engine bay cleaning question
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engine bay cleaning question
i just got back from a trip to mexico and my car got pretty flithy driving down there and i was wondering what you guys do to clean your engine bay. Mine is soo dirty. Thanks
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From: Oregon
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I wash it down with a normal car wash soap, using a soft bristle brush meant for wheels. Then I use a product called Pig Spit. Click the link in my sig for pictures of my engine bay using that stuff. Awesome
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From: CenTex
Rep Power: 279 I hit the local do it your self car wash station hit it with the pressure washer, then on anything black add a little armorall tire majic fome stuff. Makes it nice and purdy! then shine the crome with some window cleaner.
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Rep Power: 285 when the engines cool, i put a plastic bag over the end of the intake tube. then i spray down engine area with a citrus degreaser. then i just spray down the engine bay with a pressure washer, careful not to spray down any area for too long, i keep moving around a lot. and after that, youre all set. you should try to dry whatever you can, and let it sit to air dry.. but it wont be the end of the world if you dont. oh yeah, after i wash my engine i usually wash my whole car.. because the degreaser and all the crud can get on the paint.. and i dont wanna risk it doing any harm
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From: NV
Rep Power: 811 i would never spray water in the engine bay. all i use are some cloth, plastic protectant (turtle wax), orange degreaser, and metal polish. thats all you need to get it looking good.
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From: CenTex
Rep Power: 279 I never have had a problem but i dont spray water on a hot engine. Its always cool before i spray it. It helps get rid of all the oils and stuff on the engine from spills or what not. Dirt flys away. and its bling bling when im done. Look at some of my pictures and just see how clean the engine bay is.
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From: Dayton OH
Rep Power: 311 just spray the engine with some degreaser let it sit a few minutes then hose it down you wont hurt anything. its a car it was designed to get wet
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From: NV
Rep Power: 811 actually it wasn't. look at all the splash guards above the fender, under the car, and the hood, designed to keep water away from the engine and electrical components
1. Spray Simple Green
2. Wait 10 minutes
3. Pressure wash
4. Dry
5. Tire shine (spray type)
6. Admire and try not to get a hard on
There really isn't anything to cover unless you have an intake or other mods that shouldn't get wet.
EDIT: You should check your engine bay for any loose and exposed wires. I will not be held responsible for any problems you may develop from failure to properly check your car thoroughly.
2. Wait 10 minutes
3. Pressure wash
4. Dry
5. Tire shine (spray type)
6. Admire and try not to get a hard on
There really isn't anything to cover unless you have an intake or other mods that shouldn't get wet.
EDIT: You should check your engine bay for any loose and exposed wires. I will not be held responsible for any problems you may develop from failure to properly check your car thoroughly.
Last edited by LiKEaFeRiO; Apr 16, 2006 at 11:20 PM.
You don't want to shoot it close up because too much pressure might cause trouble.
Most DIY carwashes have the "streak free" rinse option.
It has less pressure.
You can use that if you are scared.
I've done my method every month for the 5 years and 107,000 miles I've owned the car with no problems at all.
Most DIY carwashes have the "streak free" rinse option.
It has less pressure.
You can use that if you are scared.
I've done my method every month for the 5 years and 107,000 miles I've owned the car with no problems at all.
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Originally Posted by gearbox
actually it wasn't. look at all the splash guards above the fender, under the car, and the hood, designed to keep water away from the engine and electrical components
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From: CenTex
Rep Power: 279 Spraying water in an engine bay wont hurt it. If you dont want to worry, do to a rush job and spray the engine and then take off driving like a bat out of hell. Give the engine a little time to dry and use a shammy or something. Make it bling if your going to clean it.
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Originally Posted by gearbox
i pop the hood alot after its been raining, and its bone dry inside except the edges.
Presure wash is the easiest way to go, imo better way to go too.
As long as you follow simple rules you should be ok. `1st wash when engine is cool/cold. 2nd cover intake, even stock. 3rd don't spray directly into sensores. and 4th don't spray for a long time in one spot remember to keep moving around the engine bay.
i have been cleaning my engine bays with that engine foam cleaner u buy from autozone and spray with water for 10 years now and have never ran into a problem with the car.. well my 2 cars that i own at least... if you drive in the rain for s short period of time then it might not be as wet.. trust me though ur engine bay might not appear wet cause the heat will dry it off while ur driving
true true 
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From: Dayton OH
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Originally Posted by rjngo
ok i'm planning on cleaning my engine too...i have an 05 civic. what parts will i cover in the engine bay so i wouldn't damage anything? thanks
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From: Kennesaw, GA
Rep Power: 0 dont be mean ^^^^
this is what should be done. cover the intake, and battery with plastic bags,
spray some degreeser and let it sit, preasure wash it and let it dry... some people pray the wires with lubrication, such as wd-40, not sure why, but i do it anyways....
hope it goes well
this is what should be done. cover the intake, and battery with plastic bags,
spray some degreeser and let it sit, preasure wash it and let it dry... some people pray the wires with lubrication, such as wd-40, not sure why, but i do it anyways....
hope it goes well
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From: London, England
Rep Power: 0 you shouldnt really spray water in the engine bay cause of the electrics, can kill the distributer, over here in the UK we have steam cleaners that get rid of all the engine bay dirt, dunno if you guys do tho!!!
Originally Posted by BoostedVik
dont be mean ^^^^
this is what should be done. cover the intake, and battery with plastic bags,
spray some degreeser and let it sit, preasure wash it and let it dry... some people pray the wires with lubrication, such as wd-40, not sure why, but i do it anyways....
hope it goes well
this is what should be done. cover the intake, and battery with plastic bags,
spray some degreeser and let it sit, preasure wash it and let it dry... some people pray the wires with lubrication, such as wd-40, not sure why, but i do it anyways....
hope it goes well
