Best engine bay cleaner

[aquariuscsm]

Since it`s been really messy lately,I want to hardcore clean my engine bay and underside. What`s the best thing to use? Simple Green,Purple Power,a dedicated engine degreaser,etc?

I want something that won`t dry out plastic and rubber,and that won`t etch aluminum,etc.

I haven`t bought/used any of these types of cleaners in a long time,and I`ve noticed there are a ton of them available.

 

[robertcope]

I use Simple Green and Scrubbing Bubbles. Seems to work without any bad effects, but I could be wrong.

robert

 

[aquariuscsm]

Originally Posted By: robertcope
Scrubbing Bubbles.


^^The Dow brand shower cleaner?

 

[Jocephus]

I use simple green

 

[buster]

Simple Green Pro HD from Home Depot works good.

 

[robertcope]

Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Originally Posted By: robertcope
Scrubbing Bubbles.


^^The Dow brand shower cleaner?


I guess so! Haha. It turns purple when exposed to oil, very handy.

robert

 

[Shannow]

Back in the day we just used to use diesel.

 

[FowVay]

I use a motorcycle product called S-100. I use it on my cycle and it works great which prompted me to try it on my car engine. I also use it to clean my brake calipers so that they will maintain that 'cadmium' appearance. Spray it on, let it soak a few minutes, rinse off. On the brakes I spray it on and then use a stiff plastic brush (parts cleaning brush) since brake dust can be difficult at times.

 

[LeakySeals]

Car wash spray booth. They usually have engine degreaser. Pressure rinse. No mess at the house.

 

[chad8]

Simply Awesome from the dollar store and a pressure washer.
Put on when you leave the dollar store and drive to many quarters car wash.
By the time you get there , the grease will be emulsified .
If you have a washer at home, all the better.

 

[tc1446]

I wouldn't want to use a pressure washer; to much chance of moisture being forced into electronic modules or wiring connections.

I used Gunk engine degreaser on my Corolla over a year ago and rinsed it off with hot water. Based on the smell that wouldn't go away, I think it was primarily kerosene. I then used Simple Green and that took most of the kerosene smell away but every now and then I still get a whiff of it.

 

[LeakySeals]

The difference between car wash spray booth method and a spray bottle of engine degreaser in the drive way is substantial. Not even close. It uses less water and its cleaner after. No leftover chemicals and slippery grease. I don't blast it up close, more like misting it from a couple feet away. Been doing that for 20 years, never had a problem. Sometimes I put a plastic bag over the alternator and fuse box, sometimes not. No matter what you clean the engine with, the risks are the same. Engine compartments do get wet from the elements, electrical components designed for wet so some water ok. Not in the fuse box of course. Run the engine after on highway. The heat and air dries it off.

$7, 20 mins and your done. And you don't have a nasty spot of goo eating a hole in your driveway.

 

[RTexasF]

Amazing Roll Off and a pressure washer. Also works on wheels, wheel wells, tires, brake dust, most everything.

 

[LeakySeals]

Sounds like a good product, I'm sure its better than whatever the green stuff is at the booth. Its the pressure rinse that makes the big difference IMO. When you use your pressure washer for the rinse, how do you do it? Up close or farther away? Spray everything, or just specific parts?

 

[zues50]

So just buy something spray it on at the store and drive to car wash?

 

[robertcope]

No way I'd use a pressure washer, and I've never needed to. Spray on Simple Green or Scrubbing Bubbles. Let sit. Use a brush to scrub down any major deposits. Rinse with hose. Repeat if needed. Very easy.

robert

 

[Donald]

Hot water from a pressure washer or car wash is the way to go.

 

[LeakySeals]

Originally Posted By: zues50
So just buy something spray it on at the store and drive to car wash?

Way I've done it for 20 years - Find a car wash spray booth that has a setting for engine degreaser. Many do. Drive into the booth. Make sure fuse box is tight. Cover it if you want to. Cover alternator if you want to (make sure its not real hot if you use plastic bag). Soak the entire engine compartment in degreaser. Hit the head and block good. Go underneath and spray up from the bottom soaking the oil and transmission pans. Wait +-10mins. Switch to rinse. Spray the degreaser off. Take the car for a drive on the highway for 10 mins. Follow with engine dressing or your detailer of choice the next day. Entire engine compartment in addition to engine. The detailer keeps rubber and plastic parts flexible, prevents rust. Don't overdo the detailer.

Can you bring your own degreaser and substitute? Yeah but the process may be a little different. You may need to wet the compartment first for best results. Don't have to do that with the booth degreaser, because you can really lay it on heavy with sprayer (not the same as the rinse pressure, but it comes out pretty good).

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Engine Brite

 

[gary031]

If you engine has lots of Aluminum, and you decide to use Simple Green and let it dwell, your in for some surprises. That's one ugly combo. Simple Green HD, better choice.