Detailing/Cleaning engine compartment...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Kissimmee FL
Detailing/Cleaning engine compartment...
Does anyone have any suggestions/comments on the best way to clean and detail the engine compartment? I was thinking of just wiping things down with some type of cleaner/degreaser, but then I noticed all the dust and dirt down deeper in there that would be impossible for me to reach. I was wondering if anyone has just sprayed the compartment down with some water. Anything in there not going to like getting wet?
Thanks,
Jeff
Thanks,
Jeff
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
i used diluted degreaser and misted it on the parts, then wiped down with a damp (water) cloth. Obviously you want to avoid the alternator and battery area.
then followed up with in-out spray. youll have to find some other spray though.
15 minutes of work later:
then followed up with in-out spray. youll have to find some other spray though.
15 minutes of work later:
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 14,108
Likes: 26
From: 4th on the list of top 100 in USA Ga.
If you have an open element filter cover it with a plastic bag,with a warm engine ,spray a degreaser ,simple green is good ,let it set for about 10 min. then rinse,be careful not to get the degreaser on painted surfaces,it may cause problems.You may have to do it more than once.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 328
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
St. Jude Donor '08
Water
I did the water thing because of the dirt too. Long story short. I now get a P2101 code. When I floor it, the legs get knocked out from under, "Reduced Engine Power, Active Handling, Traction Control" warnings come on. I've disconnected and cleaned and WD40'd and still get it. I'm now going to try replacing the throttle position sensor (17113566 Part # ?) as soon as I confirm the part number. Bottom line be careful! 
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
I did the water thing because of the dirt too. Long story short. I now get a P2101 code. When I floor it, the legs get knocked out from under, "Reduced Engine Power, Active Handling, Traction Control" warnings come on. I've disconnected and cleaned and WD40'd and still get it. I'm now going to try replacing the throttle position sensor (17113566 Part # ?) as soon as I confirm the part number. Bottom line be careful!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Kissimmee FL
Wow... that was fast. I didn't expect any answers that fast.
So, I am going to assume that most people don't spray there engine down to detail it. Correct? So I just need to get some detailers spray or something similar to wipe it down? Should we start a poll to see what is the most popular?
Jeff
So, I am going to assume that most people don't spray there engine down to detail it. Correct? So I just need to get some detailers spray or something similar to wipe it down? Should we start a poll to see what is the most popular?
Jeff
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 0
From: Perry Hall MD
I spray mine with Simple Green and use a tire brush to hit the area that I can. I then rinse the motor with water while the motor is running, that way if the motor hesitates I can stop with the water.
I then spray the deep down areas with In and Out Spray from Adams, which thanks to the great state of California is no longer available. I also use Adams's VRT on the larger areas.
I then spray the deep down areas with In and Out Spray from Adams, which thanks to the great state of California is no longer available. I also use Adams's VRT on the larger areas.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 104
From: Des Moines Iowa
I use Eagle One brand NANO Protectrant spray. It works great on plasice and rubber, cleans as you wipe, and does NOT leave the greasy, shinny, mess that Armor All leaves behind. I also use the NANO on my interior plastic pieces and dash.
No, I don't work for or have any financial interest in Eagle One.
No, I don't work for or have any financial interest in Eagle One.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,037
Likes: 9,801
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
I spray with a 50/50 mix of Simple Green and water. Once the compartment is soaked with it I let it sit for 5 minutes and then use a hose with cold water to rinse the engine compartment. I do not hit the electrical connectors with a hard spray but use a gentle spray when spraying around them. Once the rinsing is done I close the hood and start the car and let it idle until it comes up to 220 degrees. I let it run for a couple of minutes at this temp and then shut off the car and open the hood. I have always found all the water evaporated after doing this. I use this process on all of my cars and haven't had any problems in over 20 years of doing it.
Bill
Bill
