cleaning engine compartment
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,996
Likes: 77
From: Louisville KY
I have used this method for years.
Early one Sat morn.
Start with with a cold engine. Spray simple green on the engine, hit the real dirty spots real heavy and maybe redo them after you have done the whole engine campartment.
Now the good part. Go in the house, sit down, and drink a couple cups of coffee.
Now go out, get your hose. Use the open end hose -- NO attachments. Use the regular water pressure to wash off the dirt and simple green.
This method will protect all the electrical connections. Power sprays or hoses with a nozzle can force water into your electrical connections.
Good Luck!!
Early one Sat morn.
Start with with a cold engine. Spray simple green on the engine, hit the real dirty spots real heavy and maybe redo them after you have done the whole engine campartment.
Now the good part. Go in the house, sit down, and drink a couple cups of coffee.
Now go out, get your hose. Use the open end hose -- NO attachments. Use the regular water pressure to wash off the dirt and simple green.
This method will protect all the electrical connections. Power sprays or hoses with a nozzle can force water into your electrical connections.
Good Luck!!
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 3
From: East Hampton CT
I have used this method for years.
Early one Sat morn.
Start with with a cold engine. Spray simple green on the engine, hit the real dirty spots real heavy and maybe redo them after you have done the whole engine campartment.
Now the good part. Go in the house, sit down, and drink a couple cups of coffee.
Now go out, get your hose. Use the open end hose -- NO attachments. Use the regular water pressure to wash off the dirt and simple green.
This method will protect all the electrical connections. Power sprays or hoses with a nozzle can force water into your electrical connections.
Good Luck!!
Early one Sat morn.
Start with with a cold engine. Spray simple green on the engine, hit the real dirty spots real heavy and maybe redo them after you have done the whole engine campartment.
Now the good part. Go in the house, sit down, and drink a couple cups of coffee.
Now go out, get your hose. Use the open end hose -- NO attachments. Use the regular water pressure to wash off the dirt and simple green.
This method will protect all the electrical connections. Power sprays or hoses with a nozzle can force water into your electrical connections.
Good Luck!!
I did the simple green too but used my electric Home Depot 1800 psi pressure washer on the low "fan" setting which is barely more than a good garden hose but is great for "sweeping" dirt off the motor. I couldn't believe how great it looked, and no electrical issues!
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 10
From: Simi Valley CA
If you use simple green, you may want to dilute it. It will dull (slight corroding) the aluminum. I use it, but just one the spots where it's a little greasy.
This is a blurb that I took off another thread. A little different way of doing it.
This is a blurb that I took off another thread. A little different way of doing it.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Columbia SC
This one is crazy but it works. Warm but not hot engine, spray down wet with windex, avoiding belts and alt inlets. Close hood wait 30 minutes. Spray off with water hose. While wet, spray down with Armor-all. Close hood again and wash the car. When you open the hood, you won't believe it! Just dab up the excess armor all and you are done, just like the day it came off the showroom floor.
If you have alot of excess buildup, you might want to prewash as stated in above posts, this is more of a finishing touch.
If you have alot of excess buildup, you might want to prewash as stated in above posts, this is more of a finishing touch.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 538
Likes: 9
From: Geneva, IL Bring back the Chief!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10,'13-'14,'19-'20-'21-'22
this may sound like heresy to some, but I take it to the local car wash and hit it with the high pressure washer. First take the covers off the coil packs, cause it gets dirty underneath. Wash with soap and rinse with plain water. Engine running.
Touch up after I get home.
I do this with all my vehicles (C5, Honda, Silverado, Jeep) and have never had a problem.
Now this method won't get you any medals at a show, but I've got a clean engine compartment.
Touch up after I get home.
I do this with all my vehicles (C5, Honda, Silverado, Jeep) and have never had a problem.
Now this method won't get you any medals at a show, but I've got a clean engine compartment.
