RPB

Hey Guys,

I plan to clean my engine bay this upcoming week, it could use some tlc! I would like to avoid using a hose or high pressure washer if possible to get some good results. I heard some bad stories about the way peoples car would run after using one of the above mentioned methods to clean the bay.

I was thinking it would be okay to use a fertilizer type sprayer filled with cleaning solvent, then follow up with a light spray of water from the bottle. I will cover up the vital components and connectors. I'm looking for some advise from people and the best way to go about cleaning things up. I plan to use Meguiar's Super Degreaser, the reviews are very good!

Any input would be very much appreciated!

Cheers,

-Rob

Nanook

Tender brushing / rinse /blow dry

mrbobby

The vacuuming of the dirty accumulation is far superior to compressed air method. With the compressed air method you can never adequately control where you are blowing the residue.

These engine bays are so suseptable to moisture intrusion that it scares the ---- out of me. Myself I just take clean clothes and do the dry removal of any garbage. To make this work you have to keep on top of the job and not let the engine bay get too bad.

Soylent Green

I do mine by hand with clean shop rags and windex. I would be very gentle and never hose down the engine with water. Just take your time and enjoy the process.

Nanook

I've pressure washed my engines for 20+ years and never have had an issues..just ensure you blow dry the connectors adequately

eteller

I spray the cool engine down with diluted purple power, let sit for a minute then rinse with a hose. To dry it off drive it for a few minutes. Then I spray it with No Touch tire foam, makes it shiny, but not too shiny. Have done it that way for 25 years never a problem,

2MERKS

Warm soapy H2O, soft brush, and time. I try not to use any type of detergents, just good 'ol elbow grease .
Remember the choice is yours.

maximus16v

Anyone ever use a steam cleaner? Something like this?

https://www.kmstools.com/performance...cleaner-106217

wyneduke

I also use pressure washer and have no problems. To me it is a safe method as long as you don't aim it directly at electrical components.

McGolf

I have used a pressure wash to my vehicles all different makes and models.
I did this after visiting other sites on the same topic. The concern of using the pressure washer should be considered when the vehicle is older. If the car is made in the 90 or newer most connections were made to address wet conditions as it is an engine bay after all.
That said, if the washer has adjustable/ interchangeable nozzles then select the most delicate and stand back about 2 feet from the engine. I too use the purple power with great results and then blow dry with and electric blower.
I have yet to treat the plastic. That will be next year.