Posts: 4264
Joined: 4/10/2006 From: San Leandro, CA Status: offline
Hey guys....may sound like a stupid question...but other than steam-cleaning is there a preferred quick way to clean the engine bay? i'm going to my first meet on saturday...no mods under the hood but I would just like to get rid of the 6 years of dirt and gunk all over the engine...mainly the intake manifold. Is it ok to just hose down the engine with a high pressure hose? Any suggestions? Thanks,
Its not going to hurt if you take precautions. Cover the CAI filter if exsposed, the Coils and leave the motor running. Try not to spray constantly in one spot. Washed cars for all my life and never had a problem with just plain old High pressure at the car wash. THe only time was on a truck and you just have to let it dry out. After its done drive it awhile the you will have to clean polish by hand. Try a tire shine for all the plastic and black stuff.
laserred, I do the following to my stang and my wife's s2000, here is the thread from the s2k sight, explaining how to, never had a problem got both products at Autozone...If you can't find the Mequiars detailer, go with simple green automotive and cut it 50% with water....Cd-2 engine detailer drys hard and doesn't attrack dirt. http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=278999
Here's what you do, makes anything look show quality:
Rub anything possible with a sponge w/ soap and water (dish soap is good) Dump all excess soap over engine and bay Rinse off well Let Dry Take your favorite tire cleaner and spray away. Don't spray any metal, doesn't do nothin for it. I like wet'n'protect, gives all the plastic n' rubber a nice gloss.
Here's what you do, makes anything look show quality:
Rub anything possible with a sponge w/ soap and water (dish soap is good) Dump all excess soap over engine and bay Rinse off well Let Dry Take your favorite tire cleaner and spray away. Don't spray any metal, doesn't do nothin for it. I like wet'n'protect, gives all the plastic n' rubber a nice gloss.
+1!!!
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'98 GT Paxton NOVI 1000 S/C PI Intake and Cam BBK Headers and X-Pipe Cobra Rims ... and many xtras!
Posts: 3897
Joined: 3/31/2005 From: Indianapolis, IN Status: offline
If your car is real dirty and greasy underneath, get a can of Engine Gunk stuff from your auto store, and follow the instructions. Stuff works GREAT. Now, be sure to do it one day or evening when you won't have to drive it right away, as you MIGHT get water some places you shouldn't, and cause it not to start or maybe idle very rough! But don't worry, let it dry out for several hours and it should be good.
When done, then soak all the rubber/plastic parts with a tire foam or CDC Engine Detailer as suggested above - makes for a great "show" finish
I work at a ford dealership detailing cars, and this is the process i use.... First wet engine real fast with a quick spray of the water hose. Then spray degreaser all around the engine. Turn the power washer on and spray everything off. After that, i spray a chemical called engine shine, its a white liquid. Let it sit for a little bit and come back to wipe off the excess. Here is an example of motor in my 87 firebird...
Before cleaning....
After cleaning and engine shine....
Hope that helps
< Message edited by 91fox -- 5/12/2006 1:09:36 PM >
Posts: 3897
Joined: 3/31/2005 From: Indianapolis, IN Status: offline
Hey 91fox - the top of the drivers side shock tower/mount looks pretty rusty - even after the clean. Might want to pay that some attention, unless I'm seeing things
You can get almost the same results as above using full strength (or extra stength automotive) Simple Green! I use it all the time and never have to worry about desolving my driveway payment, killing the grass and gardens or screwing up sensitive plastic and aluminum/alloy parts. Not to mention the finish of your car. Most all engine degreasers are strong, harsh chemicals. I much prefer the simplicity and safety of Simple Green.
On a slightly "warm" engine, spray Simple Green liberally over the entire engine, accessories, firewall, battery, etc. Wait about 40 seconds and spray off with the hi-speed stream setting on your common garden hose nossle. You may have to reapply the dirtiest areas and losen any impacted areas with a brush or other similar device. Most of today's engines will not be caked up that bad as they all tend to run pretty tight so dirt, grease and road film does not have a chance to build up to a thick mess. Let air dry for about five minutes and you will be amazed how good your engine with look! It will even cause any brightwork you may have to shine like it was just polished. I must do my engine at least 6 times a year. No hassle, in less that five minutes you are done.
PS: Use Stoner's Tire Shine.....best stuff going! In less than a minute a tire you will be done and have a great, long lasting shine.
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'98 Mustang GT- Triple Black Convertible Gold Pony Graphics w/Gold Nose Pony Steeda Sport Springs, 3.73 Gears Tokico Struts & Shocks w/KYB Quads Magnaflow Catback, March Under Pulleys AF Plenum w/FR 70mm TB, BBK CAI EBC Rotors & Green "Snot
we cleaned my brothers engine bay with a pressure washer. the only thing that went bad was hte next day his belts were squeeking. lasted for about a week. couldnt take it anymore so we went out and bought new belts.
Personally I wouldn't use a pressure washer on my engine bay. I agree with Deannostang Simple Green works the best. I spray the engine bay with a spray bottle full of good old water. Then I spray it liberally simple green. Let it sit for a minute or two. I have different sized brushes that I use including a toothbrush. Scrub all areas that I can and then re spray with it with the water bottle until it is completely flushed out. You can use the garden hose on low pressure. I just don't like to. I wipe all the areas I can get my hand in and onto. A bit of Mother's aluinimum (sp) polish on some of the metal surfaces and I finish up with 303 on the hoses and other black surfaces.
You'll be fine just leave the car running and stay away from the coil packs and alternator and go easy on the battery and fuse box. Spray degreaser all over before hand. P>S> don't sray too close to your headliner....you'll shred it apart. But do clean it!!!
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cleaning the engine - 
