Engine Bay Cleaning

[JDBishopArts]

My technique is really easy and I've never had any problems. Always do it with your motor cool. I cover my intake (it's an open element) and battery with a towel. I spray Kaboom over everything. Simple Green works too. Don't soak it but a good mist. Let it sit for about 5 min then I spray it again and this time use a microfiber towel on the delicate stuff and a cotton towel on the blower/motor and other stuff that requires a little more scrubbing. I rinse it off on the lowest setting on the hose or pressure washer, whichever I'm using. Then I'll very lightly mist it all with armor all then wipe it down with a microfiber or cotton cloth depending on what it is and done. It looks great.

[Dominic Toretto]

Originally Posted by JDBishopArts My technique is really easy and I've never had any problems. Always do it with your motor cool. I cover my intake (it's an open element) and battery with a towel. I spray Kaboom over everything. Simple Green works too. Don't soak it but a good mist. Let it sit for about 5 min then I spray it again and this time use a microfiber towel on the delicate stuff and a cotton towel on the blower/motor and other stuff that requires a little more scrubbing. I rinse it off on the lowest setting on the hose or pressure washer, whichever I'm using. Then I'll very lightly mist it all with armor all then wipe it down with a microfiber or cotton cloth depending on what it is and done. It looks great.

So other than the battery and intake element, you don't cover any of the wiring, alternator, etc?

-Alex

[JDBishopArts]

Originally Posted by Dominic Toretto So other than the battery and intake element, you don't cover any of the wiring, alternator, etc? -Alex

Nope. Most of that stuff is sealed good anyway but I don't even put enough water on it to cause trouble. Just mist it and dry it with a rag.

[jerseyjoe]

Start with a cold engine, not hot! I always cover the alternator, battery, mass air, and as many sensors/electrical as possible. That 303 protectant works great on black plastics as well. Here's a decent link below:

http://www.autogeek.net/engine-guide.html

[46Tbird]

I clean the engine compartment every other time I wash the car. Leave the hood up for ~10 mins first, and then use a light cleaner like Simple Green or if you're at a self-service car wash, use the Presoak. Then rinse it. I use the high pressure spray but do it from a few feet back so it's not so focused.

I have a "third" chamois that I use for drying the lower body cladding and the engine compartment ("first" and "second" chamois are for glass and paint, respectively).