Cleaning Engine Bay

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Jan 3, 2003

TiM3

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Cleaning Engine Bay

Do you guys know the best way to clean out the engine bay? IS it safe to take a water hose to it or am I just going to have to go in there with a wet cloth?

Jan 3, 2003

4drcivic2k1

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simple green and a hose

Jan 3, 2003

JDMCIVIC

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I use engine cleaner and degreaser and steam power!!

Jan 3, 2003

BigHippo22

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Hose and water is safe as long as you don't squirt it right in the intake

Jan 3, 2003

robbclark1

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[hr]Originally posted by: 4drcivic2k1
simple green and a hose[hr]

Hell yeah. Just don't drive for a few hours to let it dry.

Jan 3, 2003

drakeo

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use water sparingly

Jan 3, 2003

SLAMMED01CIV

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Dude, I go to the local car wash and use the engine degreaser then spray it with the high pressure hose. All good.

Jan 3, 2003

nongv

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what about all of the electronic stuff in the engine bay? wont they get wet.

Jan 3, 2003

Nuts

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[hr]Originally posted by: nongv
what about all of the electronic stuff in the engine bay? wont they get wet.[hr]

bag it, just put a plastic bag over em

Jan 3, 2003

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CarbonFly

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There are companies where I live that will do a full car detail cleaning including the engine bay for $125. Great if you are taking your car to a show.

Jan 3, 2003

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dragoon

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Quote:

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[hr]Originally posted by: robbclark1

Quote:

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[hr]Originally posted by: 4drcivic2k1
simple green and a hose[hr]

Hell yeah. Just don't drive for a few hours to let it dry.[hr]

i hear it's better to run the engine a while so it will dry quicker

Jan 3, 2003

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TiM3

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Thanks. I'm not sure which one of you guys are correct about the drying part though, I guess I'll just go to the car wash and ask how they dry?

Jan 3, 2003

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PwN3d

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if you have an aftermarket intake, take off the filter as it is exposed. then start the car, pop the hood, and grab the hose.

Jan 3, 2003

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Grey

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Me and Krepoort did this...
- turned on the car for a while to warm it up
- spray everything down with water, avoiding the fuse box and battery terminals
- spray Simple Green all over the engine bay, especially the grimy spots
- use a clean rag to rub down the stubborn areas
- let everything sit for a little while
- spray everything down with water to get all of the grime off
- repeat the entire process (including warming the engine) to remove more grime

I guess you could use a plastic bristle brush to get certain places clean. Maybe an old toothbrush as well to reach the corners. Just avoid getting the fuse box soaking wet and avoid getting the battery terminals soaing wet. Do not spray directly into the intake. Also avoid drowning the alternator. I don't think it matters how much you spray, but high pressures might damage certain things. Just be gentle and your engine will love you.