they get. I'm just wondering if this "dirtiness" is completely normal, or if it portends some kind of an impending problem. Thanks a lot for any comments, people!!! Much obliged.
buzzyj

 

[silverton]

Engines are exposed to the elements just like the rest of the car, maybe not quite at such an extreme as the rest of the car, but recently I popped the hood of my mothers 01 hyundai santa fe, which has seen several trips to montana. bought with 11 miles on it, now has 92k and the engine compartment is dirtier than my escorts with 205k on the clock.

But, with only putting 4 thousand miles on it, there may be something wrong, an exhaust leak perhaps?

 

[FordMan59]

The engine compartment will collect lots of dirt and grime from the air just from driving on the roads and air passing through the radiator into the engine compartment. There's no way to keep it clean without having it steam cleaned frequently.

 

[buzzyj]

The engine compartment will collect lots of dirt and grime from the air just from driving on the roads and air passing through the radiator into the engine compartment. There's no way to keep it clean without having it steam cleaned frequently.

Thanks for your comments, guys!!! Could I get some more? Thanks much again,
buzzyj

 

[jcwit]

I keep my engins on all my vehicles clean and have yet to use a steam cleaner. Don't own one and am not about to rent one.

If engine bay is REALLY filthy, spray engine and compartment with one of the engine degreasers sold for this purpose. Available at WalMart, auto supply stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto, NAPA, ect. Then hose engine off with water. Follow directions on can, really bad cases may need another treatment. Most cleaner manufactures say to cover the altenator, wires ect., I've never bothered with this in 50 years. Maybe I'm just really lucky.

If engine isn't very dirty just a spray of water may be all you need plus a little elbow grease, and some rags.

 

[jcwit]

One more thought is to stay away from the DIY high pressure car washes as thats where you may run into electrical problems with the high pressure.

 

[buzzyj]

I keep my engins on all my vehicles clean and have yet to use a steam cleaner. Don't own one and am not about to rent one.

If engine bay is REALLY filthy, spray engine and compartment with one of the engine degreasers sold for this purpose. Available at WalMart, auto supply stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto, NAPA, ect. Then hose engine off with water. Follow directions on can, really bad cases may need another treatment. Most cleaner manufactures say to cover the altenator, wires ect., I've never bothered with this in 50 years. Maybe I'm just really lucky.

If engine isn't very dirty just a spray of water may be all you need plus a little elbow grease, and some rags.

Thanks for your posts, jcwit. However, I gotta tell you that I'm NOT all that concerned about the fact that my car's engine is dirty! What I AM concerned about is whether the dirtiness INDICATES that there is a problem somewhere. Like for example if one of the hoses was plugged, might that be causing the dirtiness? Do you see where I'm coming from? If one of the hoses was plugged, might that be damaging something on the car? So, that's the reason that I originally started this thread.
Thanks for your posts!
buzzyj

 

[jcwit]

I doubt you have a clogged hose problem, never heard of such a thing. If you're still really concerned pop into a local repair shop and ask a few questions.

 

[EscortLX97]

Dirt on an engine is normal on all cars remember that you are not alone on the road the car in front of you is picking and leaving dust and dirt from other cars as well.

What would indicate minor problems will be seen it get wet in oil of other fluid and becoming gunk wich will trap mode dirt ans dust and become a real mess inside the engine bay and make the engine run hotter.

 

[buzzyj]

What would indicate minor problems will be seen it get wet in oil of other fluid and becoming gunk wich will trap mode dirt ans dust.

Thanks for your post, EscortLX97! However, I gotta tell you that I have NO idea what you're saying in the above partial quote.
buzzyj

 

[jcwit]

I'm sorry buzz, but you need to either go to a repair shop and ask some questions and listen to the answers or just not open thehood and not worry about it.

EscortLX97 post is very elementary.

 

[dave8338]

yeah...so I'm worried about dirt on my tires... :lol: