Many of you know how meticulous I am about cleaning my car - Well, look under my hood and you'll really see how nuts I am about it! Heck, I've even cut myself trying to keep the engine bay clean!
Let's hear from those of you who are just as interested in keeping under the hood clean and on top!
Please post your Products, Information, Tips, Tricks, Experiences (good and bad) & questions here!
____________________ Get in, Sit down, Shut up and HANG ON!
ive thought about using one of those steam sharks.i used to own my own detail shop but that was before those hand held steam machines,id love ssome tips, any suggestions would be of great help . thanks
To keep my engine bay clean I use my air compressor and a engine cleaning wand. It has a hose so you can use some degreaser and soapy water, then just use the air to dry it.
____________________ Honda's are like assholes, everyone has one.
I power wash mine probably once a month or so. Then for the times in between those cleanings I use Orange scented Pledge to keep everything clean, hoses and all. I have found that using Pledge helps keep it cleaner longer because the dust and dirt doesnt build back up as quickly.
I have been known to dismantle parts of the engine bay so I could get at things not normally accessible .
____________________ My car is a synner! It uses Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants.
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it
Simple green or a multi purpose cleaner, something mild. I spray it on and hose it off every time i change my oil. Wipe plastic areas with vinyl dressing. Di Electric grease works great on rubber seals. Have 92,000 miles ond looks like new.
Can you use a spray car wash to clean the engine, on '05 Focus', in the past I used to clean my Mazda Protege' engine this way, with no probs. Been hesitant to use spray car wash, since I did my '91 Miata. I'm old enough to know better, Miata has long spark wire connectors and filled each spark plug hole up with water. I had to use a turkey baster to suck up excess water and used long screw driver with cloth to soak up excess water but no damage. Felt like a D.A. though!!
I'd be carefull using high pressure on your motor. A hose should be good enough. I use plastic bags to cover the fuse box, and alt. use compressed air to blow water out of the spark plug holes or your plugs could rust.
Whenever I clean my engine I always am certain I'm not 'flooding' the compartments and I do it when the engine has been running and warm...not hot.
Always check your plugs to be certain they are on there securely and try to avoid getting water into your intake (if for any reason you have your box off or any other way of getting water in that engine).
I do NOT use high pressure, but I do use the local car wash...just don't pull the trigger. You'll get enough pressure to rinse what you need.
You can also just use a spray degreaser of your choice, then a wet cloth that you don't care about or a sponge with a bucket. Make sure you're not going to use the same sponge on your car etc. for obvious reasons.
I also love to use Product 303. It's uses are practically endless. I use it interior on my dash etc., on my tires, and under the hood on the plastic and rubber hoses. I even use it on my door seals to keep them from deteriorating. It's avail. at http://www.topoftheline.com Awesome, non-petroleum based product and low glare.
If you really fee uncomfortable with hosing your engine down, saran wrap (plastic wrap) and electrical tape can help cover your valve cover and all those lovely wires/plugs.
Have fun!
____________________ Get in, Sit down, Shut up and HANG ON!
When I clean the dog house of my car I just spray it off with a low pressure water hose. After the engine dryies off then I use the Armoral Cleaning wipes ad clean the hell out off every part of the engine that is plastic or looks plastic. Then I take the actual Armoral and wipe the clean parts down. Let that stuff sit for like 30 minutes and then wipe it off, if not put a light coat on and just leave it. The fire wall I use some sort of tire wax. (can't remember the name of it) That stuff I just spray on and leave it. This looks good for shows and stuff. I've won cleanest engine awards at cars shows by doing this!
____________________ "Drive it like you Stole it!"
Many of you know how meticulous I am about cleaning my car - Well, look under my hood and you'll really see how nuts I am about it! Heck, I've even cut myself trying to keep the engine bay clean!
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