Engine Aesthetic Upgrade Series
Why Cleaning Your Valve Cover Matters
The valve cover isn’t just a decorative piece sitting atop your engine—it plays a critical role in sealing the valvetrain and keeping dirt and debris out. Whether you're planning to clean valve cover as part of regular maintenance or prepping for a paint job, a thorough cleaning is the crucial first step.
Over time, the engine bay accumulates oil stains, carbon buildup, and dust—especially in high-performance setups like the 6.7 Cummins valve cover, where high heat and pressure make cleaning even more important.
9 Real DIY Cleaning Methods from Enthusiasts (with Practical Insights)
| Method | Tools | Pros | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Cleaners | Simple Green, Brake Cleaner, Purple Power | Easy, effective | Surface grease, mild grime |
| Gasoline + Wire Brush | Manual scrubbing | Inexpensive, powerful | Deep internal sludge |
| Dremel + Wire Wheel | Power tools | Fast, reaches tight spots | Tough oil stains, time saving |
| Aircraft Remover | Spray or brush-on paint stripper | Strips old paint quickly | Essential before repainting |
| Sanding | 80–600 grit sandpaper | Removes rust, preps surface | Oxidation, improving paint adhesion |
| Bead/Sand Blasting | Specialized equipment | Even and thorough | Workshop or pro setup |
| Non-removal Intake Cleaning | Throttle body/intake cleaners | Quick, minimal disassembly | Light maintenance |
| WD-40 Cleaning | With brush or polishing pad | Lubricates + cleans | Surface oxidation, cosmetic touch-ups |
| Hand Wash + Rinse + Dry | Basic supplies | Low cost, high control | General maintenance |
Which Cleaning Method Is Right for You?
Based on these 9 real-world methods:
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For routine maintenance or light paint prep, use chemical degreasers + manual scrubbing. It's fast and safe for most surfaces.
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For full restoration or repainting (like wrinkle paint valve cover jobs), you’ll need paint stripper + sanding, or even combine with power tools or blasting.
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For a quick shine restoration, try WD-40 + polishing cloth, great for maintaining a miata valve cover painted finish.
No matter what you choose, the end goal is the same: get the surface spotless and ready, so your work lasts and looks great.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process: Even Beginners Can Do This
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Remove the Engine Valve Cover
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Unplug the spark plug wires and label them.
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Remove all bolts and grommets carefully.
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Clean the Inside
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Scrub with gasoline and a wire brush.
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Use compressed air to blow out vent passages.
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Clean the Outside
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Use Simple Green, Brake Cleaner, or Purple Power to remove grime.
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Stubborn spots? Use a Dremel or sanding disc.
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Sand and Polish
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Lightly sand with 320–600 grit to smooth the surface.
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Tape off or pre-polish logo areas you want to highlight later.
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Degrease Thoroughly
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Wipe with isopropyl alcohol or acetone to remove oil residue.
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Dry Completely
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Use an air gun or let air dry—ensure there’s no leftover moisture.
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Can You Clean Without Removing the Valve Cover?
Yes! For air valve cover or light external grime, you can use spray cleaners (like Seafoam or CRC) through the throttle body or vents while the engine idles briefly.
However:
⚠️ This does not replace a full disassembly cleaning and won’t remove internal buildup.
Cleaning Tips & Warnings
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Avoid using acidic or corrosive cleaners on aluminum valve covers.
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Always inspect the valve cover gasket—replace if brittle or cracked.
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If you plan to paint later, ensure the surface is bone-dry, oil-free, and paint-free.
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For miata valve cover painted styles, prep work is everything—the final look depends on your foundation.
Final Thoughts: Cleanliness Is Half the Paint Job
Whether you're restoring a stock look with polish and wax or prepping for painting valve cover or wrinkle paint valve cover work, nothing beats starting with a clean surface.
Coming up next: we dive into the fun stuff—painting techniques, styles, and how to nail your custom finish.
📦 Recommended by SPELAB:
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High-temp engine cleaner kits: Safe for aluminum, intake tubes, and turbo parts
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Valve cover gaskets & PCV components: For 6.7 Cummins and common builds
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Polishing & detailing tools: Designed for easy DIY use
Related articles
How to Clean 6.7 Cummins Valve Cover Before Painting: A DIY Guide
🔗 Stay tuned for Part 2: “How to Paint a Valve Cover – From Style Selection to Spray Techniques”
