engine compartment cleaning
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 0
From: This is not a Song, It's an Outburst: Or, The Establishment Blues; Sixto Diaz Rodriguez
I'll use the leaf blower first, to blow away sand, a small debris, than I use Simple Green, small brush in places, when needed, light stream of water to wash it all away, leaf blower again, to help dry it out, and than a nice ride to help finish drying it. 
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 110
From: Chandler AZ
Hopefully it is NOT TOO DIRTY........
I use 1/3 Simple Green, 2/3 water. (again depends on engine condition)
Cover Alternator with a plastic bag
I use tin foil to cover coil packs (after removal of FRC's) & any exposed wires or terminals that I think may get affected. Tin foil can be formed to the object being protected.
Once I apply the cleaner, I let set 10-15 minutes & lightly (not power ) spray off thoughly. I then take my leaf blower & concentrate on the "pooling areas of water". Remove the tin foil & bags & then immediately start the car & let it idle a few minutes to make sure all is well.
Depending on how often you drive the car....this type of procedure will keep your engine bay looking very nice.
If interested, send me your e-mail & will send pics.
Good luck........pretty easy.
I use 1/3 Simple Green, 2/3 water. (again depends on engine condition)
Cover Alternator with a plastic bag
I use tin foil to cover coil packs (after removal of FRC's) & any exposed wires or terminals that I think may get affected. Tin foil can be formed to the object being protected.
Once I apply the cleaner, I let set 10-15 minutes & lightly (not power ) spray off thoughly. I then take my leaf blower & concentrate on the "pooling areas of water". Remove the tin foil & bags & then immediately start the car & let it idle a few minutes to make sure all is well.
Depending on how often you drive the car....this type of procedure will keep your engine bay looking very nice.
If interested, send me your e-mail & will send pics.
Good luck........pretty easy.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,628
Likes: 397
From: Madison Wi
remove FRCs and intake and cover throttle body inlet with plastic bag and rubber band.
compressed air first to blow away the loose stuff
soak the entire engine bay down with Simple Green and let it sit a minute or two.
Use a soft long bristled brush to work the simple green into everything
rinse with a low pressure garden hose
Use several soft towels to dry everything off. This will also serve to remove some more dirt from detail areas.
Once it is dry do a final spot detailing.
Spray entire engine bay with 303 Aerospace Protectant and remove excess with a rag.
Clean FRCs and air intake system with 303 AP and reinstall.
Sit back and admire your factory fresh looking engine bay!
I also use my mightyvac to suck the water out from under the intake manifold. Don't worry about getting under hood components wet, everything under the hood is designed to withstand low pressure water. Do not use a pressure washer under your hood because it can push water past seals meant to protect items from moisture.
compressed air first to blow away the loose stuff
soak the entire engine bay down with Simple Green and let it sit a minute or two.
Use a soft long bristled brush to work the simple green into everything
rinse with a low pressure garden hose
Use several soft towels to dry everything off. This will also serve to remove some more dirt from detail areas.
Once it is dry do a final spot detailing.
Spray entire engine bay with 303 Aerospace Protectant and remove excess with a rag.
Clean FRCs and air intake system with 303 AP and reinstall.
Sit back and admire your factory fresh looking engine bay!
I also use my mightyvac to suck the water out from under the intake manifold. Don't worry about getting under hood components wet, everything under the hood is designed to withstand low pressure water. Do not use a pressure washer under your hood because it can push water past seals meant to protect items from moisture.
Last edited by TraceZ; Nov 25, 2009 at 09:35 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,594
Likes: 959
From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
FRS stands for Fuel Rail Covers. They are what is covering the valve covers. When you remove them, you will see four (4) coil packs on each side. The FRC are easy to remove, just pull up on the bottom edge and then on the top.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria Ca.
Mine was spotless when I bought it a year ago,and I've kept it that way-nothing leaks,so a weekly dusting with a mini car duster is all it needs.
I used my wifes feather duster till I got caught-apparently,no matter how clean the engine is,
"THAT'S NOT what a featherduster is for ! "
I did check it out,and nowhere on it does it say "Not for automotive use".
She can be sort of unreasonable sometimes.
I used my wifes feather duster till I got caught-apparently,no matter how clean the engine is,
"THAT'S NOT what a featherduster is for ! "
I did check it out,and nowhere on it does it say "Not for automotive use".
She can be sort of unreasonable sometimes.
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 630
Likes: 81
From: VA
I just bought my '04 w/37K miles. As far as I could tell, the engine area had never been cleaned. I covered nothing, sprayed Griot's Engine Cleaner on everything in sight, and used an Autogeek detail brush to scrub everything down for about 15-20 minutes. Gently rinsed off the dirt and suds. Using an old terry cloth towel, soaked up a lot of the water and ran the engine for 10-15 minutes. Lastly, sprayed Griot's Engine Bay Dressing throughout the engine compartment. Engine area never looked so good!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 1
From: Pearl Mississippi
Mine was spotless when I bought it a year ago,and I've kept it that way-nothing leaks,so a weekly dusting with a mini car duster is all it needs.
I used my wifes feather duster till I got caught-apparently,no matter how clean the engine is,
"THAT'S NOT what a featherduster is for ! "
I did check it out,and nowhere on it does it say "Not for automotive use".
She can be sort of unreasonable sometimes.
I used my wifes feather duster till I got caught-apparently,no matter how clean the engine is,
"THAT'S NOT what a featherduster is for ! "
I did check it out,and nowhere on it does it say "Not for automotive use".
She can be sort of unreasonable sometimes.
