Winter driving results in alot of dirt in the engine bay. I see salt spots all over the engine and plastic trim and wonder what other people here use to clean an engine bay?
Engine cleaning.
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I just use a damp rag. I'll use a mild degreaser if something is really oily and nasty.
I occasionally apply 303 protectant to the plastic pieces.
I occasionally apply 303 protectant to the plastic pieces.
Mean green degreaser over everything, spray, soak, spray soak, hose off, and use a light waxy stuff like 303 mentioned above or armor all.
My dads work does that for fleet vehicles in the medical transport industry... vehicles with 300k look like they rolled off the showroom floor...
Don't be afraid to get the shiny/Protectant on wires or rubber or electronics...
My dads work does that for fleet vehicles in the medical transport industry... vehicles with 300k look like they rolled off the showroom floor...
Don't be afraid to get the shiny/Protectant on wires or rubber or electronics...
I use a little Dawn dish soap mixed with water in a spray bottle. I find it works well and it doesn't dry out the rubber or plastic like some other cleaners do. I have also used diluted purple power from Walmart on heavily greased/oil undercarriage with good results too.
You could probably just rinse with plain water. Just cover the alternator and dist.
Hello, I use the dilute Purple Power (or cheaper equivalent) all the time. It's amazing! Kira
I use a diluted mix of Simple Green® Pro HD Heavy-Duty Cleaner & Degreaser, and rinse with water. It is harmless to aluminum [unlike regular Simple Green] and does a nice job. Full strength will cut right through heavy grease and grime.
The most important thing for me is to make sure to start the engine immediately and drive it until totally dry. Rags, leaf blower, compressed air will speed the process. Protectant or tire shine on a damp rag gives a nice look without being like the greasy cars on the used car lot.
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
I use a diluted mix of Simple Green® Pro HD Heavy-Duty Cleaner & Degreaser, and rinse with water. It is harmless to aluminum [unlike regular Simple Green] and does a nice job. Full strength will cut right through heavy grease and grime.
Yes! Per their website FAQ and confirmed via email, this Home Depot consumer product is the same as their industrial Aviation cleaner that claims to be safe for aluminum and other metals, plastic, rubber, etc..
I use a diluted mix of Simple Green® Pro HD Heavy-Duty Cleaner & Degreaser, and rinse with water. It is harmless to aluminum [unlike regular Simple Green] and does a nice job. Full strength will cut right through heavy grease and grime.
Yes! Per their website FAQ and confirmed via email, this Home Depot consumer product is the same as their industrial Aviation cleaner that claims to be safe for aluminum and other metals, plastic, rubber, etc..
Use good rustproofing (Krown) in fall and don't sweat it.
That said, I sometimes in spring use Gunk Engine Shampoo, cover/protect alternator with a plastic bag and rubber bands. Let soak and lightly spray rinse, avoid directly spraying electric connectors.
That said, I sometimes in spring use Gunk Engine Shampoo, cover/protect alternator with a plastic bag and rubber bands. Let soak and lightly spray rinse, avoid directly spraying electric connectors.
as stated above --anything but regular Simple Green--it eats aluminum fittings
Originally Posted By: mclasser
Whatever you do, just don't power wash it.
Yes.
Hot steaming water under high pressure will find its way into some of the best protected electrical connections on any vehicle.
Best thing to do is use a metal/aluminum safe degreaser and use warm water with garden hose pressure. Anything else is asking for trouble. It also doesn't hurt to use plastic and rubber bands to protect distributors, and other critical electrical connections.
It's better to have a slightly dirty engine bay with a perfectly running car, than a squeaky clean bad and a malfunctioning engine.
Whatever you do, just don't power wash it.
Yes.
Hot steaming water under high pressure will find its way into some of the best protected electrical connections on any vehicle.
Best thing to do is use a metal/aluminum safe degreaser and use warm water with garden hose pressure. Anything else is asking for trouble. It also doesn't hurt to use plastic and rubber bands to protect distributors, and other critical electrical connections.
It's better to have a slightly dirty engine bay with a perfectly running car, than a squeaky clean bad and a malfunctioning engine.
With the engine stone cold... Cover the battery and fuse box.
I use Simple Green in a spray bottle and generously squirt it all over the engine.
Fire up the pressure washer and use the lowest PSI tip I have and hold it a distance away and hose her down. Repeat the hose down for a while.
Fire her up and let it idle while I do the other car. When done, go for a spirited drive if time permits.
No issues with anything in 10 years of doing this on the wife's car and in 5 years on mine.
I use Simple Green in a spray bottle and generously squirt it all over the engine.
Fire up the pressure washer and use the lowest PSI tip I have and hold it a distance away and hose her down. Repeat the hose down for a while.
Fire her up and let it idle while I do the other car. When done, go for a spirited drive if time permits.
No issues with anything in 10 years of doing this on the wife's car and in 5 years on mine.
Purple Power full strength, followed up by a thorough rinse.
Garage vac on exhaust blower for drying.
Stoners Trim Shine for the finishing touch.
Garage vac on exhaust blower for drying.
Stoners Trim Shine for the finishing touch.
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