The first things to check when your engine is hemorrhaging horsepower

If your car feels down on power, a trip to the garage might be in order, but checking these things before you go could save ...
SFGate

Cleaning dirty engine is a courtesy, and helpful too

I have a 1984 Nissan pickup with only 64,000 miles. It runs great, but the engine is so dirty that I am embarrassed to have it worked on. How should an engine be cleaned? Is steam cleaning appropriate ...