How do you clean your engine bay?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Fl
How do you clean your engine bay?
I've done a search on "Engine detailing", "Cleaning Engine", and a few others to no avail. So if it's out there, I apologize.
What do you guys do to clean your engine bays? I used to (with my old cars) use Simple Green and wash it with a water hose. Two years ago I washed my Cobra and as I was driving, the alternator died, so now I'm leary about washing my engine bay. I don't have a leaf blower to blow dry my motor (I know most guys do this).
Any help would be appreciated.
What do you guys do to clean your engine bays? I used to (with my old cars) use Simple Green and wash it with a water hose. Two years ago I washed my Cobra and as I was driving, the alternator died, so now I'm leary about washing my engine bay. I don't have a leaf blower to blow dry my motor (I know most guys do this).
Any help would be appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,385
Likes: 6
From: Campbell CA
Warm engine up a bit - NOT HOT - just very warm. Spray everything with Windex or the green stuff.
Close hood - wait about ten minutes.
Spray compartment with hose - make sure you're using a spray nozzle - again avoid the electronics as much as you can. Don't drench things - just spray as needed.
Then I pat dry with one of my "car towels".
Then spray everything with Armorall - this time avoid the belts as much as possible.
Close hood and wait another few minutes. Then I use paper towels to remove any excess Armorall.
This will give you a clean engine compartment that looks like you spent hours polishing!
Good luck.
Close hood - wait about ten minutes.
Spray compartment with hose - make sure you're using a spray nozzle - again avoid the electronics as much as you can. Don't drench things - just spray as needed.
Then I pat dry with one of my "car towels".
Then spray everything with Armorall - this time avoid the belts as much as possible.
Close hood and wait another few minutes. Then I use paper towels to remove any excess Armorall.
This will give you a clean engine compartment that looks like you spent hours polishing!
Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
It lasts longer and does not attract dust and dirt.
http://303products.com/tech/index.cf...Product_ID=428
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Fl
Warm engine up a bit - NOT HOT - just very warm. Spray everything with Windex or the green stuff.
Close hood - wait about ten minutes.
Spray compartment with hose - make sure you're using a spray nozzle - again avoid the electronics as much as you can. Don't drench things - just spray as needed.
Then I pat dry with one of my "car towels".
Then spray everything with Armorall - this time avoid the belts as much as possible.
Close hood and wait another few minutes. Then I use paper towels to remove any excess Armorall.
This will give you a clean engine compartment that looks like you spent hours polishing!
Good luck.
Close hood - wait about ten minutes.
Spray compartment with hose - make sure you're using a spray nozzle - again avoid the electronics as much as you can. Don't drench things - just spray as needed.
Then I pat dry with one of my "car towels".
Then spray everything with Armorall - this time avoid the belts as much as possible.
Close hood and wait another few minutes. Then I use paper towels to remove any excess Armorall.
This will give you a clean engine compartment that looks like you spent hours polishing!
Good luck.
I use 303 Aerospace Protectant rather than Armorall.
It lasts longer and does not attract dust and dirt.
http://303products.com/tech/index.cf...Product_ID=428
It lasts longer and does not attract dust and dirt.
http://303products.com/tech/index.cf...Product_ID=428
I used to use the Armour All afterwards as well. I'll try the 303 Aerospace since I just bought some a week ago.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
With the hood seal installed, the engine bay isnt as dirty as it should. I wash my car every saturday. That also includes cleaning as much as I can in the engine bay. I get Simple Green, spray it on a car towel and I just rub it across all the surfaces I can in the engine bay. Then, I take a dry towel and repeat. Engine stays clean, I dont have to worry about drenching the electronics, its easy, and fast. The Hood seal definitely makes a huge difference.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 14
From: Gig Harbor WA
FWIW: I parallel GOZ2FST, but use "Fantastic" for cleaning with great success. I've also found "SonofaGun" protectant to be superior to Armerall -- it lasts a lot longer and easier to use. I use it on all the rubber trim -- from weather strips to tire sidewalls. When applied to the black trim on top of the rear bumper on my C-1500 pickup, it stays black and fresh-looking for 6 months. Both are great products, and sell for much less than specialty automotive products.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,346
Likes: 5
From: Mustang OK
You can also find a lot more info on this subject in the Car Care Discussion section of the Forum. Too, several very knowledgeable people and a few professional detailers hang out in that section.
Good luck with the cleaning.
Good luck with the cleaning.
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Brett Foote
MFIC
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 14
From: Charlotte, North Carolina
I have not used any chemicals on mine for cleaning, I just blow the dust off with air blow gun.
And wipe everything down with a rag misted with armor all.
And wipe everything down with a rag misted with armor all.
I've done a search on "Engine detailing", "Cleaning Engine", and a few others to no avail. So if it's out there, I apologize.
What do you guys do to clean your engine bays? I used to (with my old cars) use Simple Green and wash it with a water hose. Two years ago I washed my Cobra and as I was driving, the alternator died, so now I'm leary about washing my engine bay. I don't have a leaf blower to blow dry my motor (I know most guys do this).
Any help would be appreciated.
What do you guys do to clean your engine bays? I used to (with my old cars) use Simple Green and wash it with a water hose. Two years ago I washed my Cobra and as I was driving, the alternator died, so now I'm leary about washing my engine bay. I don't have a leaf blower to blow dry my motor (I know most guys do this).
Any help would be appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 30
I spray on engine brite. Then I spray it off with the hose, then i start the car and let it get up to temperature. By that time, most of the water is evaporated. I get the puddles with a rag. Also, I use armour all too on some of the black parts. Make sure you cover your alternator, the battery area, and any other things that seem like they won't be water-friendly. The computer is under the battery area so be careful on that side. I spray from the passenger side. Don't douse it either, use light mist spray w/ water. It cleans up real nice, real fast.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I've had mine since new and all I have used is an air compressor to blow the dust off, then use a moist Absorber to wipe things down. If I have a little grease to clean up, I just spray some Simple Green on a rag and wipe the mess up.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Title town, Champs live here.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
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I try to clean it regularly so it doesn't get to dirty to start with
I use Son of a Gun on all the plastic parts and a damp cloth on the metal parts.
I use Son of a Gun on all the plastic parts and a damp cloth on the metal parts.