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Appearance & Detailing Interior & Exterior Appearance Modifications

How to clean the engine bay ?

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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 11:57 AM
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From: spangdahlem/bruch germany
Default How to clean the engine bay ?
Hey guys what's the safest way to clean the engine bay with no problems or short circuiting anything ect.. And what is safe to use that you can find at any stores thanks ..
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 12:27 PM
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I've use the car wash for years, with no problem. Noting special, just the engine degreaser.
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 12:30 PM
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From: spangdahlem/bruch germany
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Do you cover anything?
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 12:44 PM
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Avoid Drenching the PCM.

I use Meguiars Super Degreaser which is killer stuff and various brushes.

I sometimes run the motor for a minute to get some heat into the block. A cold surface makes it hard to get off subborn stuff.

Rinse, Spray, Dwell, Aggitate, Rinse, Repeat. Dry with towels and running the engine and let it steam off.

Dress if you like. Gel tireshine will make it look killer or a specific engine dressing. I have used Meg's Hyper Dressing Mixed 1 to 1 ratio.
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 01:00 PM
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From: spangdahlem/bruch germany
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Gotcha thanks any advice for cleaning the under the car?
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 01:13 PM
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To be honest, degreaser, or some use dawn dish soap since your not dealing with clear coat, rather regular painted surace. Good brush and warm water.
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 03:19 PM
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Sweet!! wheel wells? Lol I been trying to get these answers before and everyone ignores me :/ !
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 03:20 PM
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Thanks blackscreaminmachine
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 04:14 PM
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Good info! Definitely need to clean mine here for Spring!
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 07:08 PM
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A good all purpose cleaner. If its rubber ill have to check. Into the specific product.
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Old Mar 9, 2012 | 04:25 AM
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a drill with a wire brush can be your friend under your car.
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Old Mar 9, 2012 | 03:24 PM
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Great info. I'm about to start cleaning mine to prep for paint before dropping the new motor in.
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Old Mar 9, 2012 | 07:40 PM
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A good steam cleaner is amazing for cleaning the engine/bay.
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Old Mar 9, 2012 | 09:43 PM
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where did you get a steam cleaner? are you talking at a car wash?

what about the opti getting wet?
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Old Mar 9, 2012 | 11:05 PM
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I use simple green and CD2 to finish it off
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Old Mar 14, 2012 | 10:52 PM
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i pay to have it done for 15 bucks and it comes out looking like new and there are no issues with hazing so im happy.
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Old Mar 15, 2012 | 05:31 AM
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spray your engine bay down with degreaser, use the whole bottle. let it sit for 10 minutes.

rinse with low pressure garden hose. avoid direct aim at electronics.

idle engine at operating temperature for at least 10 minutes.
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Old Mar 18, 2012 | 09:36 AM
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Simple Green, a soft brush/brush/garden hose or pressure washer really works wonders.

I try and avoid letting it sit for too long though.
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Old Mar 18, 2012 | 11:16 AM
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Some guys hose it down but I'm paranoid, I usually use a damp rag and a cleaner
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Old Mar 21, 2012 | 10:49 PM
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i'm a fan of the Gunk line of products. Just spray on the degreaser and use a wire brush to get off any corrosion or heavy build up. Then I use their engine detailer and a microfiber to wipe it all down. I use aluminum polish on the brake lines and A/C lines, even the hose clamps and they shine up pretty nice
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