Recommendations for Engine Cleaning

[Reddwarf]

Anyone have recommendations for brushes or other tools that are good to use for cleaning the engine area?

 

[supercharged]

You brought up a good question. I have been always using terry towels under my hood, but would wanna see what other people use.

 

[ScottB]

I use Klasse AIO (painted parts) ... I use 303 Protectant (all rubber lines) and I use Quikshine around the edges and corners where water puddles. An occassional can of compressed air is used to get sand from cracks. Minor cleanings monthly mean no big cleanups later.

 

[Russecu]

Bringing it back. What kind of brushes, mitts, brands of APC, etc. are used? Also what is used for the underside of the hood? Klasse AIO is a good idea for painted parts I will try that.

 

[Whitethunder46]

the compressed can of air seems to be a really good idea, I should try that.

I just used Black Magic's engine degreaser that I saw at my local auto store. Sprayed it on, let sit for a couple minutes, and just rinsed it all down. Then sprayed on Zep All-Around for shine. Took about 20 minutes. Before and After pics.

 

[abrcrombe]

Looks like that worked well. I tried that Black Magic product (is it the one that is like a 1 step clean and dress?) but I hated it. And the smell stuck with me for a couple weeks!! If you are going to use a brush use a soft one with a long handle. An old mitt or some towels would work well. I have used Meg's proline of APC and Degreaser with pretty good results. I use this on the underside as well.
Maybe something like this would work http://www.autogeek.net/derewiwhbr.html
or this
http://www.autogeek.net/mothers-fender-well-brush.html

But I never needed to use a brush really...

 

[sparkie]

Bringing it back. What kind of brushes, mitts, brands of APC, etc. are used? Also what is used for the underside of the hood? Klasse AIO is a good idea for painted parts I will try that.

Megs apc, purple power, SG works.

 

[Torsion Tool]

One of my mechanics gave me a professional auto glaziers tool. It is about seven inches long by one inch wide and tapers to a blunt point at one end. The new ones are plastic, older ones were wood, but they both can be shaved as thin, sharp or rounded as you want. I've used it for everything from removing leaves from door gutters to scraping off melted plastic in the bay. Used carefully it won't scratch paint; it's very handy escpecially for tight spaces and crevices where even a hobbyists bottle brush can't fit. As good as degreasers may be sometimes you just need mild direct pressure. Stop by your local glass installer and ask to see one.