How to: Engine Bay Cleaning

[davidp94]

I am a little wry to clean/detail my engine bay. Of course, my number one concern is making it look pretty only to find out that it wont start or runs poorly. I know there is a lot of electrical in there. Are there any precautionary steps I can take to make this a job not a nightmare?

Also, in an effort to clean of the bay, I have considered removing the hood insulation, it's wearing away slowly.

Can i just rid myself of the insulation or will that do me harm?

[zswap0429]

As far as cleaning goes... degreaser (I use purple power) and a ton of elbow grease. NO PRESSURE WASHER! I found the best time to clean is when you have your upper plenum off.

As for the insulation... it is there to protect the paint on the hood from the hot engine. Continual driving without it will cause the paint to start to fade and flake off.

Also welcome to NICOClub.

Ps: when you put "how to:" in your title, it normally is instructions. Just for future reference

[davidp94]

Nice color on your Z. Ill look into Purple Power. So a light mist from a garden hose I'm guessing? Anything in particular i should cover (i.e., electrical)? Ill definitely purchase new insulation from CZP.

[zswap0429]

Be very careful with the connectors as they are very brittle! And since this seams to be a new z for you i would check the "everything you need to know" post. And yes a light mist will help do the trick. But do not drown the engine. Allot of times the coil packs will become corroded if to much water gets around the seal.

[zswap0429]

Purple power is available in almost every automotive parts store

[davidp94]

Oh I've had my Z for a while only never dared to try anything that would upset it. I'm knew to the forum though, did I post in the wrong section?

[davidp94]

Purple power is available in almost every automotive parts store

Just did a quick internet search. I'm in Canada..none of the Canadian stores sell it. I've looked at Canadian Tire, Lowes, Home Depot. If anyone has it, it should have been Canadian Tire.

[zswap0429]

Hmm. Not sure what the equivalent would be up there. But I would just find any degreaser and see how it works for yourself.

Yes you did post in the right section.

[Z-owned]

I wouldn't use a hose at all, light mist or not water will mess things up quick. As for cleaning purple power, simple green etc. just find a degreaser that you know and trust. Grab a bunch of rags, toothbrush etc and go to town. Took me 4 hours first time I ever cleaned my bay to get it where I was happy.