Engine bay cleaning tips???

[Atx_Versa]

I finally have a good part of the weekend off and I want to clean out the engine bay because is dusty and dirty.

You guys have any tips or advice for me?

All advice would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance!

[BBISHOPPCM]

Many people would recommend against this, but I simply hose mine off with plain water at the self-serve car wash bay. I use high pressure. My engine still looks new, after two harsh new england winters. The reason this is not recommended is water may get into certain components, but there isn't much under the hood that is sensitive to water, as electrical components and connectors are well sealed from the elements, especially modern distributor-less ignition systems. I've been doing this for seven years, on all my cars, and it seems to be the most effective way.

NEVER use any engine cleaners or chemicals. This WILL cause damage to plastics, wire insulation, and paint.

If the car wash method makes you uneasy, a simple garden hose will do the trick.

Be sure to drive the car at least 10 miles after cleaning the engine bay, to dry the water. This is important if you live in an area where the car may freeze overnight, as water expands as it freezes, and could damage certain components.

[CodeRed]

You could use a Engine degreaser, let it sit for the time listed on the bottle and rinse down with with a garden hose.

Few precautions to take could be to cover your alternator with a plastic bag and to cover the air filter as well.

Remember to allow to fully dry before driving.

For a little shine use a product called F21 (interior dashboard cleaner) and go over all the plastic with it and it will look better then new.

[BBISHOPPCM]

I am going to have to disagree on the degreaser... unless your engine is absolutely filthy (from oil leaks), it can only do more harm than good. I used this on a newer model vehicle once, and all plastics turned to a dull finish, and it made no improvements on the engine appearance. The only time I used degreaser is on old, leaky engines.

[CodeRed]

Yes, the degreaser will leave the plastic a dull finish thats why I said to wipe it down with F21 after. I've done it on two cars with fantastic results.

[vincent_18]

I work at a dealership, so we just let the car run...spray engine degreaser on it..none of the electrical will get affected, then just use the garden hose and mist it on the engine...then just let it run and dry off that way.

[feloniousmonk]

NEVER use any engine cleaners or chemicals. This WILL cause damage to plastics, wire insulation, and paint.

Not all cleaners are created the same.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/pr...age=1

[#1Tango]

i just get an armor all wipe and wipe the dirt off... i don't see any harm in that...

[scooterbob]

The way I've done it for years (and never had a problem) is to get a can of WD-40. I basically spray the entire can all over the engine and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then I rinse everything with water from a low pressure garden hose. Lastly I blow everything fairly dry with compressed air, which also helps get the water out of any place you don't want it.

As someone else said, try to protect your alternator. Not a huge hazard, but I never spray water directly into it.

[Vahagn23]

I never done it, but when i drove to california, I asked for a check up on the car and they washed it for free. They used soap and water to clean the engined and everything else.

[Slither]

Dumb question:

Can I damage/crack an aluminum engine [HOT] with cold water?