Under hood Cleaning
Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 458
Likes: 2
From: The Great Northwest
St. Jude Donor '13
Q-Tip and a small syringe with water....(just kidding)
I actually have good luck with my air compressor (cranked down to about 50 psi) to blow the loose stuff out and then I just use paper towels, a long screwdriver (with cloth on the "business end" for the nooks and crannies and some water. I sometimes use Simple Green for the "real" dirt. It is good to hear you are not neglecting that area! Our engine compartments are pretty neat looking when kept clean and even look better when you get some bling under the hood.
I actually have good luck with my air compressor (cranked down to about 50 psi) to blow the loose stuff out and then I just use paper towels, a long screwdriver (with cloth on the "business end" for the nooks and crannies and some water. I sometimes use Simple Green for the "real" dirt. It is good to hear you are not neglecting that area! Our engine compartments are pretty neat looking when kept clean and even look better when you get some bling under the hood.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 1
From: San Jose CA
What I do:
- use the leaf blower to blow any/all dirt in the engine bay
- use armor all wipes (yellow) to clean off/brighten up all the black "plastic" stuff, eg engine covers, cowl, left/right side where top of wheel well is, rubber moldings, oil/water/ etc caps etc.
My engine bay is stock (no painted/carbon/custom parts)...and no catch can (yet).
For cleaning the radiator, what others have said...
Good luck,
Eric
- use the leaf blower to blow any/all dirt in the engine bay
- use armor all wipes (yellow) to clean off/brighten up all the black "plastic" stuff, eg engine covers, cowl, left/right side where top of wheel well is, rubber moldings, oil/water/ etc caps etc.
My engine bay is stock (no painted/carbon/custom parts)...and no catch can (yet).
For cleaning the radiator, what others have said...
Good luck,
Eric
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The engine bay in my car was very clean when I bought it used so all I have had to do is just keep it touched up every time I wash the car. I simply blow off the dust with an air compressor or use a Swiffer duster and gently lift off the dust. Then I follow up with a moist Absorber to wipe down the area. If you have some grease/oil you want to remove, just use a rag with some Simple Green to wipe it off - works great.
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St. Jude Donor '15
i use a shower cap from a hotel to cover the alternator. i keep them when i stay somewhere. simple green sprayed on a warm not hot engine to get the dirt loose. then a garden hose to rinse, being careful not to over-do it around the intake area. i have actually used the pressure washer at the car wash before with no problems. if you have compressed air, then you can use it to get excess water out right away.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: The People's Republic of NY
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Norman Oklahoma - The Only State in the Union with no Blue Counties!
water down the Simple Green and spray some on trouble areas at the car wash, let it soak for a few minutes then wash away with low pressure rinse. Not a bad idea to cover sensitive electronics but they are tougher than some would have you think. High pressure spray is not needed and is probably the worst enemy of any engine bay. When it is all clean get some Adams In and Out Detail Spray. Incredible stuff. Spray it on all the rubber, plastic areas under the hood. You don't have to worry about overspray onto any metal parts, it just goes away but shines any none metal surfaces,,,amazing stuff.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
Once you get it clean it's easy to keep clean.
I have used the car wash wand. But don't pull the trigger, soap it down, let it sit for a few minutes ( I usually wash the rest of the car then go back) and rinse with the spot free selection. Try to stay away from the alternator as much as possible, if possible use a shower cap to cover it. But it's not a have to, but I wouldn't recommend wetting it down all the time either.
Go home and dry everything with a microfiber towel, then spray the black parts, to include the rubber hoses with this stuff. This stuff has protectant in it that softens and protects rubber components from drying out and the sun. Use it on your weather strip and your dash. I use it on my whole interior except for the seats where I use a leather conditioner.
Let it sit for a few minutes then wipe it off.
I spent 15 minutes on my engine bay Saturday and came home with this
I have used the car wash wand. But don't pull the trigger, soap it down, let it sit for a few minutes ( I usually wash the rest of the car then go back) and rinse with the spot free selection. Try to stay away from the alternator as much as possible, if possible use a shower cap to cover it. But it's not a have to, but I wouldn't recommend wetting it down all the time either.
Go home and dry everything with a microfiber towel, then spray the black parts, to include the rubber hoses with this stuff. This stuff has protectant in it that softens and protects rubber components from drying out and the sun. Use it on your weather strip and your dash. I use it on my whole interior except for the seats where I use a leather conditioner.
Let it sit for a few minutes then wipe it off.
I spent 15 minutes on my engine bay Saturday and came home with this
Last edited by RetiredSFC 97; Aug 8, 2013 at 08:28 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
Sorry for the multiple posts.
Once you get it done once then all you need to do is rinse it at home like was suggested, and blow it off with an air compressor or with a towel, and then continue on with the Superior tire and interior dressing.
Any place you have trim like your cowl or your weather strip, use this spray to keep them lubricated and protected.
Once you get it done once then all you need to do is rinse it at home like was suggested, and blow it off with an air compressor or with a towel, and then continue on with the Superior tire and interior dressing.
Any place you have trim like your cowl or your weather strip, use this spray to keep them lubricated and protected.