Engine Bay Cleaning: Best Method??
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 37
From: The Woodlands Texas
Engine Bay Cleaning: Best Method??
So I'm pulling the motor this week and then start the engine bay cleaning. What is the best cleaning method?
Background on my car:
- Body off restoration 5 years ago.
- The engine bay cleanliness is a 3 on a scale of 5
- I have a small oil leak underneath that has spread throughout the bottom of the car (how to best clean)
- My car is on a 4 post lift.
- Frame is in great shape, but paint is very dull...needs refreshed.
I read some where that brake dust cleaner in a spray bottle was a great option???????....or was that brake fluid in a spray bottle?
Background on my car:
- Body off restoration 5 years ago.
- The engine bay cleanliness is a 3 on a scale of 5
- I have a small oil leak underneath that has spread throughout the bottom of the car (how to best clean)
- My car is on a 4 post lift.
- Frame is in great shape, but paint is very dull...needs refreshed.
I read some where that brake dust cleaner in a spray bottle was a great option???????....or was that brake fluid in a spray bottle?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
I use Simple Green or Castrol Super Clean for this task. Just get a cheap plastic tarp protect your concrete floor and throw it away when done. I also have an "El Cheapo" hand held steam cleaner that does a really great job on grease cleanup (originally bought for wallpaper removal.)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 34
From: Ontario
I would use varsol and a paint brush on the oil & greace area's and then spray the whole underhood area with a citrus based cleaner and put the garden hose to it .
Brake cleaner or carb cleaner is too harsh for me .
Bill
Brake cleaner or carb cleaner is too harsh for me .
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi cw,
Since you say that the car was restored just 5 years ago I think I'd begin with the gentlest cleaner that will get the results you're looking for.
If you use something strong that will overpower the grime it may also be hard on the various finishes the restorer used on the frame and running gear.
I think I'd start with diluted Simple Green as listed on the bottle's instructions. You can then increase/decrease the strength once you see what's happening.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Since you say that the car was restored just 5 years ago I think I'd begin with the gentlest cleaner that will get the results you're looking for.
If you use something strong that will overpower the grime it may also be hard on the various finishes the restorer used on the frame and running gear.
I think I'd start with diluted Simple Green as listed on the bottle's instructions. You can then increase/decrease the strength once you see what's happening.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 315
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I meant the paint on the frame and engine bay. It was recommended and sold to me by a Survivor judge. They also make a marine version, seen it at boating stores.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 81
From: Hamilton Virginia
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
I'm working on my engine bay now and have been faced with the same question.
To this end, I recently had to rebuild my 60 gallon air compressor (oil leak in the back and a bad check valve) so I would have ample air available to blow off the cleaning agent I choose to use.
To clean the greasy, nasty, gooey compressor head, I used the Harbor Freight water-based degreaser I use in my parts washer along with a cheap nylon 1" wide paint brush.
WOW! It was staggering how clean the parts came with a good washing with that stuff and a rinse with clear water.
Anyway, that's going to be my strategy here in a few weeks when I (finally) get the wiring and vaccum hoses clear.
To this end, I recently had to rebuild my 60 gallon air compressor (oil leak in the back and a bad check valve) so I would have ample air available to blow off the cleaning agent I choose to use.
To clean the greasy, nasty, gooey compressor head, I used the Harbor Freight water-based degreaser I use in my parts washer along with a cheap nylon 1" wide paint brush.
WOW! It was staggering how clean the parts came with a good washing with that stuff and a rinse with clear water.
Anyway, that's going to be my strategy here in a few weeks when I (finally) get the wiring and vaccum hoses clear.