adnanhoque

Hi folks. I have a general idea of how to clean engine bays. Just wondering for the AMG engine, is there anything in particular I need to consider? From the looks of it, everything seems to be covered up where water won't be an issue. Any advice or suggestions if you've cleaned your engine? Thanks!

rockjock

I pull the air box off-stuff a towel in the hole-remove the intake tubes, spray with degreaser (this is all on a cool engine of course)-light aggitation in the bad areas (you'll find your finger works best-brushes didnt do it for me in the small places)-rinse with garden hose on a shower/light spray/mist setting (never pointing it at a coil pack, alter, ect)-wipe off what I can-and good as new-just did this last night too!
I think my car knows when I clean her-she's faster the next morning

adnanhoque

Awesome, thanks for the tip as this is my first wash on this engine.

If I am gentle on the air box with the water hose or avoid directly spraying it and maybe just wash it off with a wet towel, do you think I need to pull it out and cover the hole? Also did you need to cover anything electrical?

rockjock

the reason I pulled the box is that where the intake mani is-it would be hard to get to it with the box in place-
I didnt (never really have on any car) covered anything electrical-but again its more inirect spraying and misting to get the degreaser off (check to see that the degreaser/soap you use is safe for aluminum-sounds wierd-but there are some that will rust the radiator and block, ect)-

adnanhoque

Ok. I was going to use the basic Gunk brand degreaser. And I wasn't thinking of clearning as miticulously as you have and concentrate more on the hoses and engine area that are visible. So I'll just be careful with the water spray.

nick 55

I would recommend using something like Shout, as it is mildly scented, and is not too harsh on black plastics. A lot of true degreasers have harsh chemicals that fade plastic. Also, you could try Chemical Guys Grime Reaper. It works good too, I found it at detailedimage.com.

Nick

rockjock

simple green-works everytime-and wont kill the grass!

superstar

simple green!

walee112

dont mean to crash a thread... but i want to clean my engine too... if i use simple-green, should i apply with a towel and wipe off? or will it be safe to lightly sprinkle it off? (though im seriously hesitant to spray water under the hood....)

doom239

I use simple green too its very good stuff.

320 dreamer

uuhhmmmm aluminium doesnt rust! it oxidizes

rockjock

I spray directly on to parts that I want to clean-agitate with a tooth brush or similar (not too hard ) and use the 'shower" setting on my nozzle to rinse (dont soak it....just rinse it off)-then wipe dry best I can-start and let idle for 10 min or so-

jturkel

bringing this thread back to life.

if i want to clean the valve covers, whats the best way? also simple green? safe to clean it on the car?

rockjock

Thats what I did (prior to getting new gaskets installed-thats where all my oil was coming from)-pulled everything I could to get it off-let it soak for 5 min-took a tooth brush too it, and good as new!

OT-
Oxidation is rust. Its moisture, oxygen, and a small elec. current reacting with metal.
Aluminum rusts, so does SS, galvinized steel, brass, ect.

e1000

uhhh rust IS oxidation....