How to Clean Engine Bay

discombobulate

More wondering than actually planning on doing this at the moment but how do you go about cleaning an engine bay? Is it a purely hands on process or is it safe to use a power washer / hose when there's electrical components etc?

Did a bit of a Google on using a power washer and seemed to be various responses

Curran

I've done it many times and never had an issue.

Cover the altenator with a towel or plastic bag to keep the heavy water off it.
Cover some of the electrical connections - optional...I never do it, and never a probem
Quick rinse down
Spray on APC and scrub with various sized brushes.
Rinse down and repeat on the bits you've missed
Allow to dry off and apply some protection

I like using Aerospace 303, as its an easy application.... spray on, allow dwell, buff off to a matt finish

discombobulate

Curran wrote: »

I've done it many times and never had an issue.

Cover the altenator with a towel or plastic bag to keep the heavy water off it.
Cover some of the electrical connections - optional...I never do it, and never a probem
Quick rinse down
Spray on APC and scrub with various sized brushes.
Rinse down and repeat on the bits you've missed
Allow to dry off and apply some protection

I like using Aerospace 303, as its an easy application.... spray on, allow dwell, buff off to a matt finish

Cheers. Not overly complicated so once you have the brushes to get in everywhere. I'll see how I get on with the claying, polishing and waxing first

Curran

discombobulate wrote: »

Cheers. Not overly complicated

Detailing is not ROCKET SCIENCE......some would lead you to believe that it is!

Once you have the right products and accessories, its just a matter of having the time, and a bit of patience!

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And a big wallet! :pac:

discombobulate

Curran wrote: »

And a big wallet! :pac:

Seems true that! I'm already thinking of a few things I never ordered but the wallets taking enough of a hit so for this month. VRT, Tax, Insurance and off to pick it up from a service now!

holdmybeer

DO NOT HOSE THE ENGINE YOU MUPPET

Degreaser, let it soak, wipe with warm sponge and water. Avoid the battery. Anything electric avoid direct degrease spray.

Curran

holdmybeer wrote: »

DO NOT HOSE THE ENGINE YOU MUPPET

Excuse me????

I'll do as I wish! And have done to many engines....never a single problem!

Seamus1964

How good would be idea of using DW40 ? Will it melt rubber/plastic ?
So far Im using it almost everywhere - cleans 110%

MetzgerMeister

Curran wrote: »

Excuse me????

I'll do as I wish! And have done to many engines....never a single problem!

Same here.

Funny how someone comes along and calls us muppets for doing this when they don't know us nor have they ever seen us work.

I always use a pressure washer on an engine detail job. I cover all electrical components with tin foil except the battery which I cover with thick rags and cling film. It can be awkward but it's never worth taking chances.

What people seem to forget is that rainwater gets into the engine at high speeds so as long as you don't focus the pressure washer on anything delicate, you're fine.

What I do is get the engine up to full operating temperature, let it cool a bit, cover in engine cleaner/degreaser, scrub everything with brushes, wash off, repeat as necessary. Then start the engine, let it idle for 2 minutes, drive the car and get it up to full temp again to help remove water then hand dry. After that it's on with the 303.