Engine Cleaning

[Jman136]

Just curious on here who cleans their engine bay area? If so, what is your process? What type of detailer do you top it off with it to make it look purrrty?

I have been power washing mine once a year without any ill effects, but thought there might be a better process to use.

Thanks!

 

[Mazdiod2]

Good idea. I removed the oil cap, then just pulled up on the plastic cover. It was covered with dust so. I sprayed some diluted windex on it and then hosed it off.

I don't want to get a bunch of water all over everything else under the hood, though.

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

I do. I put rags over the open part of the alternator and a rag over the battery. You don't really need to do much else as really all of it is water resistant or gasketed. I usually use the self wash bay (not using the trigger)

 

[Sekmor]

Actually just did this the other day. I usually wash the under carriage and the engine bay a couple times a year when I swap the seasonal tires over. I might give it a light spray of Spray-9, and then blast away with my electric pressure washer. Been doing that since day 1 and no ill affects,

 

[CX5_Driver]

.... I might give it a light spray of Spray-9, and then blast away with my electric pressure washer. Been doing that since day 1 and no ill affects,

Spray Nine® Heavy Duty Cleaner+Degreaser +Disinfectant - Spray Nine

THE MOST VERSATILE CLEANER IN YOUR ARSENAL! Spray Nine's Heavy-Duty Cleaning, Degreasing and Disinfecting action tackles the toughest grease, grime, stains and bacteria where others fail. Spray Nine's "Triple Threat" formula delivers professional strength performance and has ...

www.spraynine.com

I guess it won't hurt to use a disinfectant in the engine bay.

I guess if you have some in the kitchen already.. why not bring it out to the garage right?

some other choices would be
Gunk FEB1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

SONAX 543200-755
https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

Purple Power 4319PS
https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

Oil Eater Original (read label for spray bottle ratios)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)


and MANY more.

 

[Jmaz]

Careful with the PURPLE POWER , that stuff can corrode aluminum fast.Had it happen on the aluminum wheels of my previous car.Read the fine print on the bottle label.

 

[CX5_Driver]

Careful with the PURPLE POWER , that stuff can corrode aluminum fast.Had it happen on the aluminum wheels of my previous car.Read the fine print on the bottle label.

FAQ | purplepower

Purple Power Industrial Strength Cleaner & Degreaser

www.clean-rite.com

Can Purple Power be used on Stainless Steel and Aluminum?
Do not use Purple Power on Stainless Steel or Aluminum as it could leave white streaks or a hazy film. If accidentally used on Stainless Steel or Aluminum and you have this residue, try buffing with a Metal Polish, such as Wenols or Mothers Metal Polish to restore finish.

but there are cautionary tales out there:

WARNING: Do not use Purple Power near Aluminum

www.ffcars.com

Purple Power destroyed my engine bay!

www.chargerforums.com

and thinking about it .. I think I really meant SuperClean (also in a purple bottle)

Superclean Cleaner-Degreaser | SuperClean Brands

The SuperClean Cleaner-Degreaser removes dirt, stains, grease, and oil on contact. It’s biodegradable and phosphate-free. Order today.

superclean.com

How to Clean Aluminum Wheels | SuperClean Brands

Make your tires shine and look showroom-ready with the SuperClean All Wheel Cleaner. Learn how to clean aluminum wheels by visiting our site.

superclean.com

 

[CX-5um]

After changing my coolant I cleaned the engine bay a bit. Not dressed up shiny but clean. So I did the lazy way.

I took some degreaser dawn (*edit: Ajax Ultra Super Degreaser lemon dish soap I took from the kitchen)
and added to some warm soapy water in a spray bottle. Sprayed and wiped down underside of the hood and also the black plastic cover over the entire radiator area. Sprayed on top of engine cover/ignition coils and hand wiped dry.

Covered alternator and battery terminal with trash bags and sprayed engine and engine bay with soapy water a couple times letting it do all the work. Rinsed of with hose. Took a drive to run errands. By the time I got home the engine bay was relatively dry, clean, and smelling like lemons.

Really surprised how effective that ajax was.