Engine Bay Cleaning

TheGuyWho

TheGuyWho

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Hi, new here. And I m not sure if Im posting this in the right section or not, but a buddy told me this was the place to get answers for detailing…
Anyways, I just finished detailing my wifes Honda Element. Came out ok, BUT I popped the hood, and, well, looks like ive neglected it waaaay too long. I know how to dress it up, but how do you clean it safely when its got 5 years of dirt caked on it? Im afraid to pressure wash it. Last time I did that to a mustang of mine it caused all kinds of problems. Does anyone have any suggestions? Should I pay someone to do it right? Hopefully I can save some coin and do it myself if anyone knows a safe way to do it.
Thanks! :xyxthumbs:
 
I normally do it with some degreaser and some micro fibers, then dress once its cleaned up. Spray the degreaser in your MF if you feel uncomfortable spraying it on the engine. Take stuff apart if you want a more thorough cleaning/detail.....



Can't wait to get my Steamer!!!!
 
Think the best thing to do is IMO:

Wrap up all electronics, alternator, terminals, open fuses, wires at there connectors etc (with plastic bags, or lunch wrap stuff) . Make sure they are nice and snug. Personally i would the give the whole engine bay a spray with the hose (try to get it mainly on the dirt and not frenzy the entire thing) let it sit, then spray over with some degreaser or engine cleaner. Personally i just use degreaser, $15 for a gallon and agitate with a large brush, then go over with a toothbrush for those tight and hard to get to places around edges, tubes, pipes etc.

I did that on my 1989 corolla. that had dirt caked on after 20 years. it took me a few hours and a very sunburnt back, but boy did it help sell it!
 
What works for me is to get a good degreaser. I use either Meguiars APC, or chemical guys grime reaper. I warm the engine, not hot! I mist with water, then I then spray them degreaser all over the degreaser. Once I have done that, I close the hood and let some allow the degreaser to dwell. After a few minutes I POP the hood and use a brush to agitate problem areas. I apply more cleaner if necessary. Once I feel it is clean, I rinse with water. I do not pressure wash, just a shower of water. I use aluminum foil to cover areas such as the air filter, if exposed, and possibly the alternator. I then run the engine to help dry the compartment. I use microfibers to blur all standing water. I then use the dressing of the day and apply to all hoses and plastics, wiping away any excess.
 
B&B Tennessee said:
I normally do it with some degreaser and some micro fibers, then dress once its cleaned up. Spray the degreaser in your MF if you feel uncomfortable spraying it on the engine. Take stuff apart if you want a more thorough cleaning/detail.....



Can't wait to get my Steamer!!!!
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When detailing under the hood, do I need to cover any parts or avoid anything when cleaning it? I'm thinking about using APC+ or Super degreaser with MF and maybe a brush.

Can you just spray down using power washer? I don't have any clue how to detail engine.
 
slickooz said:
When detailing under the hood, do I need to cover any parts or avoid anything when cleaning it? I'm thinking about using APC+ or Super degreaser with MF and maybe a brush.

Can you just spray down using power washer? I don't have any clue how to detail engine.
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CieraSl just posted this link up - Engine Detailing, car engine cleaning, engine cleaner, engine detailing how to, how to clean an engine, , which looks informative.

I personally again am one of the few on here that doesn't use water unless to mix with my chemicals or for carpets. I am so use to just getting in there with some good degreaser or APC and wiping everything by hand..... because I do this I never cover anything because I either spray in my MF or am careful where I spray the chemicals.... The water method may be great - just always done it my way! Check out the link CieraSl posted, may be the route to go..... but I will stick to what has worked for me.:dblthumb2:
 
Jaayman said:
Yeah its best if you can just wipe i guess, but some times water is easier. was for me anyway, helps to wash it all off as well.
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Now that I am thinking about it - I did turn down an engine detail last year because a guy went mudding and it got thrown all over the engine.... I mean it was bad as could be. I told the gentleman that I don't feel comfortable using water on engines - he was cool with it and let me did everything else to his ride. I guess safety always sticks first in the back of my head - for the detailer and the vehicle - and I've heard to many horror stories of people getting water in the wrong places - and wala, big bill to pay! So, I like my method personally lol
 
B&B I've heard to many horror stories of people getting water in the wrong places - and wala said:
haha fair enough. ive done my engine bay a few times with water. all carburetor vehicles. was interesting, would drive off and here a tick. then would go (must of been when water evaporated).
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I usually do one of two things...depending on the engine.

1.) Turn the vehicle on, cover up risky parts with plastic bags. Spray degreaser, and pressure wash quickly and don't soak. Just quick passes. Let it dry, then dress

2.) This option I do a lot in the winter cause I can do it inside. This takes longer, but works great. Vehicle is off for this one. Just spray degreaser, and bust out the steam cleaner. Then dress.

I like the steam in the winter just cause it doesn't soak the engine, so nothing will freeze if it sits outside. Plus, I don't freeze being outside. Also, if you get an engine you don't feel comfortable getting too wet...this option works great. :D
 
Out of curiosity, has anybody had any problems as a result of spraying down an engine with water? Electrical problems, part failures, etc.? I'm just one of those weird people who kinda freaks out about taking any water under the hood. Just afraid of messing something up. I posted the link because I thought it might be helpful. I have cleaned under the hood using a "rinseless method" - check it out: Cleaning an engine with just ONR, APC, and Hyper Dressing - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online. However, I think that method is best suited to engines that are only lightly dirty, not really nasty dirty.
 
Kristopher1129 said:
2.) This option I do a lot in the winter cause I can do it inside. This takes longer, but works great. Vehicle is off for this one. Just spray degreaser, and bust out the steam cleaner. Then dress.

I like the steam in the winter just cause it doesn't soak the engine, so nothing will freeze if it sits outside. Plus, I don't freeze being outside. Also, if you get an engine you don't feel comfortable getting too wet...this option works great. :D
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Are you rubbing it in Kris?!?!?! Im gonna have mine very soon my friend! Can't use it on jobs until I steam the entire home according to the boss - but she is letting me buy it!
 
CieraSL said:
Out of curiosity, has anybody had any problems as a result of spraying down an engine with water? Electrical problems, part failures, etc.? I'm just one of those weird people who kinda freaks out about taking any water under the hood. Just afraid of messing something up. I posted the link because I thought it might be helpful. I have cleaned under the hood using a "rinseless method" - check it out: Cleaning an engine with just ONR, APC, and Hyper Dressing - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online. However, I think that method is best suited to engines that are only lightly dirty, not really nasty dirty.
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I had an issue with a vehicle one time where some water got to one of the spark plugs. I just air hosed them dry. That's really the only issue I've ever had.

If you make sure the engine is running, it helps a lot. Just let it run for a few minutes after you spray it down. The heat from the engine will dry everything up quickly. Sometimes you'll hear a pulley or something squeaking for a bit, but it goes away once it's dry.

I don't recommend using a regular standard hose to clean an engine. Either a pressure washer, or a steam cleaner is your best bet. You don't want to soak it. :xyxthumbs:
 
Thank you so much for the help and direction! Its greatly appreciated!!!

Im super cautious when it comes to deep cleaning an engine bay. I typically dont let things get this bad (with cars that I like) but this is my wifes car, and I hate it… Hahaha
I pressure washed one of my mustangs a few years ago and I got water down by the spark plugs and under the spark plug covers. It caused corrosion, and major issues with the car after that. I'll never do that again!!

I will be making a trip down to the store tomorrow to grab some degreaser! Thanks again for all the help. I really didnt expect this many responses.
 
Using a regular water hose is fine. Everything in the engine bay is water resistant and all important plug have gaskets. The only thing you need to be careful not to do is flooding the valve covers and fuse boxes. A light shower is all that you should use and is all that is necessary (like hosing your car down.) Don't dwell to long on one spot. I would actually be more careful with pressure washers if you do use one as going too close would force water pasts seals.
 
Lasthope05 said:
Using a regular water hose is fine. Everything in the engine bay is water resistant and all important plug have gaskets. The only thing you need to be careful not to do is flooding the valve covers and fuse boxes. I would actually be more careful with pressure washers if you do use one as going too close would force water pasts seals.
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A standard hose isn't gonna break up a lot of that grease and grime. You need the pressure to get the results IMO. I used to work with a guy who would only use a standard hose. He would sit there working on an engine bay for an hour trying to get out all the crap missed by not having pressure.

Takes me 15-20 minutes tops. The pressure has always done nothing but good things for me when it comes to cleaning an engine. Never had a mechanical issue what so ever.

Of course it's different if you keep up with your engine bay. A standard hose will do fine if you actually clean it frequently. But, most my customers are once, maybe twice a year. Or, just a random detailing. As long as you cover up the risky parts...you can blast away. :cheers:
 
Kristopher1129 said:
A standard hose isn't gonna break up a lot of that grease and grime. You need the pressure to get the results IMO. I used to work with a guy who would only use a standard hose. He would sit there working on an engine bay for an hour trying to get out all the crap missed by not having pressure.

Takes me 15-20 minutes tops. The pressure has always done nothing but good things for me when it comes to cleaning an engine. Never had a mechanical issue what so ever.

Of course it's different if you keep up with your engine bay. A standard hose will do fine if you actually clean it frequently. But, most my customers are once, maybe twice a year. Or, just a random detailing. As long as you cover up the risky parts...you can blast away. :cheers:
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I rely on my products and chemicals to do the work is I can do a much more thorough job actually scrubbing and agitating every part of the engine bay. I have a pressure washer, but for me, I see no need to use it in the engine bay.
 
B&B Tennessee said:
Are you rubbing it in Kris?!?!?! Im gonna have mine very soon my friend! Can't use it on jobs until I steam the entire home according to the boss - but she is letting me buy it!
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haha, not rubbing it in man. My steam cleaner was only about $150. I know you want that VX-5000. That's the real deal. But for what I've used steam for...this little Mculloch does a great job for cheap money. Plus it came with quite a few attachments. You should check it out. It would prolly be good for just quick little jobs for you...or at least a back up.:xyxthumbs:
 
Kristopher1129 said:
haha, not rubbing it in man. My steam cleaner was only about $150. I know you want that VX-5000. That's the real deal. But for what I've used steam for...this little Mculloch does a great job for cheap money. Plus it came with quite a few attachments. You should check it out. It would prolly be good for just quick little jobs for you...or at least a back up.:xyxthumbs:
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I seriously may do that - my biggest use would be for bus interiors though - so much surface to deal with that I think the Steamer would not only do great on but would save alot of time and products..... engines and stuff like that are perks of the machine in my eyes. Although I can say - and this gets brought up ALOT here - if it doesn't perform well on carpets, I am sending back and going back to the mytee lite II and getting the 150 dollar steamer.
 
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