So who cleans their engines?

[mikered30]

cd2 engine detailer is not too good to be true. Works as advertised.

 

[Tornado Red]

Originally Posted By: ekpolk
I have, for YEARS, used a pressure washer in what I'd call "stand off" mode. Mine is a gas-powered 2700 psi model. I open the hood, spray some cleaner (usually Simple Green), get the engine running, and then (with foil covering ultrasensitive parts) "fog" the engine with the pressure washer from a distance of six to ten feet.

This gets crud off, without getting the pressure spray so close that you drive water into places it should not be. I also IMMEDIATELY drive the car for several miles, including some high-air-flow highway driving to get all the excess water driven off.


I prefer washing my car in the driveway, but every month or two I go to a commercial carwash. I do not spray anything under the hood beforehand, just pop the hood, spray in the "wash" cycle, then switch to "rinse" and stand back a little so I don't hit anything with full force except the underside of the hood.

Then I wipe down the shiny stuff and the plastic stuff, usually with 303 Aerospace protectant. I have received many compliments on the cleanliness of my engine compartment, when actually I rarely do a thing.

 

[NLeo]

I tried shout last night and I believe I sprayed areas that I wasnt suppose to. It degreased the engine and other areas that had buildup and all really good. But some areas were still dirty like hoses and other parts. And about me spraying wrong areas, afterwards my didnt start for a while. Then when it did I tried to take it for a drive to dry off and it cut off on me about 1 mile after I took off. Had the same problem this morning as well. When I sprayed under the hood I had put two bags over the accelerator, battery, and plug box. I believe I sprayed some eletrical connectors or something else that mightve caused the problem.

 

[RacerE7773]

I do every other time I wash the car. The idea is not to flood the engine bay and also to avoid electrical items as best you can. I don't use the "engine brighteners" any longer; Simple Green full strength and a brush works nominally and also cheaper. A clean engine helps point out any leaks, also.