Cleaning the Engine bay the best way....
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 9,830
Likes: 2
From: Wallingford CT
Cleaning the Engine bay the best way.... Well. I have owned cars that I actually cared about the engine bay's look and cleaness for over 10 years and for the last 7 have been with a 4th Gen F-body.
Often, I just use a rag/terry towel with simple green or some sort of cleaning solvent and it has worked well for most of the engine bay. But as I further look at the car, I see just grime and crap on the motor and the standard oxidized aluminum that all 4th gen cars see. This car has 44k on it, and the 1st 30k was DD in Boston every day that it didn't snow and I honestly havent done a complete detail.
Going back to my LT1 days, the use of a pressure washer was a big No, No. So thats why I just got by with solvent and rags but there are more crevaces that I care to admit and I was to really just get it cleaned and then do matience with detailer and rags as the car is driven on nice days and garage stored.
What is the best way to get into the engine tough spots and to do it safely and is using something like a pressure washer sound in theroy? What spots should I avoid (assuming PCM) and maybe coil packs??
What solvent tends to cut through the grime but is safe for the paint and aluminum?
Thanks!
Often, I just use a rag/terry towel with simple green or some sort of cleaning solvent and it has worked well for most of the engine bay. But as I further look at the car, I see just grime and crap on the motor and the standard oxidized aluminum that all 4th gen cars see. This car has 44k on it, and the 1st 30k was DD in Boston every day that it didn't snow and I honestly havent done a complete detail.
Going back to my LT1 days, the use of a pressure washer was a big No, No. So thats why I just got by with solvent and rags but there are more crevaces that I care to admit and I was to really just get it cleaned and then do matience with detailer and rags as the car is driven on nice days and garage stored.
What is the best way to get into the engine tough spots and to do it safely and is using something like a pressure washer sound in theroy? What spots should I avoid (assuming PCM) and maybe coil packs??
What solvent tends to cut through the grime but is safe for the paint and aluminum?
Thanks!
TECH Addict
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,374
Likes: 0
From: Amarillo, Texas
A pressure washer can be safe if used properly and with common sense. Cover and avoid major electrical pieces like the PCM.
With the engine *slightly* warm, give the bay a quick wetting. Apply an APC like Meguiars APC or APC+ generously and allow to dwell for a few minutes before gently agitating with a brush(es). Do not let the cleaner dry on any surface. Once clean to your satisfaction, rinse to remove all residue. Blow dry if possible, apply a water-based dressing, and let the motor run for a few minutes to aid drying and set the dressing. Use a microfiber towel to finish out.
With the engine *slightly* warm, give the bay a quick wetting. Apply an APC like Meguiars APC or APC+ generously and allow to dwell for a few minutes before gently agitating with a brush(es). Do not let the cleaner dry on any surface. Once clean to your satisfaction, rinse to remove all residue. Blow dry if possible, apply a water-based dressing, and let the motor run for a few minutes to aid drying and set the dressing. Use a microfiber towel to finish out.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 9,830
Likes: 2
From: Wallingford CT
Thanks!
I appreciate the replies and look forward to trying out the methods. I do not have a steam cleaner but I do have access to a power washer and if worse comes to worse, I can get my hands on a steamer too.
I appreciate the replies and look forward to trying out the methods. I do not have a steam cleaner but I do have access to a power washer and if worse comes to worse, I can get my hands on a steamer too.
