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Any recommendations on cleaning the engine bay? The previous owner (my father) decided to drive it in the rain and play in the mud puddles before shipping it up to me. There's dirt and pebbles all over the place. I'd like to get it clean so I can show it off at the local car show.
Some just asked me how to clean an engine to prepare for a car show...
A Swiffer wand is your best friend - it can get into areas you didn't even know existed, but a judge will find. Again, a light spray of Simple Green all over the engine, scrub with a soft brush to agitate the dirt loose, then LIGHTLY hose off (with a MIST setting on the hose). MAKE SURE YOU COVER THE ALT AND ALL ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS. Then I always use any product that will make the engine parts a bit shiny...makes your engine stand out more.
Once your done, it will look like this...
Last edited by Mayor111; May 23, 2018 at 11:01 AM.
I hate to be one to say "use the search" also but I agree with that in this case. There are so many techniques, tips, tricks, etc, that are best served by you first reading up on what everyone does, taking what you think is best/easiest to do, and then going from there.
I will say what I do though just to throw it in. When I clean my engine bay I Simple Green it down real good, use a lot of elbow grease, and then for the satin black parts - fuse box cover, wiper cowl, fender liners, etc - I use tire dressing. For any exposed wire looms and such I scrub them. I don't try to use any actual water anywhere if it can be avoided.
Considering you don't know the exact condition of driving sans how the car was presented to you, I would also clean the drain udders and remove the radiator cowl and clean between the radiator and condenser. There are some good posts here on the forum on how to do these two things.
Thanks, I did use the search and didn't see anything that really stood out for what I was looking for. Are there any part that I should stay away from? Do you cover the battery & fuse box with anything?
Thanks, I did use the search and didn't see anything that really stood out for what I was looking for. Are there any part that I should stay away from? Do you cover the battery & fuse box with anything?
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I have used an air compressor and a nozzle attachment to get rid of dust and pebbles from the engine bay. I agree with the Swiffer - it does wonders picking up dust. The Simple Green and LIGHT spray of water works well and then a follow up with the air compressor for drying does the trick. I also use an Absorber (synthetic chamois) to wipe things down.
Engine Bay - How to clean it?
