Whats the best way to keep the underhood areas clean? I'm afraid to hose it down given all the electronics.

 

You are fine with taking a powerwasher under the hood... I clean tons of benzes every day and have not had one problem yet! I would suggest taking an air hose and blowing as much of the water as you can off of it, or leave the engine running throughout the whole process.

I am assuming this is for your e55, if that is the case then you don't have to worry about water on the top of the engine cover (because you can't see it when it dries). but if it is for another car with one of those black engine covers take a chamios and wipe down the plastic cover or else you will have white rings from the water which are a pain to get out.

 

You don't want to even warn him about the spray directly on connectors or other electrical equipment?

That's not nice..

Greg

 

~One man’s opinion / observations ~


·Remove any excess debris; leaves and etc form the hood, grille or air-vent openings.
·Spray all electrical connectors with WD40, which repels water.
·Use cling-film, Saran wrap elastic covers, or aluminium foil to cover any sensors, electrical black boxes, electrical devises that could cause an electrical short-circuits if subjected to water spray.
·This will not guarantee that you wont cause a problem when cleaning an engine bay but it will greatly reduce the risks.
·Start and run the engine to get it warm, not hot, this will enable the de-greaser to work more efficiently on a warm surface.
·Apply an engine de-greaser (Autoglym Engine Cleaner) by lightly spraying the lower parts of the engine first and then working upwards.
·Do not allow the de-greaser to dry or remain on painted surfaces, and be sure to dilute with water and dry with a cloth.
·For heavily soiled areas agitate with a parts brush and a diluted general purpose cleaner (P21S Total Auto Wash)
·When the grease and grime is dissolved and you’re ready to emove it, spray with a light pressure water hose.
·Allow the engine compartment to air dry and then thoroughly wipe down all accessible surfaces and then remove cling-film or aluminium foil.
·When everything is dry apply a vinyl/rubber protectant to hoses, shields and wires.
·Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth and apply a wax/sealant protection to painted surfaces.

I would recommend wearing a pair of latex cloves while working on the engine compartment. Road grime, tar and grease are very difficult to remove from underneath your fingernails. Outside of the garage your hands shouldn’t look like you need lessons in personal grooming

~Hope this helps~

Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/ Jon
justadumbarchitect * so I question everything *