Engine Degreaser

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TheGrayAero

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Although it is not my first time cleaning an engine I want to do it right from here on out. I just picked up a 2000 Forester w/69k miles that probably has never been cleaned under the hood. I don't want to use any cleaners that will pit the metal/aluminum and brass coated pieces under the hood. What product is safe that won't etch any of the metals found under the hood?

Thank You!
 
TheGrayAero said:
Although it is not my first time cleaning an engine I want to do it right from here on out. I just picked up a 2000 Forester w/69k miles that probably has never been cleaned under the hood. I don't want to use any cleaners that will pit the metal/aluminum and brass coated pieces under the hood. What product is safe that won't etch any of the metals found under the hood?

Thank You!
Click to expand...

While not a degreaser, I use Wolfgang Total Engine Cleaner and it is my go-to: Wolfgang Total Engine Cleaner

BEFORE:
NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6MzllODM0YjUwMmE5N2EyYzcwM2NhZDJlMDRlMDczYjQ=


After:
NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6NzBjYWIxMjkwODU5Njc4N2U5MmM2YTVmZjQ4ZTFiZjY=


For really bad engine bay's I'll use McKee's Engine Degreaser. After the bay is clean you will have to go over everything and trim-detail the engine & bay.

Before:

NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6Y2EyOWI4OGIzYzg5M2Q0YWFkNGI0ZTg0YjU4NmNmNjk=



After:

NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6MmU2MTJhMTkzYjg0NDc3NTRkYjFhYTRlMzI3OGUwZWY=



This is a great article by Nick@Mckee's which explains his process, which I use as well, to include the products he uses:

How To: Detail Your Engine Like a Professional

Hope this helps!
 
LSNAutoDetailing said:
While not a degreaser, I use Wolfgang Total Engine Cleaner and it is my go-to: Wolfgang Total Engine Cleaner

BEFORE:
NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6MzllODM0YjUwMmE5N2EyYzcwM2NhZDJlMDRlMDczYjQ=


After:
NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6NzBjYWIxMjkwODU5Njc4N2U5MmM2YTVmZjQ4ZTFiZjY=


For really bad engine bay's I'll use McKee's Engine Degreaser. After the bay is clean you will have to go over everything and trim-detail the engine & bay.

Before:

NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6Y2EyOWI4OGIzYzg5M2Q0YWFkNGI0ZTg0YjU4NmNmNjk=



After:

NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6MmU2MTJhMTkzYjg0NDc3NTRkYjFhYTRlMzI3OGUwZWY=



This is a great article by Nick@Mckee's which explains his process, which I use as well, to include the products he uses:

How To: Detail Your Engine Like a Professional

Hope this helps!
Click to expand...


I already saw that but I was hoping someone would point out a product that is FOR SURE WON'T etch bare metals/aluminum found under the hood. Is the McGees 37 one of those products that won't harm?
 
TheGrayAero said:
I already saw that but I was hoping someone would point out a product that is FOR SURE WON'T etch bare metals/aluminum found under the hood. Is the McGees 37 one of those products that won't harm?
Click to expand...

Wolfgang Total Engine Cleaner will not etch or leave spots. McKee's will not etch anything however, it will leave a white streaking or spots that you will have to detail the engine bay after you're done. So the "FOR SURE WON"T" product would be WGTEC. ;)

How To: Detail Your Engine Like a Professional

The Mercedes S-550 engine above was cleaned with McKee's Engine degree, then trim-detailed with McKee's Trim-Detailer and Pinnacle Crystal Mist Detail Spray.

 
Sonax engine cleaner is a safe cleaner. Look at the video with Mike Phillips and the Sonax rep. And you will be safe and good. Was interested in the Sonax Plastic Care too when watched the video. It's a fire and forget plastic and rubber dressing like meguiars hyper dressing.

SONAX Engine Cleaner

SONAX Plastic Care
 
FWIW


I'm showing the SONAX Engine Cleaner at my class this weekend.

Before I go home I'm going to make a video as I walk around the garage showing SO MUCH STUFF being staged for the 3-day class and post it to my FB page here,


Mike Phillips - Home | Facebook



And... I'm not done!


I'll make a second video at the end of the day tomorrow showing EVERYTHING plus all the cars will be here.



:)
 
Mike Phillips said:
FWIW


I'm showing the SONAX Engine Cleaner at my class this weekend.

Before I go home I'm going to make a video as I walk around the garage showing SO MUCH STUFF being staged for the 3-day class and post it to my FB page here,


Mike Phillips - Home | Facebook



And... I'm not done!



I'll make a second video at the end of the day tomorrow showing EVERYTHING plus all the cars will be here.



:)
Click to expand...

How did the SONAX fair? I'm still looking for a reliable non etching engine cleaner.
 
Gunk has a variety of products
that will safely take care of any
type of engine funk. :dblthumb2:


Bob
 
I've been using Simple Green's Extreme Aircraft and Precision Cleaner (diluted at the correct ratio). It's safe on aluminum, plastics and carbon fiber. It does a fantastic job of cleaning oil and caked on grease. In fact, it's become my go-to cleaner for my collection of high end Italian bicycles.
 
I detailed the engine bay in my wife's Honda CRV today. I used 3D Orange Citrus degreaser, diluted 4:1. That was on the recommendation from someone in the forum here, and so glad they recommended that degreaser, it's a great product and not harsh. Sprayed the degreaser, let it sit for about 5 minutes, then agitated the surfaces using a small brush and rinsed off. I then followed up with applying McKee's Plastic Trim Restorer, another product I have been very pleased with. Cleaned it up real nice!

View attachment 65013View attachment 65014View attachment 65015
 
I have had good results with Griot's Garage engine cleaner.
 
luvmyrv said:
I detailed the engine bay in my wife's Honda CRV today. I used 3D Orange Citrus degreaser, diluted 4:1. That was on the recommendation from someone in the forum here, and so glad they recommended that degreaser, it's a great product and not harsh. Sprayed the degreaser, let it sit for about 5 minutes, then agitated the surfaces using a small brush and rinsed off. I then followed up with applying McKee's Plastic Trim Restorer, another product I have been very pleased with. Cleaned it up real nice!

View attachment 65013View attachment 65014View attachment 65015
Click to expand...

One of my favs too. Along with the Meguiars Super Degreaser.
 
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