Suggestions for cleaning a Q's Engine Bay

[The Big Dog]

It's finally spring in Toronto and after a thorough cleaning, inside and out, including conditioning the seats, door and window seals, I feel it's not complete with the nasty, skanky engine bay staring at me. I remember my dad regularly had his engine steam cleaned but something tells me not to do it with today's electronicity under hood. Is there a recommended way to clean my Q's heart without resorting to a vacuum cleaner and a box of Q Tips? What have you guys done? Thanks, in advance, for any suggestions.

[elwesso]

I like to use simple green... Spray it full strength over the engine bay (wet it first obviously) and then let it sit for a little while, then rinse off..

Then again, my engine bay hasnt ever been that dirty ever... Ive cleaned some really dirtry engine bays like this and it WORKS!

[rsiwicki]

I know this sucks to hear this comment as I don't like hearing it...but do a search on the forums and just type in "clean" and on the third page you will see this post was asked about a month ago...by yours truely "me"

http://www.nissaninfiniticlub....clean

here is the link just to make things easier for you....

[elwesso]

I like that link, and its good for really bad engine bays, but if your just has a litlte bit of dirt and grime, my method will work fine.....

[The Big Dog]

My engine bay isn't THAT dirty but would look a lot better if it was cleaner.

I've seen the name Simple Green on various household prods. Is there one for automotive applications?

[The Big Dog]

Rsiwicki - thanks for the lead - I searched virtually every combo of terms without luck but did not try "clean" - thanks for the info all.

[rsiwicki]

I did the method that AzHitman told me to use and it worked great. I got a whole can of engine degreaser from the auto parts store...and then drove to a high pressure wash area...turned off the car...popped the hood and went next door to eat breakfast while the engine cooled down.....40 minutes later....I started spraying and scrubbing everthing...I bought some scubby sponges and a couple of metal toot brushes...and worked on it for about 30 minutes and then pushed it into the car wash sprayer and sprayed it all off. Then pushed it out of the car wash and towel dried everything and let it sit for another 40 minutes while I some bumm was telling me his life story and then fired it up and all is good. I had never cleaned the engine...now it is spotless and much easier to work on. I did not do any of the shinny stuff...just wanted a clean engine.

[s13sr20chris]

i should mention that every so often i see a car come in the shop with water in the plug holes, dist, or some other thing due to someone washing the motor. please cover electrical stuff with something.

[wamQ45]

Gloat....wife bought me one of those gas powered pressure washers for my birthday, no hinting or anything. Anyways....cleans engines great!

[nuQ]

the leaf blower works real well for blowing all the water out of the cracks and crevices, after i towled down everything i could reach. this is important, esp. with the Q and that deep V under the plenum. alot of water sits in there. i should be able to post my pics of the engine, from last weekend, tomorrow. stay tuned.jeff

[1qckser]

Here is a pic of my 193,000 engine, still needs a lil more cleaning.

[Jesda]

Advice I got from a friend:Buy Formula 2001 for $4 at Wal Mart in the auto section.Drive the car around, heat it up.Spray it down with water.Spray on the F2001 while its wet. Let the car idle for 20 minutes -- steam will start to come off.Wash it all off. Wallah.

-Jesda

[1qckser]

I used the formula 2001 on my initial cleanup, basically the same process, now that it is clean a casual spray at the local wash takes care of everything.

[AZhitman]

TrimBlack works well too, and isn't as "greasy".