engine cleaning
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Louisville Ky
engine cleaning
Some of the members engine is spotless. Do you guys use Gunk or what? If I was to use this, should I cover my alternator or is there certain areas I shouldn't spray?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 960
Likes: 1
From: Trussville AL
Most of the guys here never let them get bad enough to use something like gunk. I use all purpose cleaner and hand towels. I clean a portion here and there and after awhile its all clean. Then its easy upkeep from there.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 859
Likes: 1
I used gunk this weekend to clean mine. I covered the alternator with a plastic walmart bag and I pulled off the coil pack brackets and hand cleaned the coil packs and set them to the side. Covered the engine with gunk, let it sit 15 mins, wire brushed some bad areas, and hosed off. Another area I avoided was the Battery area because the PCM is underneath it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 315
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,489
Likes: 311
From: Scottsdale AZ
I prefer Simple Green - - 50/50 mix with water and a warm engine - - I towel dry or use compressed air and then use tire foam on the plastic parts - - always cover the alternator and stay away from fuse box and battery.
Last edited by CQRT; Jan 31, 2014 at 07:21 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,055
Likes: 864
From: So Cal
I've never before had a car with an engine bay that stays so clean with minimal care.
Once a month I use a vacuum to clean out nearly all the surface dust, then use an air compressor to blow out every nook and then do a little more vacuuming. Then wipe every surface off with a towel and done. It takes 10 or 15 minutes at the most.
31,000 miles and it still looks showroom new. Once or twice I've used a damp cloth on a problem area and immediately dried it off.
I can't imagine any need for spraying any water in this engine compartment unless perhaps one constantly drives on a combination of dirt roads and wet roads. Luckily it never rains in California.
Yes, I have to admit this thing never gets driven in the rain, but it has been on a number of very dusty and dirty roads. Using the compressor immediately after driving on dusty roads seems to be the trick for keeping it clean.
Once a month I use a vacuum to clean out nearly all the surface dust, then use an air compressor to blow out every nook and then do a little more vacuuming. Then wipe every surface off with a towel and done. It takes 10 or 15 minutes at the most.
31,000 miles and it still looks showroom new. Once or twice I've used a damp cloth on a problem area and immediately dried it off.
I can't imagine any need for spraying any water in this engine compartment unless perhaps one constantly drives on a combination of dirt roads and wet roads. Luckily it never rains in California.
Yes, I have to admit this thing never gets driven in the rain, but it has been on a number of very dusty and dirty roads. Using the compressor immediately after driving on dusty roads seems to be the trick for keeping it clean.
Last edited by B747VET; Jan 31, 2014 at 05:20 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,735
Likes: 14
From: Visalia CA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,055
Likes: 864
From: So Cal
This one was installed/designed so that it is not visible when the hood is closed. Most of the ones I've seen appear to be attached on the leading edge of the hood front and visibly fill that front gap when the hood is closed.
Like you, mine is also a DD & it is so great to have an engine bay that stays so immaculate with minimal effort.
Last edited by B747VET; Jan 31, 2014 at 06:03 PM.
