How to clean engine bay properly
01-31-2011, 05:15 PM
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How to clean engine bay properly
Ive never cleaned my engine since i bought the car a year ago... 
But i was just wondering if its actually safe to use a pressure washer at a car wash? And that engine cleaner setting; just use that then let it sit and spray it off? And one youtube video said do it with your car running but not if its too hot? And what should i cover up to be safe? I just dont wanna ruin anything... Thanks =)
But i was just wondering if its actually safe to use a pressure washer at a car wash? And that engine cleaner setting; just use that then let it sit and spray it off? And one youtube video said do it with your car running but not if its too hot? And what should i cover up to be safe? I just dont wanna ruin anything... Thanks =)
01-31-2011, 05:26 PM
#3
Pressure washer and detergent will not harm the motor, just take your time and use the fan nozzle with a sweeping motion, while not deluging electrical components. I do this every spring as well as the rest of the car. That salt and brine pre-treater they use on the roads does nasty stuff to under carraiges and the body.
01-31-2011, 11:12 PM
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02-01-2011, 07:44 PM
#11
I just spray mine down with degreaser or GM engine shampoo, then pressure wash the **** out of it (I put a bag over my GMPP filter obviously though haha) then I just use compressed air on everything and make sure its all dry (connectors mostly), then I spray some Meguiar's Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner on the plastics then I just wipe the shiny stuff...
02-01-2011, 09:53 PM
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Cover the very important electrical components such as Alternator and Fuse Boxes, using a general purpose cleaner diluted with water poured into a spray bottle and utilizing a paint brush, clean the hard to reach areas, let the product sit for a few minutes. Spray the engine thoroughly with a garden hose. A high pressure spray works best. Repeat on any areas needing a more thorough cleaning, if you have an air compressor, air dry the engine compartment and finally wipe away any water residue.
After that you can utilize a product like this Turbo Wax :: Leather, Vinyl and Rubber :: Turbo Wax Leather, Vinyl, and Rubber Protectant (16 oz) to dress the engine compartment.
Engine Bay AS Found
Engine Bay Detailed using Turbo Wax LVR
After that you can utilize a product like this Turbo Wax :: Leather, Vinyl and Rubber :: Turbo Wax Leather, Vinyl, and Rubber Protectant (16 oz) to dress the engine compartment.
Engine Bay AS Found
Engine Bay Detailed using Turbo Wax LVR
02-11-2011, 09:20 PM
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So some of the car wash places around me have an "engine spray" are those not recommended? I've see a couple guys spraying their trucks with just your standard, car wash hose, I'm assuming using that engine cleaning option.
03-14-2011, 12:30 PM
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detailing spray, and i use those blue shop paper towels you get at auto zone or wherever. not **** enough to use the qtips to clean unless its for a car show or whatever.
06-20-2016, 08:14 PM
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Well I had my girlfriend's dad power wash my engine and that resulted in my traction control light to turn on. It's been a week and it turns on and off. It's off in the morning then after driving for a bit the Damn thing turns back on. Anyone by chance know what this is before i take it in?
06-20-2016, 10:32 PM
#21
Routine maintenance is the best way, but initially, lots of brakeclean, toothbrushes/wirebrushes/simplegreen/powerwashing.
Taking a toothbrush to all of the wire looms makes a big difference.
Anything that's too far gone - remove it to clean it better or paint it! Things like the motor mount and valve cover go a long way for making the whole bay look fresh.
From there, spend a few minutes after every wash going over everything with an old wet rag, brush, and some more light solvents if needed!
AND HAVE FUN.
Taking a toothbrush to all of the wire looms makes a big difference.
Anything that's too far gone - remove it to clean it better or paint it! Things like the motor mount and valve cover go a long way for making the whole bay look fresh.
From there, spend a few minutes after every wash going over everything with an old wet rag, brush, and some more light solvents if needed!
AND HAVE FUN.
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