Clean Engine Bay
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,333
Likes: 0
From: Athens OH
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 308
Likes: 1
From: Jamestown Ohio
Search this question - its been asked before and several members said that simple green will run the finish on aluminum parts. I wipe mine down when once a week with an old cotton sock - sometimes dry and sometime wet (the sock stays on your hand so you dont have to hold it plus protect your hand form cuts and scraps) and after I wash the outside I wipe under the hood and then use Son of a Gun tire foam on everything then wipe up the excess. It turns out great and has a high gloss finish. Makes all hoses and belts look like new. The Son of a Gun will make dust stick to it so it may not be great for DD (quick and easy for car shows). Some use a hood seal to help keep dust out as well.
The simple green will mess up unfinished aluminum if you spray it on without first diluting it,especially if you let it sit without immediately washing and rinsing the part.I learned that the hard way on a motorcycle.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 665
Likes: 0
From: DON`T MAKE ME BLEED MY OWN BLOOD!!! TX
The idea of using the water to clean the engine bay or under the hood isn`t for me cause it`s a big possibility that water can ruin all those electrical devices and such.I use wet towel the wipe the dirt off it takes time but at least much more safer,than use almoral or maguire for making it look clean and shiny here is the result........
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
There is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) out on how washing engine with water can damage the knock sensors (under the manifold). It tells you to build an RTV dam when replacing to keep water out.
Simple Green will corrode aluminum.
Simple Green will corrode aluminum.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,420
Likes: 8
From: Southern New Jersey, The wet part at the bottom
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I agree with some that are less than enthusiastic about using ANY water in the engine compartment what with all the connectors,grounds,tunnels under the battery leading to the PCM, etc. My vert is 5 years old and I've been cleaning the engine bay the "hard way" all this time by hand and would love to Gunk it/rinse with hose and blow dry. I just can't get past the possibility of corrosion causing electronic/electrical problems.
Have always been able to "hose down" every car,truck,boat,motorcycle I've ever owned but this deal, I don't know?
Have always been able to "hose down" every car,truck,boat,motorcycle I've ever owned but this deal, I don't know?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,791
Likes: 44
From: Loudon/Lake Mary Tennessee/Florida
Email Heather at Adams and she will tell you.
