Engine Compartment Detailing C5
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
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I use a spray on engine cleaner on a cold engine. Scrub off with a brush. Hose off then get your leaf blower out. Never had a problem using this regimen.
I reserve the pressure washer for under the car. Connect the PW to the hot water drain of your hot water heater for better cleaning.
I reserve the pressure washer for under the car. Connect the PW to the hot water drain of your hot water heater for better cleaning.
Last edited by red-in-la; Dec 17, 2011 at 11:27 AM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
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From: Surprise Arizona
It is safe if you take few precautions. Dont blast the high pressure spray directly at the electrical conectors, be careful around the decals, etc., the high pressure can damage them.
I warm the engine, not hot, then spray the greasy or really dirty parts with simple green. Some engine cleaners will stain or discolor the aluminum, use caution with them. Give it a few minutes to soak in. If really dirty brush it a little. Wash it all clean and blow dry it with your leaf blower. Towel dry. Should come out very nice.
I warm the engine, not hot, then spray the greasy or really dirty parts with simple green. Some engine cleaners will stain or discolor the aluminum, use caution with them. Give it a few minutes to soak in. If really dirty brush it a little. Wash it all clean and blow dry it with your leaf blower. Towel dry. Should come out very nice.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,414
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From: Texas
I use a spray on engine cleaner on a cold engine. Scrub off with a brush. Hose off then get your leaf blower out. Never had a problem using this regimen.
I reserve the pressure washer for under the car. Connect the PW to the hot water drain of your hot water heater for better cleaning.
I reserve the pressure washer for under the car. Connect the PW to the hot water drain of your hot water heater for better cleaning.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Simi Valley CA
After spraying off.. spray some Tire Shine all over everything except the belt and alternator (and pulleys). Do not wipe off, just close the hood and drive around a little. Comes out "car show" perfect.
Melting Slicks
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From: Tampa Bay, Go BUCS!!!Go Rays!!!Go Lightning!!!
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careful,,,
I think "pressure" is the key word here. I've used the low pressure spray at the local self wash but I don't recommend hi pressure. Low P will get off most dirt/dust/sand without a problem, , , simple green and low P for the rest.
JMHO
JMHO
Last edited by jbondfl; Dec 17, 2011 at 01:25 PM.
Pro
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From: Lodi Ca.
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If you really need to clean the engine bay, I'd spray on some good engine cleaner then use a low pressure stream of water to hose it off. Then an air compressor or leaf blower to dry the engine bay. Once it is clean, then each time you wash the outside of the car just do a little detailing maintenance under the hood to keep it looking sharp.
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Le Mans Master
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A lot of folks use pressure washers to clean engines (I used to) with no ill effects. However I offer an alternative...no water, use purple power, toothbrushes, cloths, a lot of time (17 hours on mine for the initial clean), patience and an engine dressing of your choice, experiment a little to see what results you like with the final dressing. The potential problem with pressure washing is, it can introduce water or moisture into electrical connections and other places where over time (or immediately) will cause problems. If you use hot pressure water you will get condensation where you don't want it and then that will cause problems. The alternate method I described will take longer, but you have no chance of damaging anything (except your knuckles).
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Westchester County, NY
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Westchester County, NY
I clean it once a week. Now that someone found lint, the car is going on the C5 For Sale page. Just imagine if others see lint. I could get thrown off the Forum.
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